FIA-New England chapter will have 2-day celebrations, including flag-hoisting and cultural programs; Rhode Island State House will be lit up in colors of the Indian Flag in the evening of Aug 14
The 75th Independence Day of India (Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav) was celebrated with great favour by the Indian diaspora in Rhode Island, U.S. The Federation of Indian Association, New England and Indo-American Community with other partner organizations planned two-day mega events for the grand celebration of India’s Independence Day.
The Indian diaspora in the U.S. witnessed the biggest and historic celebration starting on the evening of Aug 14. It marked a significant moment, as for the first time in the history that the entire Rhode Island State Capitol Hill Building was lit up in Indian tricolor. It was also the same time when Narender Modi, the Honorable Prime Minister of India was hoisting the National Flag of India at the Red Fort in New Delhi.
For a bystander, it was a magical moment to see the huge expanse of the building being light up. Air echoed with the vibrant sound of a musical band, which played patriotic and inspirational songs in full rhythm. The premise was opened for the general public to be a part of the celebration.
FIA, has received a congratulation message from the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narender Modi, the Defence Minister of India, Shri Rajnath Singh, BJP National Chief Shri JP Nadda on such a large and grand celebration of Indian Independence in the USA. It was recognized by the government of India for playing a pivotal role in strengthening the relations between India and USA and expected that it continued doing the same in future.
On August 15, a huge crowd gathered outside the Rhode Island State House Building to celebrate India’s 75th Independence Day. Honorable Governor Daniel McKee of Rhode Island, Seth Magaziner, General Treasurer of Rhode Island along with other prominent political dignitaries were invited for the mega celebration. His Highness inaugurated the event by solemn hoisting of the American and Indian flag.
Abhishek Sing, FIA President, New England said, “It is a proud moment for all of us. On behalf of the Indian diaspora and FIA fraternity, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Honorable Governor Daniel McKee to accept our request to be the chief guest. India has come a long way in the last 75 years and has moved into the future as a strong, resilient democracy. And the relationship between the world’s two biggest sister democracies is more important than ever.”
It was heartening to see children enthusiastically lined up on the red carpeted podium to sing in honor of both nations. Everyone joined in the chorus to sing the National Anthem of the U.S. and India with great vigor.
Honorable Governor Daniel Mckee recognized the diverse culture and social-economic contribution that the Indian community has made to the U.S. and is still continuing to do the same. He said, “As it is known far and wide, India’s journey toward Independence was driven by its unwavering belief in democracy, truth, non-violence and tolerance. These principles continue to inspire people and nations around the world.”
Many renowned professors and prominent figures of the Indian diaspora in the U.S. participate on the occasion to share a poignant connection between the history of India and the US. He went on to chart out the alluring similarities between the geographies of India and Rhode Island, the National flags of India and USA and the diversity of people and culture that has shaped the socio-cultural strata of the two oldest and biggest democracies of the world.
There was a recognition award ceremony on the occasion of India’s Independence Day. A big shout out to Federation of Indian Association, New England, Indo- American and other partner organizations. The entire FIA fraternity was recognized by the Governor of Rhode Island, for their tireless commitment and dedication to the Indian-American community in the area of community service.
Besides, children and senior citizens were also awarded with a plaque and citation by the Rhode Island Governor, for their outstanding efforts in public service. It was a proud moment for the parents to walk the red carpet with their promising young children. Cultural programs and food were other highlights of the day that kept the crowd engaged and entertained. Each significant moment was captured so that we could cherish it forever.