Indian Independence Day celebration

India's Independence Day is celebrated on August 15 to commemorate the country's freedom

Ahjeetha Shankar performs Bharatanatyam dance from British rule and its birth as a sovereign nation on that day in 1947. The day is celebrated all over the country and by a growing diaspora around the world.

In Danbury, City Hall became the backdrop for such a celebration, adorned with the vivid colors, dance, music and the rich culture of India. Over 50 people, among them members of the area's Indian community, dignitaries, guests of honor and Indian culture aficionados, gathered together to commemorate this special day.

The ceremony, led by Mini Pallai, began with Danbury's first Indian Common Council member Shailesh Nagarsheth, introducing Mayor Mark Boughton, who welcomed all those present and acknowledged all other elected officials in attendance.

A speech by the guest of honor, Bala Krishnamurthy, CEO of Aeolean Inc., a pioneer in the robotics industry, recently honored as the first woman to be awarded the prestigious Engel- berger Robotics Award, followed the formal introductions.

From left: Mini Pallai, guest of honor Bala Krishnamurthy, and Common Council member Shailesh Nagarsheth "We are the lucky ones. We are the ones who live home to visit home," said Bala as she spoke of her immigrant experience and eloquently pointed out all the advances India has made over the past 62 years.

"So what can we do for a country that's has helped us be so successful?" she asked, noting that advances aside, there was still a lot of work to be done in India.

She sent out a call for action to the audience, "There are still so much we can do when it comes to poverty, education and health care. Let us support organizations that do this good work in India."

Her words where followed by the holstering of the flag, as the American and Indian National anthems were sung by the students of the Hindi Vidhya Kendra.

Patriotic song sequences, as well as Indian classical and modern dance, were performed by students of all ages from the Soortal Dance School, enchanting the guests with their talent.

Soortal Dance School students perform Sara Jahanse Acha, a patriotic song Students of the Hindi Vidhya Kendra (Hindi Language School) perform a song sequence featuring historic figures who fought for India's freedom Soortal Dance School students Emily Wyner and Nicole Goodsell perform "Slum Dog Millionaire" Jai-Ho