Pitt’s Indian Nationality Room Committee to Host Aug. 18 Festival Celebrating India’s 66th Year of Independence

PITTSBURGH—Pitt’s Indian Nationality Room Committee will commemorate India’s 66th year of independence with a free and open celebration from noon to 3 p.m. Aug. 18 in the Cathedral of Learning’s Commons Room, 4200 Fifth Ave., Oakland. The festivities will include a parade around the Cathedral, a flag-hoisting ceremony, and a cultural festival.

Meena Mutyala (BUS ’89G), vice president of product management and engineering at Westinghouse Electric Company, will deliver the keynote address, titled, “Climate Change: How Indian Americans Can Make a Difference.”

Other speakers will include Pitt Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, and Pittsburgh City Councilman Bill Peduto.

Indian Nationality Room Committee Chair Saroj Bahl said this annual commemoration acknowledges India’s independence as well as the nation’s rich traditions and diversity. “This occasion brings the Indian community under one unified banner,” said Bahl. “On this day, we not only celebrate India’s freedom from British rule but we also celebrate the differences and commonalities among people from all regions of India.”

The celebration will commence with parade participants assembling at 11:45 a.m. on the Bigelow Boulevard side of the Cathedral. Following the parade, revelers will move into the Commons Room for a flag-hoisting ceremony of both Indian and American flags.

The festival will include folk music and dance performances. Attendees also will be able to purchase authentic Indian memorabilia and traditional foods from local vendors.

The event is sponsored by the Indian Nationality Room Committee and receives support from Pitt’s Nationality Rooms and Intercultural Exchange Programs, the Pittsburgh Indian community, and several local organizations.

For more information, contact Saroj Bahl at bahlsaroj@gmail.com or 412-828-2911.

###

8/15/13/mab/cjhm