FIA New England Team Members Shine in Township Elections
Times are never actually repeated, and so are perhaps memorable events; that was the scene created in Boston, for celebrating India’s 75th Independence Anniversary.
It happened, and it happened really big, in a city that is well known not only for its culture and history but more importantly, for being the birthplace of Revolution to gain freedom from the same colonial power that India gained freedom 75 years ago. So, Boston was an appropriate place for the first-ever FIA’s India Day parade.
The whole community in a show of solidarity, hailing from different strata of the society, turned out to commemorate the occasion. In the not-too-distant past, it was tough to imagine a world clapping and cheering for India and its successful struggle for India’s independence, 75 years on.
As if that was not enough, there were floats representing 32 nations of the world, including Vietnam, Nepal, Burma from Asia; and many South, Central and North American countries such as Argentina, Brazil and Mexico, in addition to India and the United States. How is such a thing even possible? It takes guts and josh, as was pointed out by the leader of this movement, Mr. Abhishek Singh, the President of the New England Chapter of the Federation of India Associations (FIA).
The Boston event attracted nearly a thousand participants. Indian-Americans representing every region of India showing cultural programs of music and dance. India’s tri-color, flying high in the sky, stole the hearts of the public at large. It was not just an ordinary flag, it was a 220-feet long Indian tri-color flying along with an American star spangle being flown by a small airplane in the blue sky, scattered with white and grey clouds as if they helped smile sky on the event very broadly. For all of us, we looked up to India, we looked up at the sky that showed the flapping of the tri-color so beautifully.
The Grand Marshal Mr. R.P. Singh, the famous Indian cricketer, said that he has been bowled over by the show of patriotism and said that the Diaspora continues to make India proud through their significant contributions in every field. FIA Chairman Mr. Ankur Vaidya said that it was a proud moment and an honor to be a part of the first ever India Day Parade in Boston and lauded the efforts of all the volunteers, who worked tirelessly day and night to put the event together.
Recalling the countless, valiant sacrifices of founding leaders, who won India’s freedom, FIA President Mr. Abhishek Singh said, “Our forefathers bought our freedom with their hard work and sacrifices. Now we must work hard to create a better nation for generations to come. You don’t change the course of history by turning the faces of portraits on the walls. Our founding fathers fought for India’s freedom. Let’s make sure we know more about them by attending the 76th India Day Celebration organized by FIA”. He further said, “India should once again become a Vishwa Guru and the hub of innovation and knowledge. For that to happen, it is important to increase awareness about numerous aspects of Indian heritage and culture in our younger generations and inspire the young budding minds to absorb the values embedded in them.”
FIA New England is celebrating 75 years of Independent India under the banner of “The Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”. In Hindi, the phrase Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav means the elixir of freedom, the elixir of inspiration for the fighters of independence endeavors, the energy of Independence, the elixir of Atma Nirbharta, the elixir of fresh thoughts and commitments. FIA NE President Mr. Abhishek said he is happy that just as Prime Minister Narendra Modi had envisioned, Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is taking the form of a mass movement, with people from every section of society participating in different programs across the state. This event will showcase to the entire globe the accomplishments of the independence movement and will reflect inspiration from the freedom fighters, self-reliance, fresh resolutions, and new visions. While we take pride in originating from our native country, India deemed the world’s largest democracy, we are equally as proud and grateful to be able to call the US our home, where democracy and personal freedom are held at the utmost priority.