FORT WAYNE, IN: The Punjabi Cultural Society of Fort Wayne, Indiana celebrated its tenth anniversary by organizing “Diwali Mela 2014” on November 15 at Community Hall, Fort Wayne, Indiana.
More than 300 guests attended the sold out event. In addition to the Punjabi and Indian community members many local American friends also came and enjoyed the festival, food, culture and entertainment.
About a dozen variety talent show cultural items were presented by the youth and adults of the local Punjabi community. The items included Bhangra, Giddha, skits, songs and music. The stage was managed by Parvinder Singh Nanua and Krishan Singh.
The youth took turns to be the masters of ceremonies making announcements speaking in Punjabi. Aman Banwait, Jaslin Nanua, Sandeep Kaur, Rajbir Badwal, Jaspreet Badwal, Soni Garcha, Amandeep Kaur, Anureet Sekhon, Ravdeep Gill, Amrit Garcha, Jaspreet Kaur, Riya Khatana, Yuvraj Chaudhary, Poonam Chaudhary, Pawandeep Bola and Simeren Girn took turns to be the youth announcers for the stage activities.
“I am relishing the colorful dance performances and music, without understanding a word of what they are saying.
But let me tell you, don’t worry about me, keep on doing this, this is a great thing you are doing to keep your culture and language alive in your next generation,” said David Herdrick, a German American of Herdrick Petroleum Corp, who was one of the sponsors of the event.
“Mehak Punjab Di”, “Shakeen Gabru”, “Imperial Bhangra” and “Shaan Mutiaran Di” Giddha dance, and a hilarious skit by Mukhtiar and Rajdeep Gill won the hearts and earned thunderous applause from the audience.
The Diwali Mela started with the spectacular cultural performances followed by delicious dinner. The third part of the party was dancing to the DJ music till midnight where everyone participated and celebrated Diwali festival to their heart’s content.
The outgoing committee members Balbir Singh Banwait, Kulwinder Singh Nagra, Satish K. Khatana, Ranbir Singh Sekhon and Amarjit Singh Dhaliwal were honored with plaques for their excellent services provided to the community.
The original committee members Resham Singh, Mukhtiar Singh Gill, Parvinder Singh Nanua, Mohinder Singh Chera, Karnail Singh, Dalbir Singh Lidder and Bachitar Singh Virk were also honored with plaques for their vision to create such a community organization to keep the local families and children in touch with Punjabi culture.
The next event by the PCS Fort Wayne will be a community picnic during the 2015 summer.
Rajinder Mago
