FIA Creates History, Enters Congressional Records
Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) commemorated the75 years of Indian Independence and honored the Asian Heritage Month on May 12, 2022 at the Rayburn Building, Capitol Hill Complex, Washington, D.C. FIA was recognized for the event in the Congressional Record, Vol.168, No. 81.
The event saw unprecedented participation from the states of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, as well as the states from the region of New England.
Influential and prominent lawmakers graced the occasionwith their presence. Among the attendees were Congressmen Raja Krishnamoorthy, Frank Pallone, Tom Malinowski, Vicente González, Hakeem Jefferies, Adriano Espaillat, Matthew Cartwright, David Cicilline, Jim McGovern and Congresswomen Mikie Sherrill, Sheila Jackson Lee, Abigail Spanberger, Susie Lee, Grace Meng, Deborah K. Ross and Cindy Axne.
From FIA, in attendance were the President Kenny Desai, Chairman Ankur Vaidya, President of New England Abhishek Singh, Past President& Board of Trustee Srujal Parikh, Ex-Vice President and Event Chair Himanshu Bhatia, Vice President Saurin Parikh, Vice Presidents New England Shova Sharma & Sanjay Gokhale, Secretary Parveen Bansal, Jt. Secretary Smita Patel, Treasurer Amit Ringasiya, Jt. Secretary Mahesh Dubal and Past President and Chairman of Bihar Foundation Alok Kumar.
Also, in attendance were, FISANA president Deepak Shah, BAJANA president Anurag Kumar, Parsippany Senior Association President Bharat Rana, and Republican Coalition Chair Hemant Bhatt.
The theme for the celebrations for the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrating 75 years of Indian Independence was unveiled by Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthy. The theme for the attempt at the Guinness Book of World Records for Largest Number of Flags Flown and the Largest Drum Assemble was also unveiled by the Congressmembers present at the event.
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthy, in his speech, emphasized the need for Indian Americans to stand for elections and other various elected bodies. He said that FIA did a great job in bringing people from various states to the event and he was delighted to be a part of it.
FIA President Mr. Kenny Desai in his speech said today was a historical moment for Indian Americans to celebrate the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence Day at the US Capitol. ‘Today we pay tribute to generations of Asians who have contributed to our homeland, the United States of America, and we will continue their good work’ he said, speaking about the Asian Heritage Month.
FIA Chairman Ankur Vaidya said that the event was a precursor to the major events being planned in New York city around the Independence Day and also about the India Day Parade. The largest outside India, which continues to instill pride and honor in the hearts of the millions of the Indian Diaspora.
FIA New England President Abhishek Singh said that India, over the years, having taken the path of democracy and unifying its cultural diversity, has come to this significant moment where its 75 years of Independence are being celebrated globally.
FIA President & Event Chair Himanshu Bhatia said it was ahistorical moment where the event had been logged in the Congressional records, hoped for stronger India-US ties, and thanked everyone who made the event possible.
The event also had cultural performances from India and Nepal. Famed Indian choreographer Kush Banker enthralled the audience with his dance steps, and Life Coach and Motivational Speaker Himani from, Happiness Hub, kept them engrossed.