The India Association of Long Island (IALI) hosted its 19th Indiafest (2009) at the Huntington Hilton, Melville, NY last week. The fest, attended by over 8000 Indians and non-Indians, celebrated the 62nd anniversary of India’s Independence.
A protracted series of cultural programs highlighting Indian classical, folk and Bollywood songs and dances were staged by local participants/artists from the age of six to sixty. Over thirty items were presented in the cultural segment alone which began at 1 p.m. and went on until 5:00 in the evening.
The President of IALI, Dr Anila Midha felt that too many things were scheduled in a short span of time. “I am a perfectionist so I am not fully satisfied. There was too much going on in one day; maybe, in future, we can do it in two days. Many people suggested that. Some Americans said, ‘I have to wait another year for this? You should have it twice a year’,” Dr. Midha said.
Few performances really stood out even amidst this motley of presentations. Especially a Bharatnatyam recital by Poonam Valliappan, dance items by Boogie Woogie winner Nikhil of Bollywood Performing Arts, songs by Sa Re Ga Ma Pa participant Vikas Bhalla and the national anthems of India and The US besides a wonderful rendition of ‘Kehna Hi Kya’ presented by the pretty Riti Sunshine Bhalla.
The cultural programs were followed by a Color Guard Ceremony by the United States Marine Corps, First District, NY which ushered in the Chief Guest for the evening, Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi along with other important guests and dignitaries like Dorothy Goosby Councilwoman for the Town of Hempstead, Suffolk County (Smithtown) Legislator John Cooper; Legislator Wayne Wink from Nassau County; Harry S Anand, Mayor of the Village of Laurel Hollow and Joseph Galante from the Office of NYS Comptroller. Many past Presidents of IALI and several Indian leaders who are running for the elections at various City Councils also graced the occasion.
The guests handed over trophies and certificates to five achievers from Long Island on the basis of excellence in their respective fields and community service. The honorees included Dr Rajiv Datta, awarded for his contributions in the field of Oncology; Peter Bheddah, a businessman for his immense charitable contributions in India and in the US; Prasad Kambampathy, a successful Software Engineer working with IBM, for his achievements and active participation in community activities in the US; Geetika Rudra and Sanchita Singal for academic achievements and community services.
However, the highlight of the evening was definitely the fashion show and the scintillating fusion dance extravaganza performed by girls of Middle Eastern origin from b4djs dance group, displaying popular international dance forms like Brazilian Samba and Arabic dances besides boogying to Hindi Chartbusters in bright and colorful costumes. When asked about the purpose of showcasing foreign culture in an Indian cultural fest, Dr Midha justified, “Why not… it’s a global world, there were even American children performing Bollywood dances and singing Hindi songs...”
The fashion show was conceived and choreographed by Dr Midha herself. “The purpose of organizing a fashion show as a part of this fest was to use it as a highlight-entertainment to attract crowds,” she informed. Models clad in gorgeous and dazzling Indian costumes from ghaghra choli, churidar to saris walked the ramp displaying creations of Rose Boutique, Khoobsoorat, Uttam Designs and others.”
After the fashion show, a Raffle was organized and ticket-holders got to try their luck at winning two round trip tickets to India sponsored by Jet Airways and four air tickets for travel within India sponsored by Kingfisher Airlines besides a host of other prizes like a Dinner for two, suitcases, blenders, gift vouchers from Hot Breads etc. The fest concluded with the Raffle.
Forty different stalls displaying and selling expensive pieces of Indian Arts and Crafts, jewelry, clothes, and Indian food were also set up to attract crowds at the fest.
The chief sponsors for the event besides Jet Airways and Kingfisher were State Bank Of India, Habib American Bank and Citibank.
Dr Midha, who has been associated with IALI for the last 15 years, was elected President for the second consecutive term. The success of IndiaFest can be greatly attributed to her hard work and perseverance. “To bring the Indiafest indoors last year, I had to face a lot of opposition. For 17 years it was held outdoors in parks. I would consider it as my achievement that the Indiafest has become popular again. IALI is the first and largest association of Indians in Long Island. At present, approximately 1500 families are members of our organization. My missions and visions for IALI are to increase the membership further, bring younger generation to join the Association and to expose Long Island Americans to Indian culture and traditions,” said Dr. Midha.
