IACFNJ held India Independence Day - Aug 17, 2024 in South Brunswick

Indo-American Cultural Foundation of Central Jersey - IACFNJ held India’s 77th Independence Day celebration with cultural and patriotic dance performances, singing, and elected officials’ attendance with a community support to greet the audience in outdoor grounds of Shree Swaminarayan Temple at 329 Culver Road in South Brunswick, New Jersey on Saturday, August 17, 2024.

More than 20 dance, musical instruments and singing performances were performed at the event which was attended by more than 350 people. Young talented dance performers and singers did outstanding performances by displaying wonderful talents on the stage for almost two hours. The patriotic, religious and classical dance performances by the young and talented dance performers and singing and playing instruments by three generations on the same stage was applauded by the audience. The event started with pledge of allegiance followed by American and Indian National anthems and singing of Vande Matram. The South Brunswick Township Councilwoman Archana Grover, South Brunswick School Board Members Barry Nathanson, Dr. Smitha Raj and Deepa Karthik were among the elected officials who attended the event and address the audience to congratulate Indian Americans on Independence Day. In his welcome speech, President Dr. Tushar Patel appreciated support from the community and IACFNJ committee members as well as the management of Shree Swaminarayan Temple for their continued support to make the celebrations a huge success. Dr. Patel added, we are fortunate to live in the USA to celebrate two top democracies in the world, India – the largest and the USA – the oldest democracy in the world. While we celebrate this day with joy, we should never forget the sacrifices from the freedom fighters. It was a proud moment for Indian American Community as 106 years old Amar Kaur of North Brunswick, New Jersey was in the audience to celebrate the Independence Day. The event was very well coordinated by event chair Naina Goel and hosted by three talented youths. The DJ and music were provided by Hrushi Jadhav and the delicious food were the additional attractions of the event.

Besides organizing the cultural and educational events, IACFNJ has been supporting local organizations to continue promoting education and appreciate students. In 2024, IACFNJ sponsored total seven scholarships for high school students in South and North Brunswick High Schools to support talented students based on their merits in various subjects. Two students in North Brunswick High Schools were recognized in the memory of IACFNJ pillars Murthy Yerramilli, Trustee and Sunil Shah, Treasurer who passed away in 2020 and 2021. Darshan Shah and Tulsi Shah, children of Sunil Shah awarded the scholarships at North Brunswick High School during the Seniors Awards Night on June 4, 2024, while IACFNJ President awarded the scholarships along with other board members at the South Brunswick High School on June 12, 2024.

The upcoming event of IACFNJ will be the Navratri Garba, a mega event which will be held at South Brunswick High School on Friday and Saturday, October 4 and 5, 2024. The details of this event including sponsorships and tickets site will be announced in the very near future. For IACFNJ future events, please visit organization website at www.IACFNJ.org or e-mail at info@iacfnj.org or iacfnj@yahoo.com.

Dr. Tushar Patel, President –IACFNJ

848-391-0499