New York: India Association of Long Island celebrated India’s 73rd Republic Day by hoisting the Indian Flag at IALI Center in Hicksville.
Secretary Pradeep Tandon, welcomed all guests and in his speech highlighted the significance of choosing the day Jan 26th for the Republic Day. “The Indian National Congress, on December 19, 1929, passed the historic ‘Purna Swaraj’ – (total independence) resolution – at its Lahore session. A public declaration was made on January 26, 1930 – and that is why we chose 26th January as our Republic Day.”
Despite being a very cold day, the function was attended by over 50 IALI members and guests. Past presidents Dr. Anila Midha, Dr. Bhavani Srinivasan, Dr. Sharwan Bagla, Mrs. Beena Kothari, and Mrs. Gunjan Rastogi were present.
Vice-president Hargovind Gupta introduced the chief guest, Ragini Srivastava, Town Clerk, Town of North Hempstead, who hoisted the Indian Flag and gave a citation to IALI that was received by president Bina Sabapathy.
IALI honored Gary and Mrs. Ravinder Kaur Sikka of Mint Restaurant Garden City, NY and presented an award for their excellent service and sponsorship of the Induction Ceremony of IALI Executives 2022, on January 16.
Other dignitaries present were Arooz Islam, Executive Director, Nassau County Office of Asian American Affairs, Harry Brar, Deputy Director, Nassau County office of Asian American Affairs, Councilman Dennis Dunne, Town of Hempstead District 6, Dr. Bobby Kalotee, Chairman of the Board Nassau County Human Rights Commission.
