Celebrate India 2000 Awards NightCelebrate India 2000 Awards Night
By Elnora M. Mercado
June 29, 2000
    After a very successful presentation of Celebrate India 2000 which was held June 18 at the Denver Center of Performing Arts (DCPA) Donald R. Seawell Grand Ballroom, the Planning Committee held an award ceremony to honor the Artists and the Planning Committee members. This was held at the Gandhi Cuisine of India, Denver Tech Center, on Monday, June 26, 2000.

Everyone enjoyed the delicious dinner after which Patty Coutts, Finance and Budget Committee Chair, spoke of the struggles behind the triumphant success of Celebrate India 2000 -- the first Asian supported event ever held at the DCPA. She predicted more Asian cultural events will be held in the future and they will be easier and better funded than this first one.

Patty introduced Purnima Voria, Chair, who presented the plaque for Lester Ward which was accepted by Mr. Gully Stanford. Gully, a serious student of Indian philosophy and culture, recited a few words in Sanskrit. He regretted not having heard the performance of the artist, Pandit Bhajan Sopori but hoped that someday he'd perform again in Denver. Pandit Sopori, in his acceptance speech, expressed his appreciation as he played his 100 strings santoor for "a great audience." A recipient of many awards, Pandit Sopori serves as the director of programming for All India Radio (AIR) in Delhi.

Among those present to receive the appreciation plaques were:
Bellerina "Billie" Bengali - DCPA Kindred Spirits Chair who strongly supported the event.

The artists and performers:
Dr. Bhusan Sopori, (brother of Pandit Sopori) who played the Tabla; Pooja, Anjali and Rahki Voria (lovely daughters of Purnima Voria) who performed Indian classical dances.

Members of the Planning Committee: Purnima Voria, Chairperson; Alok Sarwal, Co-chairperson; Sachchit Pandey, Executive Director; Patty Coutts, Finance and Budget; Lily Shen, Ticket Sales; Manu Raval, Hospitality; Chiyo Horiuchi, Food Nestor and Nora Mercado, Publicity Chairs; Tod Nguyen, Publicity Co-Chair

Gandhi Cuisine of India (1999 awardee of the Zagat Survey) was the restaurant which catered the best Indian food during the Celebrate India 2000 event. Located at DTC I-25 & Belleview Ave, 5071 S. Syracuse, Denver, Colorado, the restaurant serves delicious Indian cooking with gracious hospitality. Call them at 303-694-7399 or e-mail: gandhidtc@email.msn.com for reservations. They are open 7 days a week.

Celebrate India 2000 touched so many people in the audience. One of them wrote the following message to Purnima and we quote in full:

Congratulations on such a successful event - Celebrate India 2000. It was quite an elegant affair complete with dignitaries, artists, caterers and the whole "9 yards." The program was very well organized, complete with M.C.,s and you as the charming hostess of the evening. You were beautiful both in dress and poise and charm. I had a delightful time. Congratulations again!!

Sincerely, Leticia