Celebrating cultural diversity

MEETING THE MAYOR—Preeth Elango of Calabasas, second from left, visits with Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa during the recent India Independence Day celebration at Cal StateNorthridge. At the event, Elango performed a traditional Indian dance. Preeth Elango, a Calabasas High School student, joined 10,000 Asian-Indians in a celebration of India Independence Day on Aug. 13 at Cal State Northridge.

Elango performed Brathanatayam, one of India’s classical dances, which she has been learning at the Thalam School of Fine Arts in the San Fernando Valley.

During dance performances, Thalam students dressed up in different styles of clothing to represent the custom of each state in India. Elango and other students who performed said they enjoy dancing because it’s good exercise and gives them a sense of inner piece.

The chief guests of the ceremony were Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and U.S Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Los Angeles). Thalam School also performed at the Health Expo on Aug. 14 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.