Tristate India Association Prepares for Diwali

October 2, 2006

Source: The Herald-Dispatch

[herald-dispatch.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061002/NEWS01/61002004/1001/NEWS10]

On October 2, 2006 The Herald-Dispatch reported, "Signs of hope, diversity and tolerance are the themes for the 2006 Festival of Diwali, presented by the Tristate India Association. The festival, also known as the Hindu Festival of Lights, is a good chance for the association to promote an understanding of Indian origin and ethnicity and its impact in the region, said Dr. Sumit Anand, president of the association. 'We are a good example of an immigrant community working well,' said Anand. 'This is about promoting tolerance and understanding, all these messages which get lost in the debates going on in the media right now (regarding immigration).' The association has at least 12 performances and speakers lined up for the community, including integrated groups performing Indian dances. There will be performances by Indian and American children together, and the evening will close with an offering of mutual respect with the singing of the national anthems of both India and America. 'Out of the performances, you can expect a lot of color, a lot of light, a lot of hope,' Anand said. 'We want to showcase the value of the immigrant community, the injection of that freshness. A lot of people have been here for 30 years, they have brought their families here, and we are some of the highest taxpayers and really are major contributors to the area.'"