Our Bureau
New York, NY
The Indian diaspora celebrated India’s 78th Independence Day at Times Square in New York City on Thursday. The festivities marked the celebration of India attaining freedom from British colonial rule on August 15, 1947, marking 77 years of India’s Independence.
India’s 78th Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm across New York City. The festivities included flag hoisting ceremonies at the Consulate General of India, the Permanent Mission of India to the UN, and Times Square in the presence of Indian diaspora. The iconic Times Square was adorned with the colors of the Indian tricolor, and patriotic songs filled the air.
The celebrations featured various cultural performances, including Bollywood dance routines. Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita addressed the diaspora in the consulate and Times Square, emphasizing the strong bond between India and the US.
On the occasion Margherita said, “As I address you for the first time on American soil, I am struck by the profound connection between our two great nations.”
As per Margherita, India and the US, are two of the world’s largest democracies and economies. “The relationship is rooted in shared values, common aspirations and a commitment to freedom, democracy and human equality,” he added.
He praised the Indian community as “ambassadors” of the Indian culture, values and ethos, and described the Indian American diaspora as a living bridge between the two nations.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams described the city as the “New Delhi of America” at a flag hoisting ceremony in lower Manhattan.
Adams took the opportunity to describe the appointment of Kamala Harris as Presidential nominee of a major political party, who is a woman of black and Indian heritage, and emphasized, “And we cannot overlook what you all should feel a wealth of support for, that we are on a historic moment of potentially electing the first woman president of Indian descent. This is a major, major accomplishment. It shows you that in America, everything is possible.
