Indian-Americans celebrate Independence Day

Lalit K Jha

Washington, Aug 16 (PTI) The Indian-American community
across the US -- from small town of Grand Forks in North
Dakota to Washington, the national capital, to Edison City in
New Jersey also known as "Little India" -- stepped out in
large numbers to celebrate the country's 63rd Independence
Day.

The Indian Ambassador to the US, Meera Shankar,
unfurled the tri-color at her residence in Washington. Shankar
read out the President's speech before a colorful gathering of
eminent Indian-Americans.

Functions at four Indian Consul Generals in San
Francisco, Chicago, New York and Houston were attended by
large number of Indian-Americans.

The Indian tri-color was unfurled and national anthem
vibrated the air across the US in small towns and cities,
universities, temples and community centers.

All the functions attracted larger than usual
audience, as August 15 this year fell on Saturday – in a
country which is known for its weekend culture.

Colorful parades and cultural extravaganza with kids
waving the small Indian flags in their hand could be seen in
places across the country as local politicians from Mayors to
Governors to Congressmen joined the influential community to
celebrating the success of the largest democracy of the world.

"Indian-Americans join over a billion people in India
to celebrate its 63rd independence day and send our good
wishes to them. India is on the move," said Ashok Mago,
chairman of US India Forum.

"We congratulate the country of our birth for its
accomplishments, particularly in the last 15-16 years," he
said.

The Indian Muslim Council in USA, which held a series
of Independence Day events across the country, called on all
Indians to renew their commitment to make India a nation that
is a beacon of freedom and prosperity for all. The council
renewed its pledge to prevent hate-filled ideologies from
threatening the secular fabric of the nation and to promote
pluralism, tolerance and respect for human dignity.

The Empire State celebrated the occasion by lighting
the building in saffron, white and green.

"The Indian community in the Tri State is proud of the
Empire State Building being lit up in Indian flag colors,"
said the Federation of Indian-Americans in a statement.

In Chicago, the Indian community had its hands
full with celebrations commemorating the Independence Day.
City residents spent the day hobnobbing with Bollywood stars
like Shahrukh Khan, Gulshan Grover and Dia Mirza and
participating in a cultural parade.

Khan, fresh from a controversy regarding his detention
at Newark Airport, spent his day in the city signing
autographs and getting pictures clicked with hundreds of fans.

The stars left for Houston for a similar 'meet and
greet' carnival.

Extending his wishes on Independence Day to his fans,
Grover told PTI, "every year there are reasons to celebrate
India's Independence. We have been progressing and making our
presence felt in every field".

The country today needs to work toward improving
infrastructure and providing basic amenities to crores of its
citizens, issues that have not got the required attention of
the leaders, he added.

The day also saw cultural festivities and parade at
Devon street, a predominantly Indian and Pakistani area in the
city.

Nearly 30 floats depicting the culture and heritage of
India were on display as hundreds gathered to remember India's
struggle for freedom. A flag hoisting ceremony and a cultural
programme was also organised at the Indian Consulate here. PTI
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