New York: The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), New England chapter, and Indo-American Community with many other partner organizations organized the India Day Parade to commemorate India’s 77th Independence Day on Sunday, August 13, 2023, at Boston Harbor.
Hundreds of attendees along with Varun Jeph, Deputy Consul General of India, New York, and other dignitaries from the Greater Boston area namely Subbu Kota, Sandeep Asija, Bob Lancia, Sharad Patney, and Sanjay Kaul attended the program with much zeal and great joy.
This year’s India Day Parade was not only a proud celebration of India’s freedom but also its great culture and heritage along with honoring of remarkable seniors who have contributed significantly to the Indian community in the United States. Such events serve an opportunity to educate and inspire our future generations to remember the sacrifices of our freedom fighters and uphold the great values, traditions, and philosophy of our nation.
The program started with the India Day Parade, which started from Langone Park and was marked by bands of veterans, scores of floats reflecting the partnership of both India and the United States amidst a patriotic flavor displaying freedom fighters’ portraits, and singing patriotic songs.
The Parade marched through the bustling Commercial Street to Boston Harbor. Enthusiastic participants and spectators witnessed the parade’s grandeur which featured an attractive display of Indian culture, tradition, unity in diversity, and a great freedom spirit as well.
At the Harbor, Rhode Island’s Marathi Mandal presented an amazing Dhole stage performance with a dance choreographed by Sachin Yeola. After playing the national Anthem of USA, Varun Jeph, Deputy Consul General of India, New York as the chief guest of the program hoisted the national flag of India with the aim to honor the historical event of its 77th Independence Day at Boston Harbor.
The singing of the National Anthem of India by the children and all the attendees of the event followed this. Varun Jeph in his brief speech said, “August 15th is an important date for us because it marks the day in 1947 when our country gained freedom from British colonial rule. It ended almost two centuries of British rule, granting the nation the right to self-govern and determine its destiny. Today’s parade is celebrated as part of our Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. He also highlighted Indo-American historical relations and the exchange of ideas among the freedom fighters of both nations.” Noureen Sultana from Noureen Designs gifted a painting of India’s new Parliament building to Varun Jeph.
Robert “Bob” Lancia who is an American politician, former educator, and former U.S. Navy chaplain from Rhode Island along with other dignitaries distributed citations graciously provided by Congressman Magaziner’s office to Vasant Machwe, Raginibahen, Tata Datt Joshi, Rama Joshi, Anil Bansal, Sharad Patney, and Noureen Sultana for their community services in their own fields. The FIA team also recognized the Police Chief, Fire Chief, some veterans, and Bob Lancia for their great work in the community.
Cultural events of the day included singing by Nehul Shah and Mona’s Dance Academy, Dance Fitness led by Johanny, Nachde Dragons Cultural Group (NDCG), and Puja Tiwari’s team presented different dances. Later, the FIA team honored many senior citizens and the first respondents to mark the event as a great celebration of their contribution and services to society as well.
More than 50 free vendor booths were set up in the park to support small and medium-range businesses and restaurants including well-known restaurants that provided traditional Indian foods, Indian costumes, and jewelry. The event also had vendors covering kids’ interests like face painting, children’s books, and free tricolor accessories.
Abhishek Singh, President of FIA, New England thanked the chief guest, all participants and attendees of the event.
India Post News Service
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