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National
Federation of
PRESS RELEASE March 20, 2005 Contact:
NFIA to celebrate
its 25th anniversary The National Federation of Indian American Associations (NFIA), an umbrella organization of various other associations in the United States will sponsor grand celebrations of its 25th anniversary on May 27-28, 2005 at its place of birth, New York. Established in 1980, the NFIA has worked to protect the civil rights of the community and helped preserved the best of rich cultural heritage of India as well as project a positive image of India and the Indian American community in the US. It has become the voice of the community in representing Indian Americans to the political corridors not only in Washington, DC and but also to the other State capitals. With the theme, “Building on the Past, Shaping the Future,” the event will provide NFIA member associations the opportunity to reflect on its 25 years of service to the Indian American community and to chart out a course of action for the future. “It will be our grand celebration,” noted Rajen Anand, the NFIA president, “but we will also take a critical look at our past activities, honor the pioneers of NFIA, and will identify the challenges facing the community, in order to ease their life in the United State.” Ambassador of India to the United States, Ronen Sen has graciously accepted the invitation to inaugurate and keynote the event. Other invited guests include former President Bill Clinton, Senators Chuck Schumer, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Congressmen Gary Ackerman, Frank Pallone, Gregory Meeks (accepted), Bobby Jindal, Joseph Crowley, Charles Rangel, and Nita Lowey. The governors of New York and New Jersey have also been invited. Invitations have been sent to Indian Foreign Minister Natwar Singh and Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Sunil Dutt. A famous movie star will add glamour to the event. The planning of celebrations is headed by NFIA Vice President Lal Motwani of New York. Dr. Thomas Abraham, who founded the organization, is in charge of putting together an exciting series of seminars. The program will start on Friday, May 27th evening with inauguration ceremony at the Crowne Plaza Hotel located near La Guardia airport. Delegates from various associations and guests are expected to come from US states. On Saturday morning and evening, four seminars on issues of Political Empowerment, Community Leadership, US-India Relations, Business and Professional Issues, Service to the Community and a Youth Forum. Noted Speakers are expected to participate in enlightening the audience on these topics and provide an intellectual stimulation to the attendees, remarked Abraham. A gala banquet will be held on Saturday evening at a very posh place, Terrace at the Park, located at the 111th Street and 52nd Avenue in Queens, NY. “The Tri-State Indian community is excited that NFIA is coming back to its birth place to celebrate its 25th,” said Motwani. “The participants at the banquet will not only enjoy the sumptuous food, but will feel relaxed by the beautiful view of the park and city,” Commented Motwani. “I promise a good time and great networking opportunities for every one attending the 25th anniversary celebration,” Motwani added. An exotic entertainment is also being planned for the evening. A colorful souvenir will be published at the occasion. “We are seeking sponsors for the event and advertisements and articles for the souvenir, that should be mailed to 237-50 Fairbury Ave., Bellerose NY 11426 before May 1, 2005,” explained Motwani. Special arrangements have been made for the guests to stay at the Crowne Plaza Hotel at the special rate $109 per room. “It is going to be an event people will remember for a long time,” observed Radha Krishnan, the president-elect of NFIA. “I strongly urge all our member associations, Federation of Indian Associations in various cities, and other well wishers of NFIA to attend the grand celebrations.” Readers looking for further information
may call Lal Motwani at (718) 470-1026 or Rajen Anand at (562) 537-1077. |