Under the theme of a celebration of community service,
the Indo-American Community Federation's "Unity
Dinner 2006" united various ethnic communities in
California, at a sold out gathering
at the Newark-Fremont Hilton Hotel March 24.
Scores of public
officials attended, including Congressman Mike Honda,
California Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi, State
Assembly members Alberto Torrico and Johan Klehs, and
Alameda county supervisors, Mayors, Council members and
elected and appointed board members.
“After the
9/11(terrorist attacks), I saw a need for an event like
this, which can bring public officials together
with the diverse community leadership," said IACF
Founder Jeevan Zutshi, who stressed the need for Indian
Americans to be more involved in issues like
homelessness, hospitals and schools.
Garamendi said that
the unity dinner "was a demonstration of unity of
the human spirit in coming together and sharing
histories and experiences.”
Honda, a
third-generation Japanese American, in his keynote
address, spoke for more than 10 minutes on the need
for the diverse cultures to understand one another.
A cultural
program featured Chinese and Japanese youth
dancers, Hispanic folklore performances and Bangra by
Matters of Community.
Music provided by Toofan
Sounds "really made waves and will be always
remembered for their excellent performance", said IACF's
new director, Suchitra Kumar.
Indian American
Friendship Council founder, Dr. Krishna Reddy and Jeevan
Zutshi, IACF Founder jointly honored Honda for his
tireless support of cultural diversity.
The other two
honorees were the Celebrate Fremont Committee for their
successful celebration of the 50th anniversary of the
city of Fremont, and the Fremont Chamber of Commerce for
its progress in promoting ethnic harmony and cultural
awareness.
The dinner was
originally set for January to coincide with the birthday
celebration of civil rights leader Martin Luther King.
However, since Fremont was celebrating its 50th
anniversary, the event was re-scheduled for March 24. It
will return to a January date in 2007.
