HEMPSTEAD, NY (TIP): On a beautiful Tuesday, January 26 morning Town of Hempstead Town Hall was busy and bustling with vibrant Indian Tricolors.

The occasion was the 13th India Republic Day Celebrations organized by Hempstead Town Supervisor Anthony J Santino and Board members of Indian American Forum. On January 26, Tuesday morning at 9.00AM Mr. Santino, Hempstead Town Clerk Nasrin Ahmed, Senior Councilwoman Ms. Dorothy Goosby, Indu Jaiswal Chairperson of Indian American Forum, Beena Kothari President India Association of Long Island, Dr. Ajay Lodha President Elect National AAPI, Dr. Madhu Korapatti President of AAPIQLI, Satnam Singh Parhar Past President of IALI, Padma Shree Dr. Nori, Dr. Kishore Kuncham and several community leaders joined in raising the Flag outside the town Hall followed by Indian national anthem. Ms. Nasrin Ahmed, Hempstead town clerk hosted special breakfast in her office.

On January 28, The Board of trustees and, members of Indian American Forum organized the thirteenth India Republic Day Celebration at Nathan L.H, Bennett Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall.

Honorable Supervisor Anthony J Santino hosted the Republic Day Celebrations. The town Hall was decorated with Indian flags and patriotic songs were played all over. Supervisor Santino was joined with Senior Councilwoman Ms. Dorothy Goosby, council member 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 Santino welcomed everyone and praised the efforts of Indian American Community in USA.

Indu Jaiswal, Chairperson of IAF, welcomed everyone and acknowledged the presence of all community leaders and support of various organizations present and participating in the program… Board of Trustees of IAF and leaders of several organizations, along with Honorees and Keynote speaker joined together and presented an award to Supervisor Santino, congratulating him on his landslide victory in elections and for his continued support towards the Indian American Community.

India Republic Day Awards were presented to Ms. Raji Kuncham, Past President of TLCA; Raji has been helping in Art of Living Foundation, Interfaith Nutrition Network and India Association of Long Island.

Mr. Anand Ahuja a well-known Attorney in the tristate was honored for his professional achievements and contributions.

Dr Parveen Chopra welcomed every one and introduced Honorable Supervisor Santino. Dr. Ajay Lodha, President elect National AAPI, was the Key note speaker.

Roubin Singh Thind led the Pledge of Allegiance andNational anthems were sung by seniors from Happy Home and Jyotika Patel, Opening prayers were done by Pandit Ramesh Choudhary, priest from Vedic Heritage, Inc., Hempstead.

Lighting of the lamp was coordinated by Dr Parveen Chopra, Jaya Bahadkar and Ratna Bhalla. Patriotic songs were sung by Jyoti Gupta, Amita Karwal and Rekha Chichara. Manik Malhotra from Divya Jyoti Sansthan in Baldwin sung medley of patriotic songs. Folk dances and other performances were presented by students of Shilpa Jhurani from Arya Dance Academy and local talents. Also present were winners of Miss Teen New York 2015 and Miss India NY 2015. Emcee for the evening was Sunita Manjrekar.

End of the ceremony prayers done by priest Bharat Bhatt, priest from Sai Mandir USA Baldwin.

Vijay Goswamy thanked all the sponsors who included Meena Chopra from Akbar Restaurant, Rajesh Patel from House of Dipali, Sharanjit Singh Thind from Whitestone Real Estate and Asset Management, Ajay Batra and Media, Roopam Maini and, Council members of the Town hall and supervisor Anthony Santino.