Celebrating the New America

For several prominent Indian Americans all roads led to Washington, DC past weekend for President Obama’s Inauguration ceremony. They hobnobbed with lawmakers and celebrities, attended Inaugural Balls, braved the cold in lehengas and saris, shared the euphoria of being part of a historic event and came back with memories of a lifetime. They share their photos and experiences exclusively with SATimes readers…..

Political Activist Shefali and friend Kirtee Londhe Mehta with Vice President Joe Biden

Shefali Razdan Duggal, San Francisco, California:

It was an absolute privilege and honor to be invited to attend the 57th Presidential Inauguration. To see the efforts, hard work and aspirations of both the President and those who participated within the re-election effort (in any and all capacities) culminate within this historic ceremony was truly surreal. The President has a vision to lead our nation to a more thoughtful and productive space (both home and abroad), to secure a more optimistic vision and pathway for our country (for now and the future) and, I deeply believe that President Barack Obama’s intentions will become a reality. This intersection of time is the most ideal moment for President Barack Obama to lead, by example, our country towards a future of peace, prosperity and continuation of the mighty task of being authentically a country which leads by effective and industrious example. To see, throughout Inaugural weekend, many of the folks, including myself, who were so dedicated, passionate and whole-heartedly loyal to the vision of seeing President Barack Obama re-elected, was quite inspirational. We (here and those at home who worked so enthusiastically) all were spokes in a larger wheel and we all feel so grateful to have been part of this extraordinary and extremely worthy effort.

Parul Patel, New York, NY

Spending the weekend in Washington DC during the inaugural weekend was so exciting. I had always wanted to go to DC during the inauguration. This year business brought me there.

My friend, Joya Dass (business anchor for CNN & NY 1 and AVS host) told me about the SAALT Inaugural Reception and suggested that I should prepare dessert for them. She asked a mutual friend, Hamel Vyas, to connect me with the organizers. Hamel made a wonderful introduction and SAALT ended up ordering dessert from my company, The Cake Designer.

In the meantime, I was talking to my friend, Celebrity Chef Maneet Chauhan, and she told she was creating a feast for the Indiaspora Inaugural Ball. I offered to assist with the desserts and she agreed to bring me on board! It was such a privilege and honor to work on dessert with Maneet and the pastry chefs of the Mandarin Oriental.

Met so many wonderful people at the gala and saw so many familiar faces from across the nation. Met celebrities like comedian Dan Nainan and actor Samrat Chakrabarty. It was an amazing networking opportunity and I am so thrilled I was able to take part in this history making event.

Amit & Shahana Kanodia with Stephen J. Kerrigan of Boston, C0-Chair & President of the Board – 2013 Presidential Inaugural Committee.

Amit and Shahana Kanodia and Colette Phillips, Boston, MA

History comes alive – having witnessed President Obama being sworn in four years ago and then again Jan 21 reaffirmed America’s faith in his vision and leadership.

The energy at the official Presidential Inaugural Ball was electrifying! From an energetic performance by Kate Perry, to the beautiful rendition by Alicia Keys of "Obama is on Fire" followed by Smokey Robinson, Far East Movement and others, we danced and celebrated with all our fellow members of the Finance and Steering Committee. Jamie Fox sang "I Can’t Stop Loving You" for Vice President Joe Biden and Jill Biden as they danced gracefully on the stage. There was a collective sigh of appreciation when the President and the gorgeous First Lady Michelle in her lovely red dress entered the room and danced to Jennifer Hudson’s rendition of Al Green’s Ballad "Let’s Stay Together," which was apt for the occasion. The President seemed relaxed and happy and the First Couple danced very romantically much to the joy and delight of the cheering crowd. We were standing six feet from the stage where they were dancing and there was a feeling of intimacy despite there being a few thousand VIPs! The highlight of the musical performance for us was a wonderful performance by Usher. He ruled the stage with his amazing voice and dance moves. It was like watching a reincarnation of Michael Jackson.

In addition to the official Presidential inauguration Ball we attended the Indiaspora Ball on January 19th at the Mandarin Oriental. It was a magnificent debut for the Indian American community – replete with Bollywood dancers and bands. The excitement was palpable and the mix of Indian lehengas and saris with ball gowns made a bold statement of the Indian American Community’s participation in shaping the new era ushered in by President Obama.

The following evening on January 20th we returned to the Mandarin for The Pearl Ball hosted by the Asian American community. While this ball was more low keyed, there was an equally palpable excitement and enthusiasm in the room. It was truly gratifying to see such an array of diverse cultures coming together to help America live up to the promise of its Pledge of Allegiance: "One Nation under God, Indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for All."

Joya with friends Anu Vantipalli and Lily Arora started their night at a reception hosted by South Asian Americans Leading Together at the National

Association of Broadcasters before heading to the Mandarin Oriental for the Indiaspora Inauguration ball.

Joya Dass, anchor for CNN & NY 1 and AVS host with actor and composer Samrat Chakrabarti at Indiaspora Inauguration Ball.

Joya Dass, New York, New York

I love that the Indiaspora ball gave Indian Americans like myself the opportunity to be part of Inauguration weekend. I didn’t know folks in Washington in order to participate otherwise. While I recognize that this is a powerful move towards getting more Indian Americans in government, I was supporting a different movement.

I am supporting an initiative to support fellow female South Asian entrepreneurs. So myself, and Ladydrinks members Hamel Vyas, Anu Vantipalli, Lily Arora headed to DC to attend the Indiaspora ball together. I wore a beautiful Maheshwari silk sari designed by Ladydrinks member Mitan Ghosh and polki diamond earrings by member Jyoti Kapoor, so they too could say they were part of inauguration! Member Parul Patel did the desserts for the reception hosted by the group South Asian Americans Leading Together at the National Association of Broadcasters. That’s where we started our night, before heading to the Mandarin Oriental for the ball.

Sunday I was at a brunch, hosted by my longtime colleague and friend Ruben Ramirez. This was in support of a cause that is near and dear to his heart. He co-hosted this brunch for the Trevor Project, the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth. To learn more about the Trevor Project, go to www.thetrevorproject.org