FORDS, NJ (TIP): Led by entrepreneur and social activist, Atma Singh, scores of community leaders and hundreds of Indian Americans participated in a colorful celebration of India‘s 65th Republic Day.

The event included a parade of unity held in the Royal Albert’s Palace complex in Fords, NJ where hundreds took part holding India’s national flag. Some were holding US flag too while chanting, ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’, ‘Vande Mataram’ and other slogans. On this occasion flags were hoisted near the huge statue of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, India’s iron man who played an important role in uniting India.

A parade of unity was organized in the Royal Albert’s Palace complex in Fords, as part of celebrations of the Republic Day

Dressed in a white suite Atma Singh welcomed the audience of about 400 people reminding them the auspicious occasion of Republic Day. “Today we are all united as Indians and remember our heritage which is characterized by high values and great traditions”, he said. It is our duty to keep our head high and teach the younger generation about our culture and traditions.”

Later, the audience gathered around India’s Tri-color which was unfurled as everyone sang the national anthem, Jana, Gana, Mana… Speaking on the occasion, Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula extended his greetings to all and spoke about the greatness of Indian heritage. “We must celebrate our national events with great enthusiasm and pride”, he said.

A group of children perform a dance number

Edison Councilman Dr. Sudhanshu Prasad also spoke and promised to work with the community in its endeavor to succeed in all fields of life. Community leaders Bharat Rana, Anil Patel, Veerendra Tavathia, Popat Patel, Albert Jasani, Dr. Mukund Patel and Mahesh Chitnis also spoke on the occasion.

Col Veerendra Tavathia said that we should remember the sacrifice made by India’s armed forces who guarded the borders of India. Varsha Naik of Navrang Dance Academy directed a group of children for performing a variety of dance numbers on the stage. Others who spoke on the occasion included Mukul Bishnoi, Veeru Patel, Mahesh Patel and Mukesh Kashiwala.