HEMPSTEAD, NY (TIP): The Board of trustees, members of the board of Indian America Forum organized twelfth India Republic Day Celebration at Nathan L.H, Bennett Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, and Hempstead NY.

Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray hosted the Republic Day Celebration. On Thursday February 5, 2015, Town Hall was decorated with the Tricolor Indian flags and patriotic songs were played all over.

Supervisor Murray was joined by Council members Anthony Santino, Dorothy L Goosby, Bruce Blakeman, Councilwoman Erin King Sweeney and Town Clerk Nasreen Ahmed. Several elected officers, judges and dignitaries were present and enjoyed this unique evening of celebrations. Supervisor Murray welcomed everyone and praised the contribution of Indian American Community in USA.

India Republic Day Awards were presented to Dr Anila Midha, Founder and President of South Asian Women’s Alliance and President of Five Towns Indian Organization and Dr Rajiv Datta, Medical, Director, Cancer Center, Chairman Department of Surgery, Chief Division of Surgical Oncology and Head and Neck Surgery, South Nassau Hospital. Dr Parveen Chopra welcomed every one and introduced Supervisor Murray. Dr Urmilesh Arya, Vice President of National AIA was the keynote speaker.

Program started with National anthems of USA and India sung by Part Maria and Manjari, runner up Miss Teen New York, 2014. Opening prayers were done by Pandit Ramesh Choudhry, priest from Vedic Heritage, Inc., Hempstead.

Lighting of the lamp was coordinated by Dr Parveen Chopra and Jaya Bahadkar. Folk dances and other performances were presented by Sadhna Pranji School of Dance, students of Sangeeta Pandit and Local talents. Also present were winners of Miss Teen New York 2014. Emcee for the evening was Arvin Batra.

End of the ceremony prayers were done by priest Samiran Chakrovorty from NY Kali Mandir.

Indu Jaiswal Chairperson thanked all the sponsors -Meena Chopra from Akbar Restaurant, Rajesh Patel from House of Dipali, India Tourism office and, Council members of the Town Hall and supervisor Kate Murray.

Flag raising Ceremony was held on Jan 26, at 9.00AM at the Hempstead Town Hall. Supervisor Murray was joined by Town Clerk Nasreen Ahmed, members of the town Board, Indian Veterans Association, Indian American Forum and members of Indian American Community India.