The Indo American Press Club (IAPC) celebrated India‘s 68th Republic Day as it formally launched its Atlanta chapter on January 28 at the Global Mall.
The event brought together top community leaders of different faiths, and ethnic groups on a single platform as Indians to celebrate the Republic Day.
“We normally have gatherings in our religious or language based groups. But this was on a wider and higher level platform, where we symbolically expressed our unity in diversity as sons and daughters of the great Nation of Bharat,” said Mustafa Ajmeri, social activist who was one of the honorees at the event.
Nagesh Singh, Consul General of India in Atlanta, was the Chief Guest. Charlotte Nash, chair of Commissioners of Gwinnet County, was the Guest of Honor.
After the Presidential address by Dominic Chackonal, IAPC President of Atlanta Chapter, prominent Indian Americans which included Antony Thaliath, Executive Director Gandhi Foundation USA, Narender Reddy, Political Activist and Community leader, and Veena Rao, Editor of NRI Pulse newspaper spoke on the occasion.
Honoring and recognizing prominent Indo Americans in different fields was appreciated by one and all. Life Achievement award was given to Dr. Sujatha Reddy. Humanitarian Award went to Dr. Jay Sampath. Businessman of the year was Satwant Singh, CEO of Doaba Consulting. Entrepreneur Award was bagged by Joy PI, CEO of Joy TV. Award of Honor was given to social activists Mustafa Ajmeri and Sabu Chemmalakuzhy. Media Excellence Award went to Parthiv N Parekh of Khabar Magazine.
Winner of Photography contest was Siby Karikkampally and Essay writing competitionwinner was Joshua Mathew.
A book written by poet Subini Lawrence was released on the occasion. The paintings by the famous artist Vinod Sharma added color to the event.
IAPC is New York based with several chapters in USA and Canada.
(Based on a Press Release)