South Brunswick Celebrates India Independence Day

The Indo-American Cultural Foundation of Central New Jersey (IACFNJ) and the South Brunswick Family YMCA celebrated India’s 65th Independence Day on Aug. 19.

After the grand successes of the last two years and overwhelming community support, the organizers of IACFNJ and the YMCA once again organized the 2012 celebration with fun-filled entertainment and cultural activities, dance performances, traditional Indian dances, patriotic dances, children’s activities, a DJ and music. 

The program started with the American and Indian Anthems, followed by a welcome to the attendees and a message from Rep. Rush Holt (D-12), who was unable to come due to prior commitment.  

“It is a joyful time as they rejoice in remembering the founding of free India 65 years ago," Rep. Holt said in his message. "It is also a great day for families to talk about the event that led up to India’s independence from Great Britain. It is an opportunity to impress on later generations the history of this event, and to tell the stories of the many valiant people who made it a reality. The festivals and celebrations of our diverse population enrich the cultural fabric of America for we all benefit from learning the history and traditions of our friends and neighbors." 

South Brunswick Family YMCA Director Tom Libassi and South Brunswick Councilman Charlie Carley congratulated everyone on the Independence Day and their support to the community. 

The young and talented kids from the local dance groups of Latika Jethani, Bina Master, Dheeraj Bansal, Monalisa Dhobley, Monica Joshi and Sarika Joshi performed traditional, classical, cultural and patriotic dances for more than one hour during this event. 

The performances from very young to teenage boys and girls such as “Jai Ho," “Chak De India,” “Hanuman Chaalisa,” and some famous patriotic and Bollywood songs were outstanding and stole the stage.

The Master of Ceremony was performed by talented teenager and Boogie-Woogie winner Mahin Master, who performed wonderfully as he connected with the audience.  The live DJ and music entertainment was provided by DJ Deep with some wonderful patriotic songs. Approximately 500 people attended the event.

The authentic Indian food was provided by Sun Foods, Jewel of India, Chutney Mary, Masala Grill and Udupi Restaurants. The henna tattoos and other paintings were enjoyed by everyone. The moon walk and bounce was the attraction for the young kids for the event.

So many young high school students provided their community volunteer services during the event. The volunteer participants will be awarded with a certificate of volunteerism. 

IACFNJ's dedicated team, under the leadership of Mahesh Patel, and loyal committee members with the support from SB Family YMCA Director Tom Libassi and his team, worked very hard to make this event a grand success.  

South Brunswick is ethnically diverse town with a population of south Asians, especially Indians, with more than 23 percent in the most recent census. The people from the surrounding towns of North Brunswick, East Brunswick, Franklin, Somerset, Monroe, Princeton, Princeton-Junction and West Windsor also attended the event with great pride.  

IACFNJ has been a leader in promoting South Asian culture and values to the younger generation by organizing many activities for the past 10 years in Central Jersey. The IACFNJ organizes a summer picnic, Navratri Garba, cultural events to raise funds to support the local organizations, as well as Diwali and Christmas celebrations. 

For Further information on this celebration, please visit IACFNJ website at www.IACFNJ.org or send an e-mail at iacfnj@yahoo.com.

--IACFNJ

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