The Indian Association of Sacramento (IAS) in Greater Sacramento region of California organized “Mega India Day Mela” on Aug. 11 at McClellan Center, Sacramento. The festival at Sacramento drew a crowd over 4,500 of young and old, reflecting India’s diverse ethnic, religious and linguistic population, as they celebrated India’s vast culture and diversity.

Fremont-based FOG or Festival of Globe had their celebrations, but with an important element that went missing at the last moment – The Grand India Day Parade – which has been their crowd-pulling mojo.

This year Fremont saw far less crowd, pomp and show compared to previous years, and the reason for this is partly, get this, guns. Vivek Oberoi, who is Bollywood’s very own PM Modi, flew in specially for the event but was denied the pleasure of being a grand marshal to the India Day Parade, as that did not happen because the Fremont officials were concerned about the recent violent and senseless shootings that had been rampant in various parts of our “great” America.

Consequently, the fervor of Indians chanting “Vande Mataram” and marching across Paseo Padre Parkway was much missed.

We are, however, grateful to the Fremont city officials to allow us the opportunity to celebrate our Independence Day, though the scale was somewhat doused and low, but the people still braved the heat to come cheer the Bollywood version of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. There was the usual mela (fair) with colorful spreads of booths from local traders, restaurants and home-based businesses to corporate names who wanted to get the attention of Indian Americans. There was a free health fair, and the usual banquet to celebrate the Indian Independence Day till next year.

And to top it all, kudos to all the participants, volunteers, the FOG team led by Dr. Romesh Japra, and kids for keeping the spirits high and the Tricolor soaring with the U.S. flag, even in these testing times of tolerance.

– Siliconeer report.

Coming to the event at California’s capital, Sacramento, over 20 local regional, and cultural Indian organizations supported and participated in this event. Entire venue was decorated with tricolor decor. Stage was also decorated with beautiful tricolor silk clothes. Dr. Bhavin Parikh, President of IAS invited IAS board Members and talented youth from community to join him on stage to hoist Indian and American flags. Everyone proudly sang India’s national anthem, “Jana Gana Mana” and “The Star-spangled Banner.” There were 13 major events including India Visa Camp, many seminars were held on same day.

Over 30 dazzling variety Indian cultural programs have mesmerized the audience. Cultural performances brought enthusiastic applause from the attendees. The Mega India Day Mela also had seminars on Women Empowerment, College Admissions, Youth Development, Financial wealth, and others to uplift and benefit the community especially women, youth and seniors. There was also a Blood donation drive which attracted many donors. Indian Day Parade has been held at the event, which was attended by the audience, and local cultural associations with patriotic slogans of “Vande Mataram,” “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and “Jai Hind.”

And then, The Parade, which showcased India’s cultural richness as well as the achievements of the diaspora through colorful floats. Guess the capital city was not as worried about violence as Fremont.

Staff from Indian Consulate General office at San Francisco conducted Indian Visa camp on site. There were several businesses and non-profit booths on site, including Indian Jewelry and clothing booths. Several local Indian Restaurants have served delicious Indian food to the audience. “IAS got talent” event promoted local cultural talents and winners were invited to sing on main stage. Winners from 13 sports events including Volleyball, Throwball, Tennis, Chess, Carom, Quiz, Suryanamaskar Challenge, Cooking, Photography, Rangoli, Collage, Painting etc were awarded with trophies on the stage.

Dr. Ami Bera, congressman, Fiona Ma, Treasurer, California State, Representatives of Senate Members Dr. Richard Pan, Brian Dahl’s, Assembly Members Kevin Kiley, Elk Grove Mayor Steve Ly,  Citrus Heights city council member Porsche Middleton, Folsom Cordova School District Board Member Christopher Clark, Elk Grove Unified school district board member Bobbie Singh Allen, OCA, CSD Board of director  Rod Brewer, APAPA and IVACC Board Members were the distinguished guests for this event.

IAS raised donations and presented $5,000 check to local charity “We Embrace” which supports special needs for local children suffering with Autism and other disorders. IAS is also making arrangements to support Art of Living’s “Care for Children” which supports education for underserved children in India.

At the end, Dr. Bhavin Parikh, president IAS, presented plaques to major sponsors and Anupriya Ramraj, Chair of Board of Trustees for her distinguished services.  Vinayak Patil and Ranju Verma, lead Members for Mega India Day Mela, current EC members Rao Duriseti, Cigil Palackalody, Bhaskar Venkat and Shivesh Sinha, and rest of  IAS Board Members for year 2019 have instrumentally worked to make India Day event a grand success.  At the end, everyone danced for Bollywood’s patriotic songs.

Dr Bhavin Parikh thanked everyone for having fabulous 2019 year and encouraged all to visit IAS website http://www.iassac.org/for more information on IAS events/activities for the upcoming year.

– By Nagam Venkateswararao (vnagam@hotmail.com)