Indian Assn of St Louis marks Republic Day

ST LOUIS, MO — India Association of St. Louis celebrated the 69th Republic Day of India on January 28 in a grand manner at Mahatma Gandhi Cultural Center of St. Louis.

Besides members of the Indian community, there were special guests who graced the occasion. Over a hundred children participated in the flag-hoisting ceremony. Both American and Indian national flags were hoisted on the stage by the children singing both national anthems.

Krishna Rao Moharir, president of the association, gave the welcome address, reminding the individuals of the significance of the Republic Day. He stressed the importance of keeping in touch with the Motherland and reminded the people how India endured as the largest democracy all these years due to its sound Constitution.

Ram Lakshmanan, a banking consultant and dedicated volunteer in the Hindu temple of St. Louis, in his keynote address spoke on importance of volunteerism and helping the people in need and gave various ways by which young and old can service society.

There were four chief guests–Judges Judy and George Draper, state representative Dean Plocher and businessman and aspiring county executive Mark Mantovani.

Other members of the Board of Directors of the association are, Sanjeev Rao Chintakunta (president-elect ), Vijaya Lakshmi Buddhiraju (treasurer), Sharath Rao (secretary), Sendil Rathina Sabhapathi, Meera Jain, Venkat Pulumati, Haridas Kartha and Vijaya Bhutaria.