Banks of smoky blue storm clouds couldn’t deter the nearly 400 people who came out on Sunday to celebrate the 67th anniversary of India’s independence.
By Nicole M. Wells, Special Writer
Banks of smoky blue storm clouds couldn’t deter the nearly 400 people who came out on Sunday to celebrate the 67th anniversary of India’s independence.
The sound of traditional music filled the air as children played catch on the lawn of the South Brunswick Family YMCA and adults made their way to the chairs set up in front of the stage.
Mahin and Aditi Master emceed the program, which opened with the singing of the American and Indian national anthems. Audience members were invited to join in and turned to face the appropriate flag as each anthem began.
Mayor Frank Gambatese and Deputy Mayor Chris Killmurray made appearances and wished the Indian community a happy Independence Day in their respective remarks. Councilman Charlie Carley and Democratic state Assembly candidate Marie Corfield were also in attendance.
”[India] is probably the first country in the world where independence meant democracy,” Mayor Gambatese said. “They’re still democratic after all these years, there’s no revolutions, they believe in voting to elect their officials and I think that’s a great thing.”
The mayor also said that the Indian community transfers those values into the community of South Brunswick.
”They vote, they support people, they support the democratic process and we’re really happy that they’re part of our society,” he said.
Organized by the Indo-American Cultural Foundation of Central New Jersey in cooperation with the Family YMCA, the event showcased India’s cultural dances and ethnic foods from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
”This is very important to the Indian community overall,” event organizer Mac Shah said. “My message to our community is let’s build a bridge between different communities. This is absolutely necessary in this country. That is one of our goals.”
Brightly colored clothing swirled and ornate jewelry sparkled in the light as dancers hurried to put the finishing touches on their performance ensembles before going out on stage.
”We always come here with the family,” Sonal Patel, 43, of South Brunswick, said. “Kids have to know about Indian Independence Day so they can learn. They know the American (holiday) so they should know about the Indian.”
Ms. Patel is the mother of 10-year-old triplets.
Several different community groups were on hand, including Mercer County Chain Reaction Youth Council. The group’s members were out raising both awareness and money for March of Dimes. March of Dimes’ mission is to “improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality,” according to Chain Reaction’s group sponsorship web page.
”Every year we have a very big function near the end of the year, usually in the fall, called Rangeela,” Rishab Tanga, 16, of Princeton, said.
Rangeela is an evening of music and dance, with all proceeds from ticket sales and program ad sponsorship going to support March of Dimes.
In the last 12 years, Rangeela has raised more than $350,000 for March of Dimes, according to Chain Reaction member Rahul Ramanathan, 16, of Plainsboro.
Restaurants such as Jewel of India, Chutney Mary, Masala Grill, Udipi restaurants, Hariharbhai of Astha Caterers and Cici’s Pizza provided the sampling of different foods and DJ Deep, according to IACFNJ President Tushar Patel.
performed the event entertainmentThe Indo-American Cultural Foundation of Central New Jersey was founded to keep the Indian community of South and North Brunswick involved in keeping Indian traditions and values alive in the United States, according to the organization’s website.