ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Indo-American Community Federation marks America's 250th anniversary
The highlight was a panel discussion on America's past, present and future, focusing on diversity, immigrant communities and inclusive leadership.
-
1759953093.png)
Staff Reporter - Sat, 18, Jul 2026
- 18:14 EDT
- 129
Glimpses of the celebration / IACF-USA
The Indo-American Community Federation (IACF-USA) on July 12 hosted a celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, bringing together elected officials, community leaders and hundreds of attendees at Paradise Ballrooms in Fremont.
The event opened with the U.S. national anthem sung by Tanya Gupta, followed by remarks from IACF director Subhash Garg, who spoke on "America at 250" and the organization's mission.
An hour-long panel discussion titled "USA 250 Years: Past, Present and Future," moderated by community leader Yogi Chugh was the centerpiece of the event.
Also read: FIA plans India Independence celebration in Illinois
Panelists included Fremont Mayor Raj Salwan, Milpitas Mayor Carmen Montano, BART board president Melissa Hernandez and Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority Chief Government Affairs Officer Beverley Greene.
Salwan highlighted the contributions of immigrant communities and diversity to local innovation and growth, calling for preparation to address future technological and societal challenges. Montano emphasized inclusive policies and education to support immigrant and working families while preparing the next generation.
Hernandez spoke about diversity's role in strengthening civic life and institutions, stressing equitable opportunities for the future. Greene focused on fostering unity amid changing identities and advocated institutional approaches that promote equity, innovation and long-term community resilience.
The program also featured remarks from Union City Mayor Gary Singh, Sunnyvale Councilmember Murali Srinivasan, Alameda County Supervisor David Haubert, Major General Garrett S. Yee, former Fremont Mayor Lily Mei, Bay Area Community Health CEO Harsha Ramchandani, UPMA leader Ritesh Tandon, Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies representative Khanderao Kand, community leaders Deepak Chhabra, Tasawar and Tinny Arora Juneja, radio host Namrita Yuhanna, BART chief operating officer Derek Calhoun, BJP leaders Gaurav and Nidhi Patwardhan, We Are One founder Shaista Ali, community leader Raj Bhanot and SABH founder and IACF director Harmesh Kumar.
IACF directors Subhash Garg, Neeshil Shah, Amit Goel, Deepak Sachdev and Bimal Bhagvat welcomed guests alongside founder Jeevan Zutshi.
Avanti Foundation representative Anu Kak, Newark Hispanic community leader Jacinta Arteaga of Avanzando, Commissioners Dipak Awasthi and Raghu Reddy, and Kulwinder Gill were also among those in attendance.
During the awards ceremony, organizers honored Makhan Singh Bains, CEO of Raja Sweets and Paradise Ballrooms, for philanthropy and community service, and filmmaker Rashmi Rustagi for producing films on social issues.
The event concluded with musical performances led by BATA Karaoke leader Prasad Mangina and other singers.
Discover more at New India Abroad.
Leave A Comment
Related
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login