Our Bureau
South Brunswick, NJ
More than 350 attendees gathered for a vibrant celebration of India’s 77th Independence Day, hosted by the Indo-American Cultural Foundation of Central Jersey (IACFNJ) on August 17, 2024. The festivities, held at the Shree Swaminarayan Temple on Culver Road, South Brunswick, showcased a rich array of cultural and patriotic performances.
The event featured over 20 performances, including traditional and classical dance routines, musical instrument showcases, and vocal performances. Talented young artists captivated the audience with nearly two hours of engaging performances, highlighting their skills and dedication. The celebration began with a pledge of allegiance, followed by the American and Indian national anthems, and the singing of “Vande Mataram.”
Elected officials in attendance included South Brunswick Township Councilwoman Archana Grover and School Board Members Barry Nathanson, Dr. Smitha Raj, and Deepa Karthik. They offered their congratulations and support to the Indian American community.
IACFNJ President Dr. Tushar Patel expressed his gratitude to the community and the Shree Swaminarayan Temple for their contributions to the event’s success. He remarked, “We are fortunate to live in the USA and celebrate two of the world’s top democracies—India, the largest, and the USA, the oldest. As we celebrate, we must remember the sacrifices of freedom fighters.”
A special highlight of the event was the presence of Amar Kaur, a 106-year-old resident of North Brunswick, who joined in the Independence Day celebration. The event was skillfully coordinated by Event Chair Naina Goel and hosted by three talented youths. Music and DJ services were provided by Hrushi Jadhav, and a variety of delicious food added to the event’s appeal.
In addition to cultural events, IACFNJ supports local education through scholarships. In 2024, IACFNJ awarded seven scholarships to high school students in South and North Brunswick based on academic merit. Scholarships were presented in memory of IACFNJ members Murthy Yerramilli and Sunil Shah, with awards given at North Brunswick High School on June 4, 2024, and South Brunswick High School on June 12, 2024.
Looking ahead, IACFNJ is preparing for its upcoming Navratri Garba event, a major celebration set for October 4 and 5, 2024, at South Brunswick High School. Details about sponsorships and tickets will be announced soon. For more information about future events, visit its website.
