New York, Aug 18 — Thousands of Indian Americans took to the streets of New York on Sunday for the 43rd India Day Parade, marking India’s 79th Independence Day with patriotic fervor, chants of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram”, and a vibrant display of India’s culture and aspirations.
The event, jointly organized by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) and the Indian Consulate in New York, featured a special float themed “Viksit Bharat 2047”, reflecting India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by the centenary of independence. Dhols, dance troupes, patriotic songs, and thousands waving the Tricolour transformed the city into a spirited celebration of India’s unity abroad.
Rajya Sabha MP Satnam Singh Sandhu, addressing the gathering, called on the diaspora to honor the sacrifices of India’s freedom fighters and to continue strengthening India’s global standing.
“India was once shackled by poverty for decades, but more than 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty in recent years. Today, India stands as the fourth largest economy,” he said.
Praising the diaspora, Sandhu added: “From janmabhoomi to karmabhoomi, the flame of patriotism continues to burn in your hearts. Even a vegetable vendor in India accepting digital payments is now a symbol of our digital revolution. When the world was battling COVID-19, Bharat went beyond its borders to help other nations with vaccines.”
He said the 35-million-strong global Indian community has amplified India’s soft power, particularly in the United States. “From the Gadar Party to the Komagata Maru sacrifices, the seeds of our freedom struggle were sown here. The diaspora has been and remains a vital pillar in nurturing Indo-US ties.”
The parade drew several dignitaries, including US Congressman Shri Thanedar, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Edison Mayor Sam Joshi, West Windsor Mayor Hemant Marathe, Ambassador Binaya S. Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York, Deputy Consul General Vishal Jayeshbhai Harsh, and New York State Assembly member Jennifer Rajkumar. Indian actors Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda attended as Grand Marshals.
The Indian Consulate expressed gratitude on social media to Governor Maura T. Healey of Massachusetts for proclaiming August 15 as India Day in the state, calling it a recognition of the Indian American community.
Ankur Vaidya, FIA Chairman, said the parade showcased India’s diversity and the diaspora’s strength. “India is about to become the third largest economy in the world. It is the responsibility of every diaspora member to ensure the bridge between India and the US becomes shorter and shorter,” he said.
Other community leaders echoed the spirit of pride and gratitude. Dr. Raj Bhayani, President of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin Queens Long Island, said, “This has been a grand success. As we honor the past, celebrate the present and build the future, let’s all say Vande Mataram and Jai Hind.”
Naveen Shah, CEO of Navika Group of Companies, described the event as celebrating India’s “birthday.” He said, “Every year we will continue to celebrate Independence Day in this way and invite the diaspora to join.” His colleague, Neha Bhansali, said their priority was both the Indian community and the nation: “Although we are a private company, the community and India are our priority.”
Madhu Pareek, Senior VP at Blue Sky Hospitality Solutions, added: “As we celebrate India’s 79th Independence Day, we salute our martyrs who sacrificed their lives for India.”
The day also coincided with Shri Krishna Janmashtami, which ISKCON New York celebrated with a Rath Yatra procession attended by hundreds of devotees, adding to the festive spirit of the occasion.
