Our Bureau
New York, NY
In a historic first for the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) India Day Parade, a dedicated New Jersey Indian American Elected Officials Float brought together mayors, council members, and former state officials from communities across New Jersey to celebrate India’s 80th Independence Day.
The landmark float highlighted the growing presence and leadership of the Indian American community in New Jersey and showcased elected officials working together across municipalities to celebrate India’s heritage, culture, and contributions to America.
The distinguished participants included:
- Mayor Pulkit Desai, Parsippany
- Deputy Mayor Siva Jonnada, Morris
- Deputy Mayor Uma Purandre, Hopewell
- Councilman Amit Chopra, Robbinsville
- Councilman Ravi Patni, Robbinsville
- Councilwoman Priti Dhariwal, River Edge
- Councilwoman Sonia Gawas, West Windsor
- Councilwoman Suruchi Batra, Chesterfield
- Councilman Kashyap Parikh, Tinton Falls
- Councilman Biral Patel, Edison
- Former LD 17 Assemblyman, Upendra Chvukula
The participation of Indian-American elected officials from communities across New Jersey made the float a powerful symbol of unity, civic engagement, and the Indian American community’s growing role in public life.
“This was truly a historic and proud moment. For the first time, Indian American elected officials from different communities across New Jersey came together on one float to celebrate India’s Independence Day at the world’s largest India Day parade, said Councilwoman Priti Dhariwal of River Edge. “It reflects the strength of our community, our commitment to public service, and the beautiful connection between our Indian heritage and our American home. I thank Federation of Indian Associations, the Chairman Ankur Vaidya & President Shreekanth Akkapalli for giving us the opportunity to be part of this historic event.”
The New Jersey Indian Americans Elected Officials Float added a new dimension to the 44th FIA India Day Parade, celebrating not only India’s rich heritage but also the many Indian Americans who are actively serving their local communities and strengthening the bond between the two nations.
The historic participation is expected to inspire greater civic engagement and representation among the Indian American community in New Jersey for years to come.