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India Republic Day celebrated in Town of Hempstead

Town of Hempstead Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby and Supervisor Kate Murray honored committee members who took part in the town’s Sixth Annual India Republic Day Ceremony. The committee members are part of the Indian American Cultural Society of Long Island. The event, which was hosted by the Town of Hempstead and held at the Nathan L.H. Bennett Pavilion at Town Hall is Long Island’s only ceremony commemorating the establishment of India as a Republic and its liberation from British rule. Certificate of Recognition were given to the Odissi-Basant Pallavi Dance Group and their teacher Mala Desai. Mala Desai, Great Neck, Puja Bansal, Dix Hills, Supervisor Kate Murray, Reva Abrol, Syosset,Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby.

SAALT hosts Inaugural Weekend Reception in Washington DC to recognize South Asian involvement in political process
South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) hosted a reception to celebrate the involvement of South Asians in the US presidential elections on Sunday, January 18th, Over 180 individuals from around the country joined community leaders, South Asian members of the Presidential Transition Team, and prominent individuals who played a role in mobilizing South Asians during the election for an evening reception in Washington DC. “South Asians around the country participated in the 2008 elections with a momentum never seen before. As we celebrate the historical significance of the election of the first African-American president in our nation’s history, we also know that much work needs to be done in order to realize equality and justice for all. SAALT plans on working with South Asian community organizations and members in order to address key issues affecting our community with the new Administration,” said Deepa Iyer, Executive Director of SAALT. SAALT is a national non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring the full and equal participation by South Asians in civic and political life. SAALT coordinates a National Coalition of South Asian Organizations representing 35 organizations in 12 regions around the country. More information is available at www.saalt.org.



