N.B. plans celebration of Indian independence

NORTH BRUNSWICK - Linwood Middle School hopes to spice things up with the first annual celebration of India's Independence Day, to be held Aug. 15 at 7 p.m.

Principal Pete Clark, along with his students and members of the Township Council, are sponsoring the event to promote the changing diversity of the township and continue in the school's tradition of honoring various ethnicities. India gained its independence from the United Kingdom on Aug. 15, 1947.

"With our growing population in school, we like to acknowledge our Asian-American population," Clark said.

An organizational meeting was held on July 16 to brainstorm ideas for the celebration. Thus far, there will be a proclamation to highlight the day, the raising of the Indian flag, readings of the significance of independence and poems read by students. With the assistance of teacher's aide Alpa Dutta, Clark is anticipating a few guest speakers as well.

The next workshop meeting will be held July 31 for all residents to attend, even if they are not of Southeast-Asian descent. Clark would also like to institute a diversity committee in the school to meet the needs of all students.

"Not only living in town but also working in the schools, we have a large population of cultures that sometimes go unnoticed, but it is important to identify those cultures because they make up our community," he said.

The meeting will be held in the main office of the middle school, located at 25 Linwood Place. For more information call (732) 289-3619. The location of the Independence Day celebration is to be determined.

- Jennifer Amato