india independence day
The 62nd India Independence Day was celebrated with a colorful display of culture and history through dance, stage plays and exhibitions Saturday at Goodwyn Hall on the Auburn Montgomery campus.
Brightly colored saris, a traditional Indian dress, decorated the auditorium where more than 60 people packed in to enjoy the show.
Sudha Raghuram, who organized the event through The Hindu Temple of Alabama, said she was "very excited" to have people gather to celebrate their culture and history.
"We celebrate this event just once a year and this is a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase our culture," she said, adding "it's also a nice time get together with everyone for a common purpose."
India gained its independence at the stroke of midnight on Aug. 14, 1947, and Raghuram said it's fitting that their ceremony would fall so close to the exact day of celebration.
"It's the perfect day," she said about the timing of their event, which pays homage to Indian culture and the freedom struggle against Great Britain.
One of the highlights of the program was a dance drama, "Jhansi ki Rani," which was based on the experience of one of India's well-known freedom fighters, Lakshmi Bai.
Bai, also known as The Queen of Jhansi, is regarded by many as the Indian version of Joan of Arc, Raghuram said, because of her role in the rebellion against British rule.
The eight-dancer performance, filled with energy and strong movement, received a big round of applause as it came to a close.
Nandini Vobbilisetty, one of the younger dancers, wore a bright smile matching her colorful Indian outfit.
Adorned in gold jewelry from head to toe, Vobbilisetty and many of the other performers, appeared stunning in the intricately designed clothes.
Vobbilisetty, who's been dancing since she was five, said she enjoys taking part in an event that showcases her culture.
"It's fun," the 8-year-old Forest Avenue Elementary student said.
Her schoolmates and dance partners, Sai Manthra Ganesh and Vandana Macha, nodded their heads in agreement.
Vikram Gunda, whose daughter Vishwadha also danced in the show, said the event is also a great opportunity to teach many of their American-born children about important aspects of their culture.
Gunda, a father of three, said while the celebrations back home in India are on a much larger scale, many people in the area just enjoy coming out and being with their families.
"This is an auspicious occasion for us, a time to call loved ones everywhere, especially in India and say Happy Independence Day," he said.
The 62nd India Independence Day was celebrated with a colorful display of culture and history through dance, stage plays and exhibitions Saturday at Goodwyn Hall on the Auburn Montgomery campus.
Brightly colored saris, a traditional Indian dress, decorated the auditorium where more than 60 people packed in to enjoy the show.
Sudha Raghuram, who organized the event through The Hindu Temple of Alabama, said she was "very excited" to have people gather to celebrate their culture and history.
"We celebrate this event just once a year and this is a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase our culture," she said, adding "it's also a nice time get together with everyone for a common purpose."
India gained its independence at the stroke of midnight on Aug. 14, 1947, and Raghuram said it's fitting that their ceremony would fall so close to the exact day of celebration.
"It's the perfect day," she said about the timing of their event, which pays homage to Indian culture and the freedom struggle against Great Britain.
One of the highlights of the program was a dance drama, "Jhansi ki Rani," which was based on the experience of one of India's well-known freedom fighters, Lakshmi Bai.
Bai, also known as The Queen of Jhansi, is regarded by many as the Indian version of Joan of Arc, Raghuram said, because of her role in the rebellion against British rule.
The eight-dancer performance, filled with energy and strong movement, received a big round of applause as it came to a close.
Nandini Vobbilisetty, one of the younger dancers, wore a bright smile matching her colorful Indian outfit.
Adorned in gold jewelry from head to toe, Vobbilisetty and many of the other performers, appeared stunning in the intricately designed clothes.
Vobbilisetty, who's been dancing since she was five, said she enjoys taking part in an event that showcases her culture.
"It's fun," the 8-year-old Forest Avenue Elementary student said.
Her schoolmates and dance partners, Sai Manthra Ganesh and Vandana Macha, nodded their heads in agreement.
Vikram Gunda, whose daughter Vishwadha also danced in the show, said the event is also a great opportunity to teach many of their American-born children about important aspects of their culture.
Gunda, a father of three, said while the celebrations back home in India are on a much larger scale, many people in the area just enjoy coming out and being with their families.
"This is an auspicious occasion for us, a time to call loved ones everywhere, especially in India and say Happy Independence Day," he said.
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