By Ravi R. Ponangi
Atlanta, GA: The 13th Annual Festival of India (FOI) that
started on July 4th, America’s Independence Day culminated with
a grand finale on India’s 63rd Independence Day August 15th at
the Gwinnet Civic Center. The popular festival of India here was
celebrated with great enthusiasm, patriotism, revelry, fun and
gaiety drawing huge crowds.
The 13th Festival of India kicked off with a ceremonial lighting
of the ‘Flame of Independence’ at the Gandhi Statue that stands
at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Historic Site on July 4th that
was followed by a ‘March for Global Peace’ to the King crypts.
The lit ‘Flame of Independence’ torch travelled through the
metro Atlanta carried amongst a gathering of adults and children
who toured the city as the Indian flag was waved with pride.
Reflecting the theme of this year’s FOI to bring together the
spirit and heritage of India and the USA, the “Flame of
Independence” torch took on a historical role linking both the
American Independence and Indian Independence days as well as
embodying the significance of the civil rights movement
symbolized by Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr.
After marching through various locales in Atlanta, the torch
reached its final destination at the Gwinnett Civic Center on
August 15th. The India American Cultural Association (IACA)
organized these events with support from local county officials,
National Park Service, King Center, Gandhi Foundation of USA,
Vibha and various other community organizations.
In addition to the passing of the torch, The IACA’s 2009 Beauty
pageant was held on Saturday, July 11th, at the Gwinnett Center
for Performing Arts. The entire evening was a parade of
beautiful young women showcasing their grace and talent, as well
as several entertaining performances in between the pageant
walks. This year’s pageant was directed and choreographed by
Roshni Devlia and Shivani Gandhi, both of whom are past winners
of the Miss India Georgia title (2007 and 2008).
This year’s winner for Miss India Georgia 2009 was Sabrina
Nooruddin, and the first and second runners-up were Aparna Mehra
and Rita Tiwari, respectively. In the teen category, the title
Miss Teen India Georgia 2009 was awarded to Eshani Brahmbhatt,
and first and second runners-up were Poorna Rajeevan and
Jennifer Ahsan.
The grand finale of Festival of India was a multitude of
programs on August 15. The day opened with a prayer and song
from the Prajna group followed by melodious singing by Sujatha
Rayburn and her team. Morning programs began with Classical
music and dances.
Throughout the day attendees enjoyed a mix of Bollywood and folk
dances, songs and game shows. Another program that interested
audience was the family Gol maal and Anthakshari.
Bollywood competitions were a huge success at the day long
event. FOI introduced several youth emcees: Pallavi, Pooja and
Neha accompanied by Anu and Krishnaveni. It was a grand show
that culminated with an open karaoke session. The cultural
committee team included Anu Nathan, Nivedita Garabadu and Siri
Yellamraju who are deserving of praise for making the event a
grand success.
This year FOI booths were sold out and had a variety of profit
and non profit vendors. Colorful attire and jewelry were
abundant. Tamil Association, Marathi Mandal, Art of Living, Isha
Yoga, Hindu Temple of Atlanta, Sai Temple were just a few of the
associations that supported the IACA’s huge success of Festival
of India.
FOI also had children’s festival that included bead making,
races for the kids, art and creative essay writing competitions
as well as quizzes. The children who participated in the all day
fun activities also the opportunity to win several prizes.
Key note speakers and guests attended various functions through
out the festivities. IACA presented the Ambassador to the Indian
Community Awards to all the key members of the local satellite
events who came and partnered with those events. Doug Shipman,
Executive Director, Center for Civil and Human Rights, Kwanza
Hall - Atlanta City Council member district 2, Judy Forte,
Superintendent of national parks service, Sam Olens, Cobb County
Chief of Commissioners, Eldrin Bell, Clayton County Chief of
Commissioners, Diana Preston, Mayor of Lilburn, Greg Pridgeon,
Chief of Staff to Mayor Franklin and Josephine Tan, PhD,
Chairperson, Asian American Commission for A New Georgia were
the key speakers at the event. The guests immersed themselves,
enjoying the fun fare and great food. All the guests expressed
how they cherish their long association and comfortable
relationship working with Indian community.
The registration process went very smoothly managed by several
volunteers throughout the day. Visitors relayed their
satisfaction and happiness about arrangements made at the FOI.
Many commended and appreciated Padma Rallapalli, director of
Festival of India programs, and her team of volunteers for their
commitment and hard work in getting the community together. A
host of IACA past presidents seen promoting the cause of IACA at
the venue. They exhorted the youth to become more involved in
IACA activities.
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