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Austin360 blogs > Out & About > Archives > 2012 > January > 29

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Indian Republic Day at Givens Recreation Center

I didn’t even know there was a Republic Day. The holiday recognizes the adoption of the Indian constitution 62 years ago. The Indian American Coalition of Texas saluted the birth of the world’s largest democracy on Saturday.

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Veena Gangidi, Sumana Sen Mandala and Shahin Alvi

The Republic Day party was held at the Givens Recreation Center on far East 12th Street. Booths surrounded a seated area that faced the raised stage in this combination gym and performance area. For two hours during the five-hour affair, traditional music and dances alternated with speeches, proclamations and games.

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Komal Bose and Koonal Bose

Needless to say, various elected and appointed officials spoke. I would, too, if I were running for anything. Austin’s Indian American population is growing rapidly. The community’s culture, history and variety are increasingly vital to everyone.

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Sumina Bhatti, Sameer Shah and Sonia Kotecha

Sadly, I could not stay for dinner. I’m still making baby steps learning how to cook Indian cuisine. Pushpesh Pant’s massive cookbook is my current guide. Which brings to mind a pertinent question: What’s your favorite Indian restaurant in Austin? My fall-back is the Clay Pit.

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