Atlanta's India American Cultural Association (IACA) celebrated India's 57th
Republic day and paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi on January 29, 2006 at
Smyrna. Ms.Jagruti Phadke hosted the afternoon.

The afternoon started off with the flag hoisting by Tushar Sanghvi and
followed by the national anthems sung by Manasi Dave and Payal Shah. A few children then recited passages that described life of Mahatma Gandhi.
Kritika Subramanyan, an 8th grader, narrated Mahatma Gandhi's life in South
Africa and his struggle against injustice. Novonil Banik, a 3rd grader,
recounted Dandi Salt March. Kunal Kamat, a 5th grader, Rahail Kamat, 2nd
grader and Sarina Kripalani, a 4th grader, described Gandhiji as an
inspiration to young American - Indian children.

Mr. Mike Singh, who lived in Carribean country, narrated contributions of
Carribean-Indians towards the freedom struggle of India. Tushar Sanghvi,
president of IACA, talked about importance of Republic Day. Gouranga (GC)
Banik, Executive VP of IACA, encouraged the audience to participate in IACA
activities and become member. Chand Akkineni, member of BOD, talked about importance of community involvement in IACA.

The rest of the afternoon was devoted to patriotic and devotional performances. Madhavi Dhave sang Mahatman Gandhi's favorite bhajan
"Vaishnavo Jana to". Richa Sarkar paid melodious tribute by singing "Vande
Mataram " and "Zanda Ucha Rahey Hamara". Poonam Bhargava and Atrayee Roy Chowdhary rendered beautifully "Aey Maalik Terey Bandey Hum" and a bhajan " Sacha Naam Tera ".

The audience was enthralled by a superb kummi dance performance that was choreographed by Mrs. Bhavini Subramani. It was performed by her several students who are in the age group of 5-9 years. The afternoon was concluded by a spellbound devotional kuchipudi dance performance by Rinita Basu, Siri Vallamraju and Summi Selvaraj, who are also the students of the Academy of Kuchipudi Dance.