MUMBAI: What else can you expect from a network that wears its nationality proudly on its sleeves! Sahara India Pariwar focussed on conveying the global message of 'Bharat Parva' at the Indian Film Festival which conclude on 9 September 2004.

The business conglomerate debuted the International Film Festival in London, and then moved on to San Francisco and this time it was held in New York.

Sahara India Pariwar celebrates 'Bharat Parvar' every year on 15 August and 26 January with gaiety and splendor. The festival, according to an official release, was held abroad this year to 'share and rejoice in the spirit of Indian nationalism with the fellow brethren residing abroad.'

Although elaborate arrangements were made to celebrate the event on a grand scale, the programme had to be conducted on a modest scale owing to some technical problems.

But even without the Sahara brand of opulance, the programme, as quoted in the release, managed to touch cords. Blockbusters like Mother India, Mughal-e-Azam, Chalti Ka Naam Gadi, Lagaan, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge and Sholay were screened at the festival.

The celebrations in New York began with a red carpet gala opening of the festival in the assemblage of more than 1,000 persons at Loews Theatre, Lincoln Square. The festival commenced with the screening of a film on Bharat Maa (Mother India).

There was an august gathering, which included Saif Ali Khan, Preity Zinta, Sant Chatwal, Gautam Chopra, TV Asia chairman HR Shah, Dr. Mukund Modi, the elite of the Indian American Community and the social and political bigwigs of New York. The event was an emotional reunion of Indians living in New York.

Sahara India Pariwar chairman Subrato Roy was presented with a special certificate of recognition and honour by the Indian American Community at the ceremony. In addition to that, governor of the State of New Jersey James E McGreevey also gave a proclamation (certificate of honour) from the office of the Governor of State of New Jersey for the organisation's significant contributions to the social, cultural and economic fabric of the nation.

Besides, Sahara India Pariwar was the recipient of other proclamations including a certificate of honour from the United States Senator Jon S Corzine, Mayor's award from the Township Committee of the Township of Union, State of New Jersey, a citation from the General Assembly, The State of New Jersey, certificate of appreciation from congressman Frank Pallone Jr, commendation from Joe Wilson, Member of Congress on behalf of The House of Representatives, Congress of the United States and a citation from John C. Liu, the Council of The City of New York.