Indo-US Friendship Awareness Exhibition Launched
The Federation of Indian-American Associations (FIA), Georgia, launched the 50-day Indo-US Friendship Awareness Exhibition with fanfare at the Fulton County Library System on May 30. Congresswoman Denise Majette cut the ribbon to inaugurate the exhibition. The Consul General of India, S. R. Tayal attended the gala function. Several distinguished guests from Atlanta including Anne T. Haimes, director of the library were present on this occasion.
Ashwin Patel, president of FIA, who worked tirelessly with his team of volunteers to make the event possible, gave the tour of the library to Congresswoman Majette, Tayal and many other community activists. Later, addressing a large gathering, Patel explained the significance and importance of several exhibits pertaining to India's history, culture, traditions, heritage and the advances made by India in space and information technology as well as India's contributions to the world in the fields of science, mathematics, technology, medicine and yoga. A well-organized cultural program and elaborate snacks and refreshments followed the event.
Indo-US friendship awareness Exhibition is presented by FIA, in cooperation with the India Awareness Foundation and the Gandhi Foundation of USA, with the main objective of bringing awareness about India to the people of Georgia. The exhibition will remain open until July 4, 2004. FIA has plans to take the exhibition to various schools and other public places in Georgia and elsewhere in the US.
Dhiru Shah, president of India Awareness Foundation, welcomed the guests in the library auditorium. A one-minute silence was observed by the members of the audience in remembrance of the soldiers who gave their lives for America in commemoration of Memorial Day.
Giriraj Rao, executive director of Gandhi Foundation of USA, introduced Consul General Tayal. The Consul General presented his keynote address emphasizing the importance of India-USA friendship and urged the members of the audience to bring their American friends to the exhibition in order that they understand India better. He talked about the history of the India-USA friendship and the continuing efforts being made by the
Indian Government to strengthen ties between the world's two largest democracies.
Tayal also spoke about the recent Indian election exercise when more than 600 million eligible voters were allowed to exercise their ballots through electronic machines. He said that the election has once again shown that the Indian people value democratic traditions.
Tayal further stated that India has always carried the message of non-violence for thousands of years and gave examples of Buddha and Mahavir Jain going back to 300 BC.
The multi-talented cultural program showcasing Indian classical and folk dances was choreographed by Atlanta's dance teacher Kumud Savla and presented by versatile youth performing artists. Amitabh Sharma and Suchita Vadlamani, co-host of FOX TV's Good Day Atlanta show emceed the cultural program.
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