India Assn of St. Louis celebrates R-Day

ST LOUIS, MO — India Association of St. Louis celebrated the 68th Republic Day on January 28 with great fervor by offering a tribute to their country.

The president of the association, Shailee Saran Varanasi, gave the welcome address by welcoming all those present to celebrate the prestigious day.

Anantharama Balachandran, senior vice president, ICCG Inc. and Shamed Dogan, the State Representative for Ballwin, Fenton and Ellisville, graced the event.

The celebrations included a small parade by a group of children who marched ahead by carrying both the Indian and American flags to the stage with great nobility.

Following the flag hoisting ceremony, the American and Indian national anthems were hoisted. Sreenu Dandamudi, Commissioner at Administrative Hearing Commission, welcomed the chief guests.

Balachandran delivered a heartfelt address to the audience and spoke about various contributions made by the Indian community to enrich St. Louis county. He also shared insight about the importance of the Indian community in the region to come together.

The dais was then graced by Dogan, who expressed his thoughts eloquently about the African American civil rights movement in America and how it had drawn inspiration from India’s struggle for Independence.

He reminded the audience to be vigilant of their rights and to stand up to protect them. A colorful patriotic dance was performed by young children who gavea glimpse of Indian culture and diversity, which was followed by certificate distribution by Mrs Varanasi and Mrs. Jain (cultural director).

The concluding address was delivered by the president of IAS, Shailee Saran Varanasi and a vote of thanks by the secretary, Sendil Rathinasabhapathi. The evening ended with everyone enjoying some good company and light refreshments following the program.

Members of IAS Board, 2017 : Shailee Saran Varanasi (president), Krishna Rao (president-elect), Sendil Rathinasabapathy (secretary), Vijaya Lakshmi Buddhiraju (treasurer), Meera Jain, Vijay Kumar Buddhiraju, Sharath Rao, Venkat Pulumati, and Sanjeev Rao Chintakunta.