IACFNJ held India's 76th Independence Day event on August 26, 2023

Indo-American Cultural Foundation of Central Jersey - IACFNJ held India’s 76th Independence Day celebration with cultural and patriotic dance performances, singing, local and state elected officials’ attendance to greet the audience in outdoor grounds of Shree Swaminarayan Temple at 329 Culver Road in South Brunswick, New Jersey on Saturday, August 26, 2023.

More than 15 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 flag hoisting and Vande Matram. The South Brunswick Township Deputy Mayor Joe Camarota, Councilwoman Archana Grover, Councilman Ken Bierman, South Brunswick School Board Members Barry Nathanson, Mike Mitchell and North Brunswick Township Council President Rajesh Mehta were among the elected officials who attended the event and address the audience to congratulate Indian Americans on Independence Day. The other guests attended the event were Mike Pappas and Ross Traphagen, LD-16 Senate and Assembly candidates. 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. As this week is very significant that India has landed its Chandrayaan-3-spacecraft on the moon, becoming only the 4th nation ever to accomplish such a feat and India is also the closest to the moon’s south side than any other spacecraft in its history. The event was very well coordinated by event chair Naina Goel and hosted by talented young girls. The DJ and music were provided by Darshan Shah and Jatin Patel of Desi Experiment LLC. The free henna tattoos, water bouncing ride and delicious food were the additional attractions of the event.

The State of New Jersey, Office of the Governor Phil Murphy sent a letter of congratulations to IACFNJ on India’s Independence Day and IACFNJ’s great work since 2005 to help build bridges between mainstream American and Indian American Communities in Middlesex County. In his letter, the Governor also mentioned that New Jersey is unique in its rich ethnic diversity and has served as the gateway for many groups of immigrants coming to country to find freedom and opportunity. New Jerseyans of Indian heritage have notably made and continue to make immeasurable contributions to the social, cultural and economic fabric of the Garden State.

Besides organizing the cultural and educational events, IACFNJ has been supporting local organizations to continue promoting education and appreciate students. In 2023, 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, son of Sunil Shah awarded the scholarships at North Brunswick High School during the Seniors Awards Night on June 6, 2023, and IACFNJ President at South Brunswick High School on June 7, 2023.

The upcoming event of IACFNJ will be the Navratri Garba, a mega event which will be held in October 2023. The details of this event 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

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