Unity in Diversity at India House

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Photos: Bijay Dixit

HOUSTON: India House hosted the 69th Independence Day celebrations along with their Summer Enrichment Camp Explosion on Saturday, August 15. The event was attended by 350 plus guests coming from a cross-section of the local Indian community, elected officials and neighboring community members.

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City officials including Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson, Houston City Council Member Mike Laster, Sugar Land Council Member Harish Jajoo and representative from Houston City Council Member Larry Green’s office were present along with Trustees, Board Members and Council Members of India House to honor the Indian national spirit and encourage student presenters.

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Devon Anderson, India House President Dr. Manish Rungta, Dr. Virendra Mathur, Jugal Malani and Dr. Durga Agrawal together hoisted the American, Indian and Texas flags followed by the American and Indian national anthems. Devon Anderson congratulated India House for uniting the cultures and serving the community. India House General Manager, Col. Vipin Kumar welcomed the guests and introduced the Summer Enrichment Camp students to the audience.

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India House president, Dr. Manish Rungta enlightened the audience about India’s Independence journey. He gave an overview of India House events and programs by showcasing the facility with its many free programs like, yoga & meditation; legal center providing legal advice for Family Law, Probate Law, Health Directives and Immigration consultation; nominal cost medical assistance at India House Charity Clinic and After School Program for community students.

Dr. Virendra Mathur read out experts from the Indian President Pranab Mukherjee’s speech.

The song, Aye mere watan ke logon by Maumita Chaudhary from Global Desis brought tears in many eyes. Hemant Bhavsar and Uday Shah’s song Jahan Daal Daal pe and Himalaya ki Bulandi Sey brought the audience into a patriotic fervor and emotional mood. The energy filled dance performance by non-Indian Summer Enrichment Camp students on Kehte hain humko pyaar se Indiawale, choreographed by Tina Bose Kumar of Infused Performing Arts, brought a wave of vibrancy and received a standing ovation from the audience. The diverse ethnicity of the students represented the true Houston culture imbibing India House’s mission of bringing the neighboring communities together culturally.

India House Program Manager, Michael Miller introduced his two student group teachers, Crystal Sanchez and Nasya Edwards along with the City of Houston interns at the Summer Enrichment Camp. Song written and rapped by the older students “India Oh Way!” featured interesting facts about India. The younger students’ skit featured a number of countries they had studied during their Summer Enrichment Camp here at India House. Through the skit and dance performances they travelled and educated the audience about France, Germany, India; and many countries in Africa and Latin America.

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Yellow Rose Clogger’s created a vibrant energy with their tap dancing, clickty-clacks and three generation of dancers.

Students enjoyed colorful patterns and designs painted on their faces and hands at the exclusive face painting area. The students then moved outdoor to water slides and obstacle course slides to beat the summer heat.

The events’ lite bites were sponsored by generous donors courtesy All Texas Vending, Charlie Patel of ICC, Deep Foods, Jimmy Johns, Madras Pavilion, Masala Munchies, Raja Sweets, Subway and Udipi.

The celebrations closed with giving away of Back-To-School Back Packs filled with essential school supplies to every child present. The Summer Camp event was sponsored by Houston Community College and The Back-To-School Back Packs were sponsored by ICC (India Culture Center) and The Office of Council Member Larry Green.

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Located at 8888 West Bellfort, Houston, TX 77031.
For further information and appointments contact: 713-929-1900

Email at Vipin@indiahouseinc.org
Or visit www.indiahouseinc.org