The Indian Nationality Room Committee at the Cathedral of Learning’s Nationality Rooms will observe India’s 65th year of Independence on Sunday. The annual celebration includes a parade around the Cathedral along with speakers, dancers, food, and other things.
“It’s important for us, for our children, to know the struggle those leaders who fought for this independence," said Saroj Bahl, India Nationality Room Committee Chair. "You know, India was under British rule, for 200 years they ruled India and it was not easy.”
This year India Day will also mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Swami Vivekananda. “He was the one who was one of the first Indians to come to the U.S. and England and preach the philosophy of medication and yoga,” said Bahl, and she added, his message is universal, not just for Indians.
The event is open to the public, but according to the Nationality Room’s Cristina Lagnese, the room committee does have an ultimate goal in mind.
“The celebration attempts to bring the entire Indian community together under one banner,” she said, “whether from the north or south, east or west, every person is first and foremost and Indian. We therefor proudly showcase that in spite of differences amongst people from various regions in India, there is unity in diversity.”
The celebration takes place from noon to 3PM at the Cathedral of Learning in Oakland.
