Unity Dinner 2002 draws 406 diners
by Frank George, Milpitas Post

Dressed in three-piece suits and salwar dresses, a multi-ethnic group of citizens, business persons and politicians gathered at the Fremont-Newark Hilton Jan. 25 for Unity Dinner 2002, the first annual event of Indo-American community Federation. The multi-ethnic group included Indo-Americans, Chinese-American and Afghan coalition. Billed "a celebration of diversity," the post-September 11th Indo-American Community Federation event featured a wealth of music from India, with sitar and tabla drum accompaninment. Also on the agenda were diversity promoting speeches from local politicians and dignitaries, including Assemblyman John Dutra, D-Fremont, and Fremont Vice Mayor Judy Zlatnik. "Step beyond your comfort level," said Zlatnik, who was born in Bombay, India. "If you're a Christian, visit a mosque, visit the Hindu temple." The assemblage clapped politely as speaker after speaker approached the podium. Attendees dined on baked chicken with saffron rice and asparagus as Dutra approached the podium. "The front line forces in this war and it is a war of the police and firefighters," Dutra said. Soft-spoken and unassuming, the assemblyman shared stories about how last September's sobering events affected the California State Capitol. Dutra said everything at the Office of Emergency Preparedness is in motion and residents should be comforted. "Fremont is one of the safest places in the country," organizer Jeevan Zutshi said. "Fremont works because we work together." Also on hand from Fremont were Police Chief Craig Steckler, Fire Chief Dan Lydon and City Manager Jan Perkins. State Senator Liz Figueroa, D-Fremont and Congressman Pete Stark sent representatives from their respective offices. Representing Stark, Fremont school bond advocate John Smith presented Zutshi with a Cerificate of special Congressional recognition from Congressman Pete Stark. Zlatnik also presented Zutshi a proclamation from the City of Fremont, as did Alameda and Santa Clara county supervisors and several other organizations and government officials. The Indo-American Community Federation honored The Argus of Fremont, Newark and Union City and India West of North America for Excellence in Journalism. They also honored Tripath technologies founder for entrepreneurial excellence. The crowd enjoyed live musical entertainment from Indo-American singer Alka Bhatnagar and a Sargam orchestra. San Jose resident Shally sang the National Anthem and Garrett of Citizens for a Better Community summed it all up.
"You cannot have unity unless you have diversity," Yee told the audience.