HEMPSTEAD, NY (TIP): Though winter weather prompted the postponement of Hempstead Town’s India Republic Day ceremony in January, snow didn’t get in the way today as Supervisor Kate Murray and Senior Councilman Anthony J. Santino led the annual celebration of Indian American culture at Town Hall.

Hempstead Town’s 11th annual celebration, co-sponsored by the India American Forum, is Long Island‘s only India Republic Day ceremony. India Republic Day, observed on January 26th, marks the establishment of India as a republic and its liberation from British rule. The event featured an impressive display of cultural dances and musical performances, appearances and speeches by distinguished guests and a cultural food reception provided through the generosity of Akbar Restaurant of Garden City.

Town Clerk Nasreen Ahmed, Keynote Speaker honorable Thomas S Gulotta, Councilman Anthony Santino, Indu Jaiswal

The event was capped off by Hempstead Town’s presentation of the 2014 India Republic Day Awards. This year’s honorees were Narendra Hadpawat, M.D., and Bina Sabapathy. Hadpawat, a Five Towns resident, is a founder of one of the most successful cardiology practices on the south shore of Long Island and has been the director of Medicine and Cardiology at Peninsula Hospital for over 20 years. Bina Sabapathy, an active member of Vedic Heritage, a religious organization located in Hempstead, is Vice President of the India Association of Long Island.

Indu Jaiswal , Chairperson of Indian American Forum welcomed every one and thanked the Town of Hempstead and Supervisor Murray for continuing the traditions of India Republic Day Celebrations. Also a warm welcome was given to Honorable Nasreen Ahmed, who made history by getting elected to the Town Clerk Position . Key note speaker Honorable Thomas S GULOTTA , in his remarks praised the efforts and achievements of Indian American community in USA. Mr. Gulotta was also honored by the Town of Hempstead and Board of Trustees and Board Members of Indian American Forum.

Members of Indian veterans Association, Varinder Bhalla, Renu Sharma, Bina Sabapathy, Nasreen Ahmed, Indu jaiswal, Councilman Santino, Ratna Bhalla, Jaya Bahadkar

Several community leader and dignitaries were present, Members from Martin Luther King Group, Reverend Elliott, Dr Ajay Lodha, President of AAPIQLI, Animesh Goenka, Satnam Prahar, President of India Association of Long Island, Zahid Syed, Chairman of Human rights commission in Nassau County, Deputy Commissioners in Nassau County Ratna Bhalla , Sunita Manjarekar. Jaya Bhooplapur, Sunita Sadhnani and many Rotary Club members, Dr Anila Midha, President of South Asian Womens Alliance, Giri and Indu Chhabra from Hindu Center, members from Vedic Heritage in Hempstead, and NY Kali Mandir in Baldwin and several other community leader graced the evening. Members of Indian Veterans Association headed by Wing Commander Suresh Butani, also attended.

Cultural programs were choreographed by Satya Pradeep and Sangeeta Pandit . Vocal performances by our young talent Parth Merai, Mayuri Gowda and Rhea Manjrekar were excellent “We are proud to be the only municipality on Long Island to host a celebration that marks India Republic Day,” Murray said. “As Americans, we share India’s values of democracy and independence, and we are proud to commemorate a special day for Indians around the world.”

The Town’s celebration of India Republic Day kicked off in the morning, as Murray and members of the India American Forum raised the flag of India in front of Town Hall. The main festivities commenced in the evening at Town Hall’s Nathan L.H. Bennett Pavilion. “Indian Americans have made major contributions to our township,” Murray said. “Each year, we celebrate the achievements of Indian Americans who demonstrate leadership and community involvement. Our honorees truly are role models, and I congratulate them for their achievements.”