South Brunswick Celebrates India's Independence Day

The Indo-American Cultural Foundation of Central New Jersey (IACFNJ) organized a colorful and fun-filled patriotic event to celebrate India’s 67th Independence Day on Aug. 18 at the South Brunswick Family YMCA. 

Approximately 400 people from all age groups and people of Indian origin from various regions of Central Jersey attended this extravagant outdoor event. 

After the last three years’ grand success and overwhelming community support, the organizers of IACFNJ and South Brunswick Family YMCA once again showcased live entertainment of cultural, traditional and patriotic dance performances for almost two hours on a stage with tri-color Indian flag and American flag on the sides. The program began with American and Indian National Anthem sung by two young girls followed by remarks from South Brunswick Mayor Frank Gambatese and Deputy Mayor Chris Killmurray. 

Mayor Gambatese congratulated all Indians on their Independence Day and mentioned that Indians know the meaning of true democracy and appreciated all Indians living in this country who brought the desire to stay involved in the democratic process as part of the community.  

The mayor said he appreciated becoming part of the celebration in South Brunswick where Indian Americans comprise 13 percent of the population from 35 percent Asians. He extended their appreciation to IACFNJ leaders and committee members for organizing such a great event to keep the roots of Indian culture and history alive in the U.S.

State Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula, Marie Corfield and Charles Kenny were amongst the other guests who attended the event.

The cultural performances based on patriotic themes, a poetry reading and Unity in Diversity, a mini-drama were the highlights of the event.  A 10-minute ovation was given to three young kids from the Tabla Trio from the Taalim School of Indian Music.

The famous enchanting from Mahatma Gandhi - Ragupati Raghav Raja Ram from latest Bollowood film Satyagraha and Shiv Tandav performances were very well choreographed by famous dance teacher Bina Master and performed superbly by Mahin Master, Boogie Woggie Winner and Aditi Master.  

Also performing were kids from dance groups of Latika Jethani and Dhiraj Bansal, who performed Ganesh Vandana, famous Bollywood dances, Kathak dance, and a poetry reading.  

Mahin and Aditi Master did an excellent job to perform master of ceremony duties to keep the audience involved in the program by asking them questions on patriotism and choreography. Each quiz winner received a Gift Card from Dunkin Donuts.  

Upon completion of the cultural program, Tushar Patel, President of IACFNJ, and Mac Shah appreciated everyone for coming and supporting the event. They also extended their appreciation on behalf of IACFNJ to all the media, food sponsors, all committee members, volunteers and the management of the South Brunswick Family YMCA for their continued support. 

The live DJ and music entertainment was provided by DJ Deep with wonderful music and patriotic songs. 

TV Asia, Masalajunction.com, EBC Radio, Akila News, Divya Bhaskar, Tiranga, Gujarat Darpan, Parikh Worldwide media, Asian Media USA, Sentinel, South Brunswick Post, South Brunswick Patch, Radio Dil, Radio Zindagi, Gujarat Samachar, NRI Tribune, HiIndia and India West are the proud media sponsors for this event.   

The authentic Indian food sampling of Chhole, Pulao, Biryani, Raita, Khaman, Jalebi and pizza and brownies for the kids were sponsored by the local businesses like Jewel of India, Chutney Mary, Masala Grill, Udipi Restaurants, Cici’s Pizza and Astha Caterers. 

The henna tattoos were enjoyed by the young and adults for more than three hours.  The moon bounce was enjoyed by so many young kids during the event. Many young high school students provided their community volunteer services during this event and the appreciation certificates will be given to them.

The IACFNJ dedicated Executive Committee and their hard-working committee members with the support from the YMCA worked very hard to bring this event a grand success once again this year. The people from the surrounding towns of North Brunswick, East Brunswick, Franklin, Somerset, Monroe, Princeton, Princeton-Junction and West Windsor also attend the event. The IACFNJ has been a leader in promoting South Asian culture and values to newer generation by organizing summer picnic, Garba, fundraising to benefit needy projects in the community and Diwali and Christmas events for the past 15 years in Central Jersey.   

The next IACFNJ event will be Navratri Garba in South Brunswick on October 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19, 2013. Further details of the Garba will be announced in the near future. 

For further information on this celebration and future events, please visit IACFNJ website at www.IACFNJ.org or send an e-mail at iacfnj@yahoo.com.  The event celebration coverage will be broadcasted on TV Asia in their community round up in the near future. 

--IACFNJ