New York: The hues of the Indian tricolour, India’s rich cultural heritage and strong bilateral relations with the US resonated across the city as the country’s 78th Independence Day was celebrated here with patriotic fervour. A slew of events was held across the city on Thursday.
Flag hoisting ceremonies were held at the Consulate General of India in New York, Permanent Mission of India to the UN, Times Square and lower Manhattan in the presence of members of the Indian diaspora and city officials. Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, who was in the city before travelling to Latin America, addressed members of the diaspora at the flag hoisting ceremony in the Consulate and Times Square.
Leading diaspora organisation - Federation of Indian Associations NY-NJ-CT-NE (FIA) - held a special Independence Day celebration at the iconic Times Square, which was seeped in the hues of the Indian tricolour, as patriotic songs reverberated through the air and the country’s rich cultural heritage was on full display. Consul General of India in New York Binaya Pradhan hoisted the tricolour at the Consulate as well as at Times Square.
India’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN and Chargé d’Affaires Ambassador R Ravindra raised the national flag at India’s Permanent Mission to the UN attended by members of the diaspora, Indians working at UN and the Mission family.
At a flag-raising ceremony held in lower Manhattan, New York City Mayor Eric Adams described New York City as the “New Delhi of America”. He recalled his trip to India when he had paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi, saying that “we have a responsibility and obligation to continue those footsteps. We have to fulfill what he thought we should do as we lift up humanity. And it’s so important, but also diversity”.
Deputy Commissioner for the New York City Mayor’s Office for International Affairs Dilip Chauhan told members of the diaspora at the event that for the first time in New York City’s history, schools will be closed on Diwali, an historic decision made possible after years of efforts and advocacy from the community.
Blinken greets Indians
Predicting a bright future for the US-India strategic relations, Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said that the two countries share a deep bond, which is founded on their shared commitment to democracy, freedom, and human dignity. Congratulating the people of India ahead of the country’s Independence Day, Blinken said: “On this momentous day, we celebrate the rich and diverse history of the Indian people and the bright future of US-Indian relations. Our comprehensive global and strategic partnership is grounded in the deep bonds between our peoples, our economies, and built on the foundation of our shared commitment to democracy, freedom, and human dignity,” Blinken said in a statement.
