I-Day celebrated in New York area with flag hoisting, patriotism

New York, Aug 16 : Indian government officials, along with members of the community, have celebrated the 70th anniversary of their independence enthusiastically exhibiting their patriotism. The city-based Permanent Mission of India to the UN and the Consulate General marked the event yesterday by hoisting the Tricolor on their premises. Chief Representative Syed Akbaruddin unfurled the Indian flag and patriotic songs followed his speech. Consul General Sandeep Chakravorty, who assumed office last week, did the same at his office. In Washington, Ambassador Navtej Sarna hoisted the flag, followed by the singing of the national anthem and other patriotic songs. He read out President Ram Nath Kovind's speech to the nation on the occasion. A cultural program was organised in the embassy, according to a statement issued by the mission. Members of the Indian-American community attended in large numbers. The Empire State Building in New York, among the tallest in the city, was illuminated with the Indian colors. Some community members in the tristate area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, celebrated the 71st Independence Day last weekend and others will do it in the coming weekend. The community in the Floral Park-Bellerose area of Queens, a New York borough, enjoyed the day on August 12 by taking out a parade, which culminated in a cultural festival. Bollywood actresses Mahima Chaudhary and Tanushree Dutta led the parade as grand marshals. This was the second time that the local community marked the day with a parade. The following day, on August 13, the Indian Business Association in Edison, in neighboring New Jersey, took out a parade with Bollywood actor Riteish Deshmukh. Lieutenant Governor of that state Kim Guadagno and Congressman Frank Pallone were among the dignitaries that took part in the event. On August 20, the India Day Parade will be held in New York with Rana Daggubati, of Baahubali fame, as the grand marshal. The chief guests at the parade—considered the largest-of-its-kind outside India—are retired Indian Army chief Dalbir Singh Suhag and Tamannah Bhatia, also of Baahubali fame. Cultural programs, food stalls catering to different Indian regions and patriotic songs will form part of the half-day event to be held in Manhattan, the main borough of New York. UNI