FIA held its Parade Council meeting on 23rd March 2022 at Akbar Restaurant in Edison New Jersey. The meeting started by observing a one-minute silence for Shaeedi Diwas in respect to the martyrs of the Nation Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev. The meeting was presided over by the Executive Committee – President Mr. Kenny Desai, Vice President Mr. Saurin Parikh, 2nd Vice President Mr. Haresh Shah, Ex. Vice President, Secretary Mr. Parveen Bansal, Jt. Secretary Ms. Smita Miki Patel, Treasurer Mr. Amit Ringasia and Jt. Treasurer Mr Mahesh Dubal.
Also present were the Chairman Mr. Ankur Vaidya and members of the Board of Trustees – Padma Shri H.R. Shah, Padma Shri Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Mr. Srujal Parikh and Mr. Andy Bhatia.
Mr. Kenny Desai began the proceedings. He thanked everyone for showing up and said that each of the FIA member are the ambassadors of FIA. He outlined the events that are being held in the year for the celebration of Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav – celebrating the 75 years of Indian Independence. Gujarat and Maharashtra Day which would be celebrated with the Consul General of India, Dance Pe Chance with 600 kids participating, event at the Capitol Hill in Washington celebrating 50 years of FIA, Yoga Day again being celebrated with the CGI NY, the Flag Hoisting at the Times Square, Ringing of the Nasdaq Bell and the Illumination of The Empire State Building. The mega parade remains the biggest event wherein 3 records would be attempted for the Guiness Book of World Records and Mr. Desai requested the support of all the members to make it possible. Last but not the least he mentioned about the Diwali Soup Kitchen where over 100 thousand impecunious will be served, not only in the United States but abroad as well including India.
He further went on to elaborate the formation of various committees to facilitate the smooth operation related to all the aspects of the mentioned events.
Padma Shri H.R. Shah reflected on his time as one of the founding members when things weren’t so easy and thanked the young leaders who have brought the organisation to where it stands today.
Padma Shri Dr. Sudhir Parikh mentioned that ever since his association with FIA for almost 30 years,it has come a long way and thanked Mr. Ankur Vaidya and his team for making FIA grow from strength to strength. Mr. Ankur Vaidya thanked and lauded the Executive Committee members, who despite holding strong portfolios with hectic schedules in their professional lives, remain committed and work endlessly towards the cause of the FIA.
The event was also attended by Dr. Avinash Gupta, Mr. Anurag Kumar of BJANA (Bihar & Jharkand Association of North America) and Mr. Vamsi Vasireddy of TANA (Telegu Association of North America) and by Mr. Pradeep Malhotra of Akbar who has in part sponsored and supported the meeting, FIA initiatives including Diwali Soup Kitchen and Dance Pe Chance. FIA Executive team expressed their gratitude to Akbar Restaurant and their staff.
The evening reflected the spirit of camaraderie and a shared commitment across the board.