SAN JOSE: A colorful ‘Baisakhi Di Raat’ was presented by The Mann Law Firm and co-hosted by the Mann Insurance Agency and Dandavati Rehabilitation Services. The program which was attended by over 200 people ‘was held on May 5, 1990 at the Evergreen Community Center. In addition to being a musical entertainment it doubled as a fundraiser for two political candidates, George Kennedy for the Santa Clara County District Attorney and Judge Nancy Hoffman running for the Superior Court.
Guests included Blanca Alvarado Vice-Mayor of San Jose, Chuck Gillingham Santa Clara County Sheriff; Leo Himmelsbach the District Attorney, Bob Gonzales, Susan Hammer leading candidate for Mayor was represented by daughter Hali Hammer and campaign manager Gary Robinson.
The evening opened with a short speech by Mohinder S, Mann who has been instrumental in beginning the process of organizing our community into a political force. Annie Dandavati commissioner for the County Commission on the Status of Woman introduced all of the dignatories. Blanca Alvarado and Bob Gonzales presented Sardul Kwatra with proclamations recognizing “Baisakhi.’
The entertainment was organized by Maestro Sardul Kwatra. Introductions for each act were by Jahangir Hamdani. The acts included a colorful Bhangra dance performed by Jatinder Dutt and party; dances by Suman Marwah of Los Angeles and Rexy Kwatra. It included music and songs by Sardul Kwatra, Daler Mehdi, AS. Chandar, Rukhmani and Harjeet.
Mohinder S. Mann presented a special community service award on behalf of the Baisakhi Di Raat Committee to Azad Jullundary, a multi-language poet, writer and composer/singer for his selfless dedication to community service.
The evening was a success with people having enjoyed meeting the dignatories all of whom showed a genuine desire to understand and work with our community, the music and dances and the food which was catered by Shaan Indian Cuisine. The contributions to the two candidates totaled about $4,000.
Article extracted from this publication >> May 11, 1990
