08/18/2025
**A Resounding Celebration of Unity and Interfaith Harmony with the Leadership of Ilyas Masih and with our Vibrant Community**
*“In trying and troubling times, we must rise and speak boldly for peace, unity, and justice. As Swami Vivekananda profoundly declared, the essence of all prayer and worship is to be pure in thought, word, and action, and to do good to others.”*
Ilyas Masih, President of All Neighbors Interfaith Alliance, and our cherished neighbors,
Your affable leadership and commitment to harmony have woven a tapestry of unity that continues to inspire. Fresh from the jubilant celebration of America’s Independence Day, I am thrilled to honor your pivotal role in orchestrating our multi-faith liberty event on Saturday, August 16, 2025, where we together celebrated the Independence Days of India, Bolivia, and Pakistan with fervor and grace. Your steadfast support, and the dynamic spirit of our community have made this gathering a luminous testament to togetherness, and I am deeply honored to stand with you in this vibrant alliance.
This past weekend, our interfaith celebration radiated with diversity and joy, as faces and faiths from every corner of our community united in harmony. I was privileged to share the stage with our Honourable Representative Suhas and Delegate JJ Singh, whose presence amplified the event’s resonance. As Hindus and proud people of Indian origin, we celebrated India’s 79th Independence Day, honoring our rich heritage while embracing the unity of all faiths. Delegate Singh’s heartfelt anecdotes of his time in Bolivia captivated the audience, forging a profound connection with our Bolivian families. The historic citation from the Congressman was a powerful acknowledgment of our collective dedication to peace and justice, a moment of pride etched in our shared history.
The evening sparkled with unique moments, including our vibrant tribute to Bolivia’s Independence Day on August 6, 2025. A breathtaking dance performance illuminated the rich traditions of our Bolivian neighbors, and on behalf of the gracious Congressman, I had the honor of presenting the young artist with a bouquet of flowers—a heartfelt gesture of admiration for their cultural brilliance.
Equally joyous was our celebration of Pakistan’s Independence Day on August 14, 2025, just a day before India’s. The air was filled with warmth as we savored a sumptuous Pakistani cuisine dinner, uniting countless backgrounds in a spirit of shared celebration.
In my remarks, I underscored that the continuity of peace and harmony among faith groups is not just vital—it is sacred. Our leadership alliance, exemplified by your transformative work, is the cornerstone of upholding human rights, peace, and justice, especially in turbulent times. We embody Swami Vivekananda’s timeless call to be pure in thought, word, and action, and to do good to others.
To all neighbors, your vibrant participation made this event a cherished milestone.
May God bless you and your families as we continue this radiant journey of unity, forward and together.
, RG.
President, Lead America.
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