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2007 IAF Events

Diwali
Navratri Celebrations
July 4th Parade
Fort Bend Salutes America
Holi

IAF Celebrates its 4th Annual Diwali Gala

By: Dr. Mala Nityanand

Indo American Forum of Fort Bend(IAF) celebrated it’s 4th Annual Diwali Gala on Friday, November 2nd ,2007 at the Texas Safari Ranch. In keeping with its tradition this was another sell out event. Every year IAF celebrates one state of India and this year’s theme was “Celebrating Gujarat”. About 450 members and guests attended the Gala. The entrance of Texas Safari Ranch ballroom was aglow with numerous glittering diyas (oil lamps) and the guests were greeted in a traditional style with Aarti and Tikka.It was an epitome of cultural integration as majority of guests of Indian and American heritage graced the occasion dressed in Indian ensembles. Since this year's theme was the state of Gujarat, all the decorations, food, music and dances portrayed this western state of India vividly. Guests were busy greeting every one “Happy Diwali” during social hour.

The mistress of ceremonies, Mrs. Tanaz Choudhury set a joyous tone for this fun evening, followed by the lighting of the lamp by Mr. & Mrs. S.M. Gavai, Hon. Consul General of India. Hon. Gavai wished everyone “Happy Diwali" . Founding Board of Trustee, Mr. Sunil Sharma spoke of “IAF on the Move” and explained the progress made by IAF since its inception.

Congressman Nick Lampson’s office was represented by Mini Timmaraju & she presented a proclamation signed by Congressman Nick Lampson of 22nd district & passed by 110th Congress as a Congressional Record to IAF Chairman, Mr. K.C.Mehta.The Honorable Mayor of Sugar Land, Mr. David Wallace praised IAF involvement in Fort Bend County and praised the leadership provided by IAF Chairman and presented Proclamation from the City of Sugar Land to Diwali gala event Chair, Mrs. Jasmin Patel, declaring November 2nd, 2007 as the “Festival of Lights Day”.

The Honorable Mayor David Scarcella, of the City of Stafford, wished everybody “Happy Diwali” and praised the contribution made by Indo Americans to this country & especially to Ford Bend County.

After the speech by Rohan Shah on “Vibrant Gujarat” young group of dancers presented “Gujrati Folk Dances” choreographed by Uma Nagersheth. The “Bedah Dance” co-ordinated by Shefali Jhaveri, the “Tippani Dance” co-ordinated by Jasmin Patel, “Rass Dance” co-ordinated by Sonal Bhuchar, and the Gujarat Theme Dance co-ordinated by Uma Nagerseth were very well received by one and all. In all there were more than 25 participants & every one praised the performance of the young dancers.

Among the dignitaries who attended this colorful event were : Andy Myers, County Commissioner Fort Bend County, Dist. Attorney Fort Bend County, Mr. John Healey and Mrs. Healey, Secretary & Board Of Trustee Fort Bend ISD, Mrs. Sonal Bhuchar, Honorable Mayor of the City of Stafford, Mr. Leonard Scarcella,Honorable Mayor City Of Sugar Land, Mr. David Wallace & Kathy Wallace, Sugar Land City Council at Large, Mr. Tom Abraham and Mrs. Sarah Abraham, Sugar land City Council member, Mr. Michael Schiff and Mrs. Jan Schiff, Sugar Land City Council member and candidate for Sugar Land Mayor Mr. Russell Jones, Past Mayor of the City of Sugar Land & Dist. 22 Congress candidate, Mr. Dean Hrbacek, Candidate City of Sugar Land Mayor and past Sugar Land City Council member at Large, Mr. Jimmy Thompson, Stafford City Councilman, Mr. Ken Mathew, Candidate for the City of Houston City Council, Mrs. Manisha Mehta and Candidate for Judge of the 125th Civil District Court in Harris County, Mr. Ashish Mahendru.

Chairman & Founding member of Indo American Forum of Fort Bend, Mr. K.C.Mehta explained the charitable activities of IAF. This year at IAF’s Navratri Celebration IAF raised Funds to Support our troops and presented checks totaling $ 3364.00 to United Service Organization representative, Mr. Dan Villarreal & Major Dr. Kulvinder Bajwa. Chairman Mr. K.C.Mehta declares “We are proud of Dr. Bajwa for his commitment to his country & we are proud of thousands of young men & women who sacrificed for the love of their country”. Dr. Bajwa is a surgeon at Memorial Herman Southwest Hospital & he is being deployed for the second time to Iraq. Chairman Mr.Mehta thanked Mrs.Vijay Bhuchar for taking a lead for the USO project.

This year the Indo American Board of Trustees found a unique way of bringing cultural awareness to the children of FBISD by donating books written by the author of "India Unveiled" Mr. Robert Arnett. Arnett has portrayed the sights and culture of India in all it's splendor through beautiful photographs and has subsequently written another children's book on India "Finder's Keepers". IAF is going to be donating the book "Finder's Keepers" to 41 Elementary schools and 13 Middle schools as well as "India Unveiled" to 13 Middle schools and 11 High schools. Chairman Mr. K.C.Mehta, presented the books to Mrs. Sonal Bhuchar, Secretary, Board Of Trustee Fort Bend ISD and to Ms. Jan Schiff volunteer coordinator for Fort Bend ISD, who accepted the books on behalf of Dr.Timothy Jenney, Superintendent Fort Bend ISD schools.

With great pride and joy, the chairman of IAF presented $1000 each to local charities: The Arc of Fort Bend, Fort Bend Family Health Centre, Child Advocates of Fort Bend, Literacy Council Of Fort Bend and East Fort Bend Human Needs Food Pantry. Mr. Mehta thanked everyone associated with Diwali Gala for their participation .

As gracious hosts, and true to Indian tradition, no expense was spared in hospitality. The food, provided by Madras Pavilion was presented in Indian thalis (steel plates) was absolutely sumptuous and appreciated by all. The evening continued into the late hours of the night while all the guests danced to the beat of popular Indian music.

All the Board Members and Board of Trustees of Indo American Forum felt a sense of pride and gratification because once again as stated by the chairman "The vision of the founding members, to provide a platform for Indo Americans to unite and progress has turned into a meaningful reality".

Participation in the July 4th Parade, at Oyster Creek Park

The City of Sugar Land decided to cancel the 4th of July celebrations this year due to weather conditions. Indo American Forum would be happy to participate and support the Parade celebrations for July 2008 and every year as it has been supporting in the past. We hope to see you all at our other events this year.

IAF participates in the Memorial Day Service for the third time

The FIFTH ANNUAL Memorial Day service FORT BEND SALUTES AMERICA was held on May 28th, 2007 at the Sugar Land Town Square. Indo American Forum (IAF) was well represented by its members as well as a sizeable Indo American Community, to recognize the countless men and woman of all of America 's Armed Forces that put service above self and paid the ultimate sacrifice so America could breath free.

The event was well organized and chaired by Constable Troy Nehls. It drew a record breaking crowd in spite of the inclement weather.

The services were made more memorable with twenty-one gun salutes, prayers from many denominations, live patriotic music by the Daystar Project Band and a parade of flags and wreath laying ceremony from local boy and girl scout troops.

A flyover of F-16s scheduled from the United States Air Force could not be featured due to bad weather. Six Gold Star (survivor) families, 3 from Vietnam and 3 from Iraq were honored. Covered seating, cold drinks and food for the entire family was available along with activities for the children including face painting and a moon bounce following the solemn but joyous ceremony. Indo American Forum of Fort Bend (IAF) distributed USA flags at the service. This is the third year of Indo American Forum's participation at this event. IAF was represented by some of its Board members, Chairman K.C. Mehta, Harvinder Arora, Harish and Shashi Jajoo, Naren Patel, R.S. Patel, and Sunil Sharma. Mr. Girish Shah, Dinesh Shah, Zafar Taqvi, Dr. Maya Patel and few others were present as part of the Indo Americans honoring the unsung war heroes.

Mr. Sam Malone, Radio Talk Show host was the Master of Ceremonies and did an outstanding job. The Pledge of Allegiance was conducted by Commander Trever Nehls, and SPC Dillon Cannon, US Army.

Chairman Troy Nehls-Fort Bend Salutes America, accepted the Proclamation honoring the event, from Mr. Dennis Parmer , Mayor Pro-Tem, City of Sugar Land. Key note speaker at the event was US Congressman Nick Lampson, who was joined by other distinguished guests: Tom Abraham, Council Member at Large, Russell Jones, Don Olson, Council Members-City of Sugar Land, Shelly Sekula Gibbs, Former US Congress woman, and Houston City Council member, Police Chief-Steve Griffith-City of Sugar Land and a few others.

It was a touching moment to see the Sugar Landers unfurling the USA flag with IAF members, Harvinder Arora and Sunil Sharma as part of the 100 or so people of all denominations, especially youths, who participated in this somber moment.

This is a wonderful event and will continue to grow as residents become more and more aware of this good cause.

Holi “Gulal” spreads in Sugar Land

By Vijay Bhuchar

The air in Oyster Creek Park in Sugar Land took on a red hue as the members of the Indo-American Forum played Holi on Sunday, March 4, 2007. Over 120 visitors reveled in the merriment of holi by applying gulal (red powder) on everyone as they wished them a happy holi. The children and youngsters took delight in tagging their friends.

The park resounded with the sounds of music that celebrate holi - graciously provided by Ashok & Rashmi Shelat. Many visitors danced merrily in the pavilion overlooking the fountain. A crisp sunny day added to the mood of the event.   Everyone also recognized the significance of the festival which marks the end of winter gloom and heralds the coming of spring, trading the dreariness of winter for the vibrance and colors of spring

The visitors enjoyed a traditional Indian meal accompanied by “thandai”, a milk-based drink.

Walkers and runners in the park were intrigued by the celebration and stopped to get information about the festival and culture of India.

Indo American Forum of Fort Bend (IAF) represents the growing Indo American community in Fort Bend County. Together, We Can Make a Difference is the motto of IAF. The focus of IAF is to encourage and promote participation in social, cultural and civic affairs to ensure a better future for the next generation of Indo Americans.
Other activities planned for the year are participation in the Memorial Day ceremony at City to recognize veterans on May 28, participation in the July 4 parade, Navratri celebration on Saturday, October 6, to culminate in a Diwali celebration on November 3.
The Board of Trustees, chaired by K.C. Mehta, includes Harvinder Arora, Past Chairman, Govind Agrawal, Shekhar Agrawal, Subodh Bhuchar, Vijay Bhuchar, Tanaz Choudhury, Himesh Gandhi, Harish Jajoo, Shefali Jhaveri, Nitin Kapadia, Mala Nityanand, Jasmine Patel,   Naren Patel, Asha Reddi, Sunil Sharma, and Suresh Shenoy.
To become a member and for additional information, please call 281-565-5566 or download form from this web site.


Together, We Can Make A Difference
IAFArchives: 2006 2005 2004	2007 IAF Events Diwali Navratri Celebrations July 4th Parade Fort Bend Salutes America Holi IAF Celebrates its 4th Annual Diwali Gala By: Dr. Mala Nityanand Indo American Forum of Fort Bend(IAF) celebrated it’s 4th Annual Diwali Gala on Friday, November 2nd ,2007 at the Texas Safari Ranch. In keeping with its tradition this was another sell out event. Every year IAF celebrates one state of India and this year’s theme was “Celebrating Gujarat”. About 450 members and guests attended the Gala. The entrance of Texas Safari Ranch ballroom was aglow with numerous glittering diyas (oil lamps) and the guests were greeted in a traditional style with Aarti and Tikka.It was an epitome of cultural integration as majority of guests of Indian and American heritage graced the occasion dressed in Indian ensembles. Since this year's theme was the state of Gujarat, all the decorations, food, music and dances portrayed this western state of India vividly. Guests were busy greeting every one “Happy Diwali” during social hour. The mistress of ceremonies, Mrs. Tanaz Choudhury set a joyous tone for this fun evening, followed by the lighting of the lamp by Mr. & Mrs. S.M. Gavai, Hon. Consul General of India. Hon. Gavai wished everyone “Happy Diwali" . Founding Board of Trustee, Mr. Sunil Sharma spoke of “IAF on the Move” and explained the progress made by IAF since its inception. Congressman Nick Lampson’s office was represented by Mini Timmaraju & she presented a proclamation signed by Congressman Nick Lampson of 22nd district & passed by 110th Congress as a Congressional Record to IAF Chairman, Mr. K.C.Mehta.The Honorable Mayor of Sugar Land, Mr. David Wallace praised IAF involvement in Fort Bend County and praised the leadership provided by IAF Chairman and presented Proclamation from the City of Sugar Land to Diwali gala event Chair, Mrs. Jasmin Patel, declaring November 2nd, 2007 as the “Festival of Lights Day”. The Honorable Mayor David Scarcella, of the City of Stafford, wished everybody “Happy Diwali” and praised the contribution made by Indo Americans to this country & especially to Ford Bend County. After the speech by Rohan Shah on “Vibrant Gujarat” young group of dancers presented “Gujrati Folk Dances” choreographed by Uma Nagersheth. The “Bedah Dance” co-ordinated by Shefali Jhaveri, the “Tippani Dance” co-ordinated by Jasmin Patel, “Rass Dance” co-ordinated by Sonal Bhuchar, and the Gujarat Theme Dance co-ordinated by Uma Nagerseth were very well received by one and all. In all there were more than 25 participants & every one praised the performance of the young dancers. Among the dignitaries who attended this colorful event were : Andy Myers, County Commissioner Fort Bend County, Dist. Attorney Fort Bend County, Mr. John Healey and Mrs. Healey, Secretary & Board Of Trustee Fort Bend ISD, Mrs. Sonal Bhuchar, Honorable Mayor of the City of Stafford, Mr. Leonard Scarcella,Honorable Mayor City Of Sugar Land, Mr. David Wallace & Kathy Wallace, Sugar Land City Council at Large, Mr. Tom Abraham and Mrs. Sarah Abraham, Sugar land City Council member, Mr. Michael Schiff and Mrs. Jan Schiff, Sugar Land City Council member and candidate for Sugar Land Mayor Mr. Russell Jones, Past Mayor of the City of Sugar Land & Dist. 22 Congress candidate, Mr. Dean Hrbacek, Candidate City of Sugar Land Mayor and past Sugar Land City Council member at Large, Mr. Jimmy Thompson, Stafford City Councilman, Mr. Ken Mathew, Candidate for the City of Houston City Council, Mrs. Manisha Mehta and Candidate for Judge of the 125th Civil District Court in Harris County, Mr. Ashish Mahendru. Chairman & Founding member of Indo American Forum of Fort Bend, Mr. K.C.Mehta explained the charitable activities of IAF. This year at IAF’s Navratri Celebration IAF raised Funds to Support our troops and presented checks totaling $ 3364.00 to United Service Organization representative, Mr. Dan Villarreal & Major Dr. Kulvinder Bajwa. Chairman Mr. K.C.Mehta declares “We are proud of Dr. Bajwa for his commitment to his country & we are proud of thousands of young men & women who sacrificed for the love of their country”. Dr. Bajwa is a surgeon at Memorial Herman Southwest Hospital & he is being deployed for the second time to Iraq. Chairman Mr.Mehta thanked Mrs.Vijay Bhuchar for taking a lead for the USO project. This year the Indo American Board of Trustees found a unique way of bringing cultural awareness to the children of FBISD by donating books written by the author of "India Unveiled" Mr. Robert Arnett. Arnett has portrayed the sights and culture of India in all it's splendor through beautiful photographs and has subsequently written another children's book on India "Finder's Keepers". IAF is going to be donating the book "Finder's Keepers" to 41 Elementary schools and 13 Middle schools as well as "India Unveiled" to 13 Middle schools and 11 High schools. Chairman Mr. K.C.Mehta, presented the books to Mrs. Sonal Bhuchar, Secretary, Board Of Trustee Fort Bend ISD and to Ms. Jan Schiff volunteer coordinator for Fort Bend ISD, who accepted the books on behalf of Dr.Timothy Jenney, Superintendent Fort Bend ISD schools. With great pride and joy, the chairman of IAF presented $1000 each to local charities: The Arc of Fort Bend, Fort Bend Family Health Centre, Child Advocates of Fort Bend, Literacy Council Of Fort Bend and East Fort Bend Human Needs Food Pantry. Mr. Mehta thanked everyone associated with Diwali Gala for their participation . As gracious hosts, and true to Indian tradition, no expense was spared in hospitality. The food, provided by Madras Pavilion was presented in Indian thalis (steel plates) was absolutely sumptuous and appreciated by all. The evening continued into the late hours of the night while all the guests danced to the beat of popular Indian music. All the Board Members and Board of Trustees of Indo American Forum felt a sense of pride and gratification because once again as stated by the chairman "The vision of the founding members, to provide a platform for Indo Americans to unite and progress has turned into a meaningful reality". Participation in the July 4th Parade, at Oyster Creek Park The City of Sugar Land decided to cancel the 4th of July celebrations this year due to weather conditions. Indo American Forum would be happy to participate and support the Parade celebrations for July 2008 and every year as it has been supporting in the past. We hope to see you all at our other events this year. IAF participates in the Memorial Day Service for the third time The FIFTH ANNUAL Memorial Day service FORT BEND SALUTES AMERICA was held on May 28th, 2007 at the Sugar Land Town Square. Indo American Forum (IAF) was well represented by its members as well as a sizeable Indo American Community, to recognize the countless men and woman of all of America 's Armed Forces that put service above self and paid the ultimate sacrifice so America could breath free. The event was well organized and chaired by Constable Troy Nehls. It drew a record breaking crowd in spite of the inclement weather. The services were made more memorable with twenty-one gun salutes, prayers from many denominations, live patriotic music by the Daystar Project Band and a parade of flags and wreath laying ceremony from local boy and girl scout troops. A flyover of F-16s scheduled from the United States Air Force could not be featured due to bad weather. Six Gold Star (survivor) families, 3 from Vietnam and 3 from Iraq were honored. Covered seating, cold drinks and food for the entire family was available along with activities for the children including face painting and a moon bounce following the solemn but joyous ceremony. Indo American Forum of Fort Bend (IAF) distributed USA flags at the service. This is the third year of Indo American Forum's participation at this event. IAF was represented by some of its Board members, Chairman K.C. Mehta, Harvinder Arora, Harish and Shashi Jajoo, Naren Patel, R.S. Patel, and Sunil Sharma. Mr. Girish Shah, Dinesh Shah, Zafar Taqvi, Dr. Maya Patel and few others were present as part of the Indo Americans honoring the unsung war heroes. Mr. Sam Malone, Radio Talk Show host was the Master of Ceremonies and did an outstanding job. The Pledge of Allegiance was conducted by Commander Trever Nehls, and SPC Dillon Cannon, US Army. Chairman Troy Nehls-Fort Bend Salutes America, accepted the Proclamation honoring the event, from Mr. Dennis Parmer , Mayor Pro-Tem, City of Sugar Land. Key note speaker at the event was US Congressman Nick Lampson, who was joined by other distinguished guests: Tom Abraham, Council Member at Large, Russell Jones, Don Olson, Council Members-City of Sugar Land, Shelly Sekula Gibbs, Former US Congress woman, and Houston City Council member, Police Chief-Steve Griffith-City of Sugar Land and a few others. It was a touching moment to see the Sugar Landers unfurling the USA flag with IAF members, Harvinder Arora and Sunil Sharma as part of the 100 or so people of all denominations, especially youths, who participated in this somber moment. This is a wonderful event and will continue to grow as residents become more and more aware of this good cause. Holi “Gulal” spreads in Sugar Land By Vijay Bhuchar The air in Oyster Creek Park in Sugar Land took on a red hue as the members of the Indo-American Forum played Holi on Sunday, March 4, 2007. Over 120 visitors reveled in the merriment of holi by applying gulal (red powder) on everyone as they wished them a happy holi. The children and youngsters took delight in tagging their friends. The park resounded with the sounds of music that celebrate holi - graciously provided by Ashok & Rashmi Shelat. Many visitors danced merrily in the pavilion overlooking the fountain. A crisp sunny day added to the mood of the event. Everyone also recognized the significance of the festival which marks the end of winter gloom and heralds the coming of spring, trading the dreariness of winter for the vibrance and colors of spring The visitors enjoyed a traditional Indian meal accompanied by “thandai”, a milk-based drink. Walkers and runners in the park were intrigued by the celebration and stopped to get information about the festival and culture of India. Indo American Forum of Fort Bend (IAF) represents the growing Indo American community in Fort Bend County. *Together, We Can Make a Difference* is the motto of IAF. The focus of IAF is to encourage and promote participation in social, cultural and civic affairs to ensure a better future for the next generation of Indo Americans. Other activities planned for the year are participation in the Memorial Day ceremony at City to recognize veterans on May 28, participation in the July 4 parade, Navratri celebration on Saturday, October 6, to culminate in a Diwali celebration on November 3. The Board of Trustees, chaired by K.C. Mehta, includes Harvinder Arora, Past Chairman, Govind Agrawal, Shekhar Agrawal, Subodh Bhuchar, Vijay Bhuchar, Tanaz Choudhury, Himesh Gandhi, Harish Jajoo, Shefali Jhaveri, Nitin Kapadia, Mala Nityanand, Jasmine Patel, Naren Patel, Asha Reddi, Sunil Sharma, and Suresh Shenoy. To become a member and for additional information, please call 281-565-5566 or download form from this web site.