NEW YORK, NY (TIP): The Indian Consulate hosted a reception to celebrate India‘s 65th Republic Day on January 26th. The event was attended by nearly 200 members from the Indian and American community and other Consul Generals and dignitaries. Some of the prominent members who were present included Senator Swati Dandekar from Iowa, Patty Judge, former Lt.

Governor of Iowa, Assemblymen Upendra Chivkula and Raj Mukherjee from New Jersey and Assemblyman David Weprin from New York State, New York City Councilmen Mr. Daniel Dromm and Mr. Paul Vallone. Ambassador Mulay read out excerpts from the Indian President, Pranab Mukherjee’s address to the Nation on Republic Day. He also applauded the Indian and American communities’ joint effort in strengthening their country’s ties.

“India and US share a multi-lateral relation that extends to nuclear, political, economic and other fields. Each of us here is responsible for bringing this relation to a strong bond. Sure, all relations have problems and it is only possible to sort them out if we work together and more closely on matters of mutual interest and concern”. He informed the audience about the plans of the Consulate to hold two flagship programs, Media India 2014, and State-by-State India during 2014. Assemblyman David Weprin thanked the Consulate for inviting him to celebrate India’s 65th year at being Republic.

Deputy Permanent Representative of India to the UN, Balwant Singh Bishnoi, Senator Swati Dandekar from Iowa and Consul General of New York, Ambassador Dyaneshwar Mulay, cut the cake in celebration of India’s 65th Republic Day

“I am lovingly called ‘The Indian Assemblyman’, as much of our population is Indians. I am proud to be associated with such a dynamic community.” NYC Councilman Paul Vallone commended the Indian community’s achievements in the US. “The Indian community is so diverse with multi-culture, multilanguages yet the common thing is that everyone strives to achieve. I wouldn’t even be here today had it not been for the Indian and South Asian community members.” Senator Swati Dandekar urged the community members to work towards a common goal and bring the best of both India and US in everything they do.

“We are proof that American Dream still exists. We must pay respect to what this country has given us by opening its doors for us. We should be proud to be a part of the world’s both largest democracy and oldest democracy.” Swati also announced that she was a candidate for Congress from her State of Iowa and appealed to community to support her. Poet Laureate Ramya Ramana had the gathering spellbound with a powerful recital of her composition. Earlier, New Jersey Assemblymen Upendra Chivukula and Raj Mukherjee presented a proclamation from the State of NJ to the Consul General.