Above: Awardees and Guests, from left to right: H. Singh, P. Pillai,J. Roy, W. Dawson, K, Dwivedi, K. Reichard, O. Sharma, Y. Gupta
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Above: Cultural Performers
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The Federation of Indian American Associations – National Capital Region (FIA-NCR) celebrated its 10th Anniversary at the University Systems of Maryland, Shady Grove enter, Rockville, Maryland on Saturday, December 1, 2007.  Approximately 300 people including community leaders and friends of FIA-NCR attended the event.  The theme of this celebration was the Unity and Civic Awareness and the highlights were presentation of FIA-NCR accomplishments, recognition awards, cultural programs, and a banquet dinner... 

The cultural program included the American and Indian National Anthems by Ms. Remy Unitrans and Dr. Suman Sharma, and several professional performers in the beginning and then other programs followed. The Tabla and Sitar rendition was by India famed Guru, Pundit Anup Ghosh, who performed before President Bill Clinton during his visit to India and regularly he performs at the All India Radio, and Dr. Suman Sharma and Ms. Saumya Vats respectively. Both Dr. Sharma and Ms. Vats were local artists and have several CDs of their rendition in their honor.  Other performances included artists from KNS group, who performed on non-traditional items while adhering to its principles and retaining the style to its fullest. This program was choreographed by Ms. Rani David who choreographed more than 400 such dances as part of an established graduate program affiliated with the reputed universities, Next another exciting presentation with great magnetism was made by artists from the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, This group recognized itself as JOSH and very famous locally in this area.  A dance drama choreographed by Ms. Neha Purohit, was fabulous.  Ms. Sanchari Ghosh entertained the audience with several Bollywood songs.

Dr. Yogendra N. Gupta introduced  representatives from the Embassy of India, U.S. Senate and Congress & other local dignitaries.  Mr. Ken Reichard  from the office of Senator Benjamin L. Cardin, Ms. Sumitra Siram from the office of Congressman Chris Van Hollen, and Dr. Kamal Dwivedi, Counsellor, Science & Technology, presented their remarks and citations.  Dr. Kamal Dwivedi and Mrs. Rosemary Fernandez (Embassy of India) talked about the Professional of Indian Origin in U.S. (PIOUS) -- A Government of India sponsored Network portal linking Professionals of Indian Origin in US.  

Dr. Satish Misra, President FIA-NCR in his address stated that FIA-NCR had come a long way in 10 years of its existence and it still had a long way to go.  The FIA was doing an excellent job of promoting Indian-Americans culture, mutual understanding, and friendship in several US cities/states and sharing  its vision and mission.  He urged the community to come forward, participate, and support FIA-NCR in accomplishing its goals.  He further emphasized the need for community unity and building a fine legacy for our children and great grand children. Regarding civic awareness, he quoted hard data on registered voters of Indian-American origin that it looked very disappointing when  compared to number of eligible voters and then encouraged their participation in voting process in elections at all levels. 

Dr. Hari Har Singh conducted the honor ceremony and awards presentation. He invited Dr. Satish Misra, and  representatives from the U.S. Senate and the Embassy of India to join him in this ceremony at the stage.  Dr. Singh recognized all recipients for their accomplishments and contributions and invited them for awards. Honorable guests awarded respective awards to recipients. The highest award from FIA-NCR, The Lifetime Achievement award was presented to Dr. Parthasarthy Pillai, an elected member of Democratic Party of Central Committee-at-large, Vice Chairman of the Coalition of Asian Pacific American Democrats-MD (CAPAD), a dedicated community activist, former NFIA President and Chairman, and to Dr. Joydeb Roy, also a community activist, NFIA Executive Director, and Past President of several organizations including IAFPE-MD.  Other awards presented were, The Distinguished Community Service Award to Dr. Vinod Prakash,  Distinguished Service award to Dr. Om Sharma, Political Awareness Award to US India Political Action Committee (USINPAC), Promotion of Indian Culture Award to Mr. Walton Dawson, Journalism Awards to Mr. Radhakrishnan Iyer of JRD Video, Mr. Balachandran of Image-in-Asian TV, Mr. Raghubir Goyal of India Globe & ATN News. In addition the Outstanding Contribution to FIA-NCR and the Sustained Support to Community Awards were presented  to all past Presidents of FIA-NCR, namely Dr. Pradeep Ganguly (1997), Mr. Kamal Thakor (1998), Mr. Satish Korpe (1999), Mrs. Ann Pillai (2000 & 2004), Dr. Hari Har Singh (2001 & 2002), Mr. Mukund Agashe (2003), Dr. Yogendra N. Gupta (2005-2006), Mr. Mahendra Shah (Posthumously - 2006).

In closing President, Dr. Misra acknowledged and thanked all grand sponsors – State Bank of India, HouseholderGroup (Estate & Retirement Specialists), Bethesda, Maryland, Dr. V. K. Shah of Shah Associates, MD LLC, Mr. Raman Desai, CPA PC, Sharma Law Group, other sponsors and donors, artists, volunteers and above all the enthusiastic audience.         

In the end a  sumptuous and delicious food in banquet style was served in the banquet hall catered by Natraj Caterers.