Outdoor barbecues and beach parties are popular summer rituals across America. 800 people of Indian origin gathered at the eighth annual picnic in a park in Iselin, New Jersey, on Sunday, many old timers found time to reminisce about what it means to be relaxing in a park enjoying a brilliant summer day. And they also heard an inspiring call to raise their voice when faced with injustice or negligence by their townships and cities.
Several older men recalled how over 25 years ago they were afraid to step out of their homes when a rowdy gang of young men and women calling themselves Dotbusters were harassing the South Asian community in places such as Jersey City.
"Today I am not only enjoying an outdoor picnic, but I am also seeing my grandchildren freely having fun," said a man who would not give his name. "The last time my name was mentioned in the press was when I had problems because of the Dotbusters," he added.
The annual event was organized by Indo-American Cultural Association which offered food all throughout the day and organized many social events including musical chairs, with loud hit Hindi film music playing for several hours. The picnic was open for over 8 hours. Rediff was one of the sponsors of the event which had over 100 children and teenagers.Half a dozen local politicians, not to forget one of New Jersey's highest profiled lawmaker Upendra Chivukula, came to greet the picnickers.
"The picnic has become an annual tradition," Pradip (Peter) Kothari who originated the idea said. "It is an affirmation of the community's pride but it is also an opportunity for the community to say loudly we will not take mistreatment or biased action from anyone, from private citizens as well as politicians." Kothari, who is running for an Assembly seat in New Jersey, as a Republican has been active in community work and local politics for over 25 years.He urged the picnickers to let their voice heard through cultural and political organizations and the council members who represent them.
Referring to a few recent attacks on South Asians, he said that the community should not be afraid of urging speedy action by the police and the courts. Kothari said after the event wound down that while the community should be justifiably proud of the self-made millionaires among them, it should also realize that activism cannot be led by a handful of people. "The more voices we have, the more we educate ourselves how politics works in America, the stronger we become," Kothari said
