NRIs enhance prestige of India, says CG on Republic Day

Saturday, 04/02/2012

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/nri/us-canada-news/NRIs-enhance-prestige-of-India-says-CG-on-Republic-Day/articleshow/11751986.cms

Despite a global economic depression, India has managed to continue its ascending trajectory of growth, said San Francisco Indian Consul General Nageshrao Parthasarthi 0n January 26, at the consulate's annual Republic Day celebrations.

The new consul general, who took up his post Oct. 13, noted India's consistent six to seven percent growth rate. "We have the confidence to grow and stand tall among the greatest of nations," said Parthasarathi, to a colorfully-dressed crowd of more than 400 people who attended the event at the Palace of Fine Arts here.

Overseas Indians have made tremendous contributions both to India and their adopted lands, stated Parthasarathi. "You have enhanced the prestige and status of India," he stated, noting that India-U.S. relations are "the best that have ever existed."

"The oldest democracy and the largest democracy must join hands" to solve global issues," said the Mysore, Karnataka native, who most recently served as ambassador to Senegal.

As Parthasarathi read out Indian President Pratibha Patil's Republic Day speech - which in part called for India to respond to its civil rights issues - a handful of proestors outside the Beaux Arts-period building handed out flyers and got signatures on a petition demanding the release of two Indian activists. The group also demanded that police cease their alleged practice of torturing prisoners (see separate story).

In her speech, Patil said that India must strive towards an equality of opportunity as it prospers economically. India's priorities must be the complete removal of poverty and malnutrition, she stated, emphasizing the reinforcement of the health and education sectors to achieve that goal.

Last month, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh released a national survey which found that 42 percent of children under five were malnourished. Singh called the report's findings "a national shame."

California Senate Majority leader Ellen Corbett also attended the event, dressed festively in a red silk salwaar kameez. Earlier that day, Corbett introduced a resolution on the floor of the Senate, declaring Jan. 26 "India Republic Day" in California (see separate story).

"I represent the East Bay's vibrant Indo-American community and they are a force to be reckoned with," said Corbett, to laughter from the audience.

"I am a proud friend of the longest democracy and a good friend of the largest democracy," she said, presenting a framed proclamation to Parthasarathi.

Anu Natarajan, Mayor Pro Tem of Fremont, Calif., also spoke at the celebrations. "As the world changes and we look for the ideal democracy, what better models do we have than India and the US," she said, noting the relative successes of the "Occupy Movement" in this country and Anna Hazare's anti-corruption movement in India.

"As someone who grew up here, it's quite incredible to see the maturing of the Indian American community," said San Jose, Calif., city councilman Ash Kalra.

"You have made it possible for me to serve my community," said Kalra.

Madhav Misra and Jim Herlihy, co-chairs of the San Francisco-Bangalore Sister City Initiative, along with Kumar Malavalli, also presented the consulate with a plaque from San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee's office.

Misra noted that the initiative was partnering with The Indus Entrepreneurs to launch a product innovator scheme that would provide financial backing and mentoring to select entrepreneurs in India.

On the sidelines of the event, Sean Randolph, president of the Bay Area Council Economic Institute, told India-West that the Council was exploring the idea of opening an office in Bangalore.

Mallavali noted the unprecedented success of the "Maharajah" exhibit, currently on display at the Asian Art Museum, and told India-West he intends to bring more such shows to the San Francisco Bay Area.

The idea for the "Maharajah" exhibit was developed during a visit to Bangalore by the Sister City committee, explained Mallavali, one of the primary organizers of the show.

Students of the Chitresh Das Dance Company performed at the festivities under the direction of Charlotte Moraga, a senior disciple of the legendary kathak maestro Chitresh Das.