IACFNJ’s I-Day fete unites community

BY A STAFF WRITER

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — Indo-American Cultural Foundation of Central New Jersey (IACFNJ), a non-profit organization in Central Jersey, organized India’s 69th Independence Day celebration on August 16 at Shree Swaminarayan Temple, (old SB YMCA) 329 Culver Road, Monmouth Junction, New Jersey.

Some 200 people attended this outdoor, fun-filled patriotic event which was free and open to public.

After last five years’ grand success and overwhelming community support, the organizers and executive committee of IACFNJ once again organized this year’s patriotic celebration of India’s Independence Day.

The event featured entertainment and cultural activities, dance performances, traditional Indian dances, patriotic dances, recital of songs, live music and authentic food sampling which was attended by local residents, community leaders and local and state public officials.

The program kicked off with the wonderful singing of the American and Indian Anthems followed by speeches of the local and state public officials and dignitaries, and patriotic dances and singing from the young and talented kids from the renowned dance local dance groups of Vandana Aiyar, Latika Jethani and Meghana Goradia.

The live DJ and music entertainment with live patriotic songs were provided by Deep Shukla, DJ Deep and Joint Secretary of IACFNJ.

South Brunswick Mayor Frank Gambatese, Deputy Mayor Chris Killmurray, Councilman Charles Carley, New Jersey State Senate President Steven Sweeney and the Commissioner of New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and former State Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula were among the dignitaries.

In his address, Mayor Gambatese said “I am proud to be a Mayor of the culturally diverse town where about 30% Asians reside and events like this will bring community together”.

The event was successful for the sixth consecutive year, thanks to marathon efforts made by IACFNJ’s dedicated executive committee under the leadership of president Hitesh Patel, chairman Murthy Yerramilli, secretary Deven Patel, treasurer Mac Shah, vice-presidents Mahesh Patel and Dr. Tushar Patel, joint secretary Deep Shukla, joint treasurer Rajesh Patel and their hard-working committee members with support from dedicated volunteers and supporters.

South Brunswick is an ethnically diverse township with a good number of Asian Indians in surrounding towns of North Brunswick, East Brunswick, Franklin, Somerset, Monroe, Princeton, Princeton-Junction and West Windsor from where many attended the event.
IACFNJ has been a leader in promoting South Asian culture and values to newer generation by organizing many activities for the past 15 years in Central Jersey.