Doctors to be honored at Indo-American group's unity dinner
By Linh Tat
The Argus
Posted: 03/19/2009 04:36:37 PM PDT
Buoyed by the prospect of change under the Obama administration, the Indo-American Community Federation has made "A New Day for America's Children" the theme of its upcoming unity dinner.
The eighth annual event, to be held March 27, will bring together a cross-section of the Tri-City community to celebrate its diverse population — with five individuals to be recognized for their commitment to promoting diversity and helping the less fortunate.
The honorees will be doctors Albert Wang, Shinn-Shyng Chang and Pramela Ramachandran of Fremont; Pete McHugh, a former Santa Clara County board supervisor; and Dr. Reshmee Sharma (Author) of Seattle.
The federation formed in 1994 when founder Jeevan Zutshi wanted to get Indo-Americans, including immigrants, involved in issues facing mainstream America.
This year's dinner will take place at the Hilton Newark/Fremont hotel, 39900 Balentine Drive, Newark. Doors will open at 6:15 p.m., and the program will begin promptly at 7 with the singing of the Indian national anthem, followed by the American national anthem.
Newark Mayor Dave Smith will serve as master of ceremonies. Keynote speaker Deborah Roderick Stark of the First Five Alameda County Commission will discuss work by the federal government to support the nation's youths, organizers said.
State Sen. Ellen Corbett, D-San Leandro, also is scheduled to speak.
Dinner will include a choice of chicken or parmigiana eggplant. The evening
also will feature performances by an international dance group and dancing until midnight with Tim Reilly's Canyon Band.