The soaring spirits of every Indian American this Independence Day reflects the profound contributions made towards the cultural and economic growth of New York
Our Bureau
New York, NY
In a graceful celebration of India’s 77th Independence Day, the Consulate General of India in New York, made every Indian American proud on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at the Consulate, by holding a flag hoisting ceremony in the morning in the Consulate Ball Room. Artists from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan made the event memorable with melodious renditions of patriotic songs.
Mr Randhir Jaiswal, Consul General, unfurled our national flag which was followed by the Indian national anthem. Consul General conveyed the greetings on behalf of the President of India and read out her special message for the occasion.
During the ceremony, many congratulatory messages were received from esteemed elected officials of the local government. In a special gesture, a video message from Governor Kathy Hochul of New York State, lifted the spirits of every Indian present as she highlighted the profound contributions of the Indian community that enrich the cultural and economic tapestry of New York.
In addition, commemorative proclamations celebrating India’s 76 years of independence were also issued by the Governors of Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.
This year, the celebrations bore a distinct look and feel around Independence Day, for celebrating Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. Wholehearted participation from the Indian community and our American friends of India catapulted the landmark celebrations into a true people’s movement.
To celebrate India’s independence under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM), the Consulate General of India, New York organized a special event ‘Mitti Ki Khusboo–Mitti Ki Yadein’ on memories of growing up years in India on August 14, 2023, with a dedicated Selfie point. A specially prepared standee in honor of brave soldiers guarding India’s frontiers was also put on display during every celebration and later on in Times Square.
As part of the Indian Independence Day celebration, the Consul General raised the national flag at a special event organized by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA – NY/NJ/CT) at the iconic Times Square in New York City, featuring the grand unveiling of a symbolic replica of the Odisha’s Konark Sun Temple’s wheel. This was made memorable with the iconic Empire State Building in New York City lit in tricolors of India.
This year’s Independence Day celebration was noteworthy as the flag-raising ceremony at the historic Bowling Green arena, was performed by the Consul General and Mayor Eric Adams of New York City, organized by Mr. Sivadasan Nair of Indian Cultural Association of North America. Moreover, many community-organized events like the one organized by the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) in Stamford, Connecticut, made this year’s Independence Day uniquely colorful.
The patriotic feelings and energy-filled celebrations are not over yet with the FIA NY-NJ-CT organizing the largest India Day Parade, outside of India, on 20th August at Madison Avenue.
