Daijiworld News Network - Houston
Houston, Jan 30: Thursday, January 26, 2006 was marked with a grand Republic Day celebrations in Houston, Texas with the presence of the new Consul General of India Mr. Shashi Shekhar Gavai and his wife Rina Gavai. The celebrations were followed by a Dinner Banquet at Hilton Hotel near Galleria. Prominent Congressmen both the Republican as well as Democrats were present for the occasion along with several Consular staff of many foreign consulates existing in Houston, Texas. Mr. Gavai in his opening remarks emphasized the importance of continued relations between United States and India amidst all the growing challenges of the world. The celebrations also included a colorful presentation of the 26 State pageantry that displayed the musical talents as well as costumes of 26 States of India that focused the secular pride and the cultural diversity of Mother India.
Saturday, January 28, 2006 will also create a historical marker in Houston, Texas with a ceremony of "Bhoomi Pooja" groundbreaking ceremony for India House project in Houston. This is a dream fulfilled for more than 140,000 Indians residing in and around Houston, Texas with a massive project that will facilitate the children, teens, young adults as well as Senior Citizens, and also the families in distress and new immigrants that will continue to reside in this vibrant city, the Energy Capital of the world. India House will also provide an unique cultural experience to the mainstream American community and introduce them to the salient features of ancient Indian culture and history. This is an added image builder for India in Houston in addition to the Gandhi Center, the Statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Herman Park, plus many other artistic temples and mosques that prominently prevail in Houston.
India as well as the Indians have a great deal to contribute in this great International city of Houston. The intellectual, commercial, cultural, social as well as economical benefits for both Americans as well as Indians residing in Houston will be tremendous benefit. This sentiment and recognition of India’s image in Houston was fully evident from the presence of prominent dignitaries from the American mainstream that were present for the Republic Day celebrations.