Colorful inauguration of 'India At Sixty' in Lincoln Center

New York, Sep 24 (UNI) Four Indian ministers were present at the colourful inaugural ceremony of ''India At Sixty'', a week-long celebration being held in conjunction with Pravasi Bharatiya Divas at the famous Lincoln Center here.

External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Finance Minister P Chidambaram, Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath and Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi lent a majestic look to the inauguration at the famous landmark in New York.

Adding a Bollywood touch to the august presence was Anil Kapoor, representing the largest film industry in the world.

Head of Pepsico, Indra Nooyi was also conspicuous by her presence.

There were many others -- a sort of who's who among India-Americans -- present on the occasion at the function which was held here last night.

US Senator Charles E Schumer, a Democrat from New York, was given a round of applause when he highlighted the expanding India-America relationship and the growing contributions of Indian expatriates in this country.

''For India, the best is yet to come,'' Mr Schumer said.

Culture and cuisine formed key part of the inaugural program, which was shifted from the morning session held at Chelsea Piers to the Lincoln Center in the evening.

Several government ministries co-sponsored the weeklong celebrations. There were several small organisations which actively took part in the event.

A full-page advertisement in The New York Times yesterday heralded the event attracting discernible interest among mainstream Americans.

UNI