On Sunday, July 21, the Indo-American Cultural Society (http://indoamericannj.com/) held its 17th annual picnic in Merrill Park, Iselin, NJ. This was the forth time I had the pleasure of attending one of the society's picnics and it was a pleasure to do so again.
As a person who has had the good fortune to have lived and work in both the Middle and Far East, I enjoy socializing with and participating in the festivities of other cultures. Partaking in the food, dancing, music, plus learning about a culture's social mores can be a highly informative and enjoyable experience.
Whether speaking to the older members of Indo/South Asian society, the young school age children, or their parents, it is easy to recognize that despite different cultural backgrounds, there is a commonality between our respective cultures, that being: Our mutual love of family, freedom and this great nation!
As one of the, if not the fastest, growing segments of Woodbridge township's (about 20%) population, the Indo and South Asian communities play an integral role in the future growth of the township. Their high educational standards and expectations will greatly influence the local school system in, I believe, a very positive manner.
While the picnic was a non-political event, some local candidates for the town council, those being: John Vrtaric (1st Ward) Peggy LaTorre (2nd Ward), Cathy Kovalsky (3rd Ward), and Tom Sobe Jr. (4th ward), were in attendance. But the most notably political attendee so was Congressman Rush Holt.
Taking this opportunity, I want to congratulate Mr. Peter Kothari for his tireless efforts in organizing this event, as well as several others on an annual basis, that fete both his native culture, while providing wonderful venues at which all cultures can socialize together.
