Indian American community in Washington DC Metropolitan Area celebrated India’s Republic Day at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Maryland, on Jan 31 Saturday, 2009. About 1500 people gathered on this winter evening in full Indian colors representing many states in India from 5:30 PM – 11 PM. The event was sponsored and organized by National Council of Asian Indian Associations (NCAIA) and Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP-USA).

 

The meeting started promptly with the rendition of American and Indian national anthems. Dr. Lipishree Nayak acted as Emcee. Shree Shreekant Nayak, President of NCAIA, enthralled the audience by speaking on the historical background of the Republic Day and it’s importance to NRIs.

He urged the audience to wake up to eliminate the scourge of Pakistan sponsored terrorism in India and sought their active participation in seeking the US government to act against Pakistan. Dr. Adapa V. Prasad, President-Elect of OFBJP rendered eloquently an account of Pakistan sponsored terrorist events in India for the last two years and explained how India failed miserably in curbing this menace while adopting the policy of minority appeasement to the level of ridiculous proportions. He demanded that India must take bold and effective steps to tackle the cross border terrorism. Senator Richards and Senator Ben Cardin were the guest speakers who pledged to the audience that they are monitoring the situation in that region and would help passing any legislation that would stop cross-border terrorism. Representatives from Embassy of India and Governor of Maryland also spoke on this occasion and explained the active role that their offices are playing in curbing this new menace to the world civilization.

 

The next session was the cultural program. Aishini acted as Emcee for this session and the program included dances from Kuchipudi, Bharatnatyam, and Bollywood with participation of more than 200 American born Indian children and young adults. The program was concluded with Vote of Thanks and the rendition of Vandemataram. The cultural program was followed by a sumptuous Indian dinner.