L-R: Abdulgani Shaikh, Subba Gopavarapu, Navin Gupta, Dilip Butani, Inder Singh, Ashok Madan, Vasu Pawar & Kewal Kanda
The program started with singing of the national anthems of the US and India followed by lamp lighting ceremony.
In his address, Ambassador Arun Singh said that there is a great desire among the Indian Diaspora to connect with India and be a part of the growing opportunities there. So also there is a desire to celebrate the great changes taking place in India with a projected growth rate of about 8 percent and rising Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and consumer confidence.
Congresswoman Judy Chu called for increasing representation of minorities at all levels of government. She also encouraged young Americans to get involved in the government.
Congresswoman Janice Hahn said LA County was home to 500K Indian-Americans and the state of California to a million. She expressed admiration for the traditional values upheld by the Indian American community.
Congressman Brad Sherman also complimented the Indian Americans who have achieved success in various fields.
In his vote of thanks, CGI Venkatesan Ashok recognized the huge number of individuals, sponsors and Indian-American organizers who helped to make the event possible. Also present on the occasion was Deputy Consul General K J Srinivasan. The evening wrapped up with a cultural show and dinner.
Overall it was a great event and will be remembered by the Indian American community for a long time.