On Sunday, January 26, 2025, the Indian Senior Citizens Group of Las Vegas came together to celebrate India’s 76th Republic Day (Gana Tantra Diwas) with great enthusiasm and patriotism. The event was attended by nearly 50 senior citizens, both men and women, dressed in stunning traditional attire, creating a vibrant and colorful atmosphere.

Adding to the occasion’s grandeur, the newly elected Mayor of Las Vegas, Mrs. Shelly Berkeley, graced the celebration with her presence, spending 45 memorable minutes with the group and sharing warm interactions with attendees.

The ceremony began with a heartfelt address by Dr. Sulekh Jain, who highlighted the significance of this historic day (see attachment). The event was filled with patriotic songs, uplifting music, and joyful dancing, all culminating in a delicious feast of pure Indian vegetarian cuisine, generously sponsored for everyone.

A moment of solemnity marked the gathering as attendees observed two minutes of silence in memory of Dr. Mohan Reddy, a cherished member of the community who passed away on January 23rd.

Adding to the festive mood, the group celebrated the remarkable 50th and beyond marriage anniversaries of several couples, recognizing their incredible milestones. A special highlight was the presence of three officers from the Las Vegas AARP, who delivered an informative and timely presentation on staying vigilant against the increasing number of scams. Their advice was both practical and deeply appreciated by the audience.

Another proud moment of the day was the felicitation of Dr. Satish Bhatnagar, who was honored for completing 50 distinguished years of service as a Professor of Mathematics at UNLV—a testament to his dedication and remarkable achievements.

In her address, Mayor Shelly Berkeley expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Indian community for their support and shared her visionary plans for the city of Las Vegas, leaving everyone inspired and hopeful.

This joyous and meaningful gathering beautifully reflected the spirit of unity, culture, and community, making it a memorable day for all who attended.

 As submitted by Las Vegas resident Sulekh C. Jain, PhD

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