Our Bureau
Hicksville, NY
IDP President Vimal Goyal and Adviser Mukesh Modi have shared the news that famous Bollywood actress Prachi Tehlan, singing sensation Shibani Kashyap and Hollywood/Bollywood actor Prashantt Gupta have been signed on to raise the EQ, entertainment quotient, of the India Day Parade celebrating the landmark 75th anniversary of India’s independence.
All the arrangements for holding a safe and successful parade in Hicksville on Sunday, August 7, are in place. The parade organizers are grateful to the full cooperation from the officials concerned of Nassau County and Town of Oyster Bay and the police department.
At the parade curtain raiser held on June 21 President Vimal Goyal had announced that the parade this time will originate from Hicksville Community Center on Carl Street West, and culminate at 125 West John Street where the entertainment stage and vendor stalls will be set up. Children’s carnival and games area will be free.
The raffle will have attractive prizes. The curtain raiser was held at the prestigious Nassau County Executive and Legislative Building in Mineola, NY. It was attended by IDP USA team members, past presidents, community leaders, officials of Nassau County as well as the Town of Oyster Bay, and press persons.
The parade celebrates Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav with a focus on India’s culture and heritage. The two themes IDP adopted this time are: ‘Each One Plant One’ to combat global warming, and ‘Anekta Mein Ekta’ (Unity in Diversity).
Prachi Tehlan – Grand Marshal
A renowned TV and film actress Prachi has played starring roles in both many films and TV series. She made her acting debut on television in Diya Aur Baati Hum on Star Plus in 2016. She made her movie debut in Punjabi film Arjan (2017) opposite Roshan Prince and after Malayalam movie Mamangam (2019), she has more exciting projects in her kitty. Prachi is a former Indian netball and basketball player who spearheaded the Indian Netball Team in the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
Shibani Kashyap – Guest of Honor
Bollywood playback singer Shibani has given hits like ‘Ho Gayi Hai Mohabbat’, ‘Sajna Aa Bhi Jaa,’ Zinda Hoon Main’, and ‘Kya Nazakhat Hai,’ Recipient of the best playback singer award at Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival, Shibani has rendered her voice for popular movies like ‘Waisa Bhi Hota Hai’, ‘Mr Ya Miss’, ‘Zindaa’, ‘The Great Indian Butterfly’, etc.
Prashantt Guptha – Guest of Honor
Prashantt Gupta was born in Queens and raised on Long Island. Shifting to Mumbai, he has played key roles in movies like Neerja, Irada, OTT series Aashram, and Regards and Peace. He is now a partner in a Hollywood company called Mulberry, and recently produced and starred in his first American film, A New Christmas.
