'magnificent Day' Marked In India Community

Members of the McLean County India Association celebrated their country's historic independence Saturday, unfurling the colors of saffron, white and green of India's flag at Community Hall.

The association also bid "Namaste" to the community, inviting people to receive a symbolic blessing from Mother India.

"This is a magnificent day for us," said Ratish Raghavan, member of the association's communications committee, "so every year we find a way to celebrate."

The celebration of India's independence, gained from the British on Aug. 15, 1947, has been a gathering occasion for the McLean County India Association since it was established in 1979. This year, the association held a light and informal affair at One Normal Plaza, with traditional Indian saris, tasty samosas and plates of corn chips and Rice Krispie squares.

"Even though it's Indian Independence Day, it's also a coming together of two cultures," Raghavan said.

To that end, the association enlisted Bloomington psychiatrist Dr. Roger Paturi to speak at this year's event.

"Roger has a prominent position in town," said Rakesh Gulati, president of the association, "but more than that, he's a true Indian-American. He's been a strong proponent of teaching our children both Indian values as well as American."

Gulati noted that Paturi hosted India Independence Day parties in his own back yard for years.

"Dr. Paturi is very passionate about where he comes from," added Gulati's wife, Radha.

Community participation

That passion was felt by the community at large. Local officials like Bloomington Mayor Steve Stockton spoke at the event and were on hand to present awards to students of Indian heritage for essay writing, artwork and traditional flower pattern-making known as rangoli.

"I think it's incredible to watch how Indian parents share their traditions to their children, and how their children share back with them," Downs Mayor Jeff Schwartz said.

Later, India Association members Shom and Vinod Nambier -- with a live band of bass, keyboard, synthesized drums and tabla -- performed patriotic tunes originally sung by India's freedom fighters.

The association also hosted an exhibition on Hindu culture by the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh.

"Indian independence represents a message to the world," said Bloomington Alderman Mike Matejka, "because it was won nonviolently, and that is a message we all can take into our hearts."