MILPITAS, Calif. (Diya TV) — In a jubilant gathering on March 29, the Indo-American Community Federation (IACF), established by Jeevan Zutshi, commemorated its 30th anniversary with the annual Unity Dinner at the India Community Center. This year’s theme, “Unity through Diversity: Breathing Life into Education,” underscored the significance of social and emotional learning in enhancing the education system and preparing youth for contemporary challenges.
The centerpiece of the event was a panel discussion moderated by attorney Anjali Zutshi, shedding light on the SKY Schools program which has been training educators and youth worldwide in managing mind, emotions, and stress through wellness practices like yoga and meditation. The panel featured notable figures such as Bill Herman, Director of SKY Schools, and Kasturi Basu, a school principal who implemented the program. Other distinguished panelists included Dr. Nilima Sabharwal, founder of Home of Hope, Vivek Prasad from Fremont Unified Board of Education, and Elaine McDonald from Alameda County Board of Education.
There were several messages including from Alam Khydeeja, Executive Director of the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs, who represented the fastest-growing ethnic group in California. The Chief Guest was the respected and renowned Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni, Founder President of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti. Assemblymember Ash Kalra delivered a keynote message emphasizing unity in diversity.
The sold-out event attracted over 350 community members, including prominent figures such as mayors, council members, and supervisors from various Bay Area cities. Notable attendees included Alameda County Supervisor David Haubert, Santa Clara County Supervisor Otto Lee, and Congressman Ro Khanna.
The Unity Dinner also received extensive support from Bay Area community organizations, including Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora FIIDS, FIA/FOG, Foundation for Excellence, Kashmiri Overseas Association, BAPS, Jain Center, Association of Indo-Americans AIA, IbadatKhana led by Tasawar Jalali, and the Hindu American Foundation.
