First ever in History, Boston celebrated Mega India Day Parade Celebration  at Boston Harbor (India Street) & Capitol Hill Building of Rhode Island

On August 13 and August 14, the whiff of freedom was in the air as shouts of ''Bharat Mata Ki Jai'' pervaded the air in the streets of the historical capital of Massachusetts, Boston. The Federation of Indian Associations-New England (FIA-NE), along with its partner organizations of New England, organized the Historic India Day Parade showcasing India’s heritage, magnificent history, culture, people, and accomplishments. First time in the history of the USA all six states (Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont ) of the New England regions have issued the proclamation by their respective Governors  Mr. Charlie Baker, Mr. Ned Lamont, Mr. Christopher T. Sununu, Daniel Mckee, Mr. Phil Scott, has proclaimed the 75th anniversary of Independence Day as India Day, which was observed at India Street in Boston, Massachusetts on August 13, and at the State House in Rhode Island on August 14.

The celebrations this year had several firsts in the history of India’s Independence celebrations in Boston, said eminent community leader Abhishek Singh, president of the Federation of Indian Associations New England, organizer of the event. FIA NE had three beautiful little girls unfurl the India Flag so that they could emulate the spirit of India’s constitution and spread the message to become the harbingers of social change to build a new, better, and stronger nation.A fly-past by a 220 ft-long majestic US & Indian tricolor flag, made of Khadi, over the iconic Boston Harbor; the display of the India-USA Freedom Gallery of both countries freedom fighters, iconic leaders, both countries army martyrs across India Street, a parade led by a big band of War-Veterans, floats representing the diversity of the country; 32 countries participating in the parade; and three beautiful little girls in the presence of dignitaries and Grand Marshall RP Singh unfurling the Indian flag, tricolor lighting of State Capitol hill building of Rhode Island were among the highlights of the grand celebrations organized by the Federations of Indian Associations, New England (FIA-NE) to mark 75 years of India's independence in New England region,

The events were also marked by cultural events, songs, and speeches highlighting the contributions of the Indian American community in the development of the US and their role in strengthening the Indo-US relationship. A soulful rendition of "Vande Mataram" dance-drama choreographed, directed, and presented by acclaimed choreographer and dancer Kalaimangai Anabalgan from Amudhasri Dance School filled the air with patriotism.

In the presence of Chief guest Mr. Peter Neronha Attorn Attorney General of Rhode Island & guest of honor Geoff Diehl, and Indian cricket player and Grand Marshall. RP Singh, and other dignitaries, President Abhishek Singh presented the RI Governor’s and MA Mayor outstanding community leadership award-citation to Shri Ishwar Patel, Shrimati Ranjani Saigal, Shivendra Singh Shri Sanjay Gokhale, Shri Kanchan Bannergy.

On the eve of Independence day, FIA-NE has received the congratulatory message from Indian Prime Minister Modi, Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh, Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal, Consul General of India, New York Shri Randhir Jaiswal, In their message, the said, "The India-US relationship has come a long way. Today, we are natural partners. We are friends and... we are very important allies. Our partnership is strategic, very deep, and has important dimensions".

In his speech, Guest of Honor Geoff Diehl said, "I am hoping to give you the freedom that you earned 75 years ago in India, right here in Massachusetts. This is the home of our tea party, where we got our revolution, and we became free people. You are free, people. You have chosen to come to Massachusetts. I am your voice. I will make sure I am your voice when I become your governor in three months. All I can say is "Bharat Mata Ki Jai"

Famous and successful Entrepreneur Anand Mahindra has tweeted the glimpse of historic India Day Celebration, shared and compared his Boston experience of 1973 and today’s time, send special gratitude message and feeling proud of FIA-New England organizing team.

Philanthropist and Social Reformer Vivek Sharma, Vandana Sharma and Sandeep Asija read the prominent proclamation of Massechussets Governor and Mayor of Boston City,and Congratulated everyone for such mega celebration.

When FIA’s media coordinator Aashita Shekhar asked what Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav means to prominent community leader Dr. Dinesh Patel and  Shri Kaushik Patel, said that the name itself explains everything; it’s a Mahotsav (a grand celebration) as well as a celebration of Ajadi (celebration of independence). With 32 countries participating in the event and having an airplane carrying a 220 feet long India-USA flag, we are not only celebrating the 75^th anniversary of India’s Independence but also honoring and celebrating the bond between the USA and India. We value and cherish the freedom of both countries and truly appreciate all the work FIA NE team members have put in to make this momentous day so special for everyone.

FIA Chairman Ankur Vaidhya and FIA-New York President Kenny Desai said We feel so fortunate to be a part of this phenomenal historic celebration organized by the FIA NE team.  This is a moment of pride for each Bostonian in this area. A lot of people don’t know about the tea party symbol. But this is the place where the Revolutionary War happened and India took its first step towards the independence dream, so it is an ideal place to celebrate India’s independence than Boston Harbor. It’s an honor to be here, and it is an extraordinary day for all of us. This is an opportunity for new generations to recognize and celebrate the freedom fighters of India and the United States.

"I am grateful to be a part of this event run by Abhishek Singh and the entire FIA team. This is happening in Boston, which is a historical place. American Mass Freedom started in this place. As a child, I studied the Boston Tea Party. Now I am standing at this historical place and seeing our tricolor flying high is a moment of pride and utter pleasure. Thank you FIA-NE for inviting me to this historic event," said the Indian cricketer and Grand Marshall RP Singh.

Prof. Balram Singh said To honor India’s achievements as a mature democracy; its people’s contributions; and sacrifices, FIA New England has also planned to recognize and award charitable organizations, including veteran’s centers, senior centers, homeless shelters, and children with special needs.

Recalling the countless, valiant sacrifices of founding leaders who won India’s freedom, FIA President 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 75th 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".

The Vice President, Sanjay Gokhale, Shova Sharma, thanked and mentioned that despite several challenges, around 32 countries participated in the International India Day parade, representing the diversity in the country.

Sunita Adaval, Pankaj Adaval, along with Meenu Sharam, Anupma debroy, Sangita Rai, Rashi Dua, Namita, Chakshu Sharma, Geena Virmani, Kajal Dixit, Smriti Thakur, Manisha Kumar, Shweta & Jeet did the planning to organize the themes of these international floats participating in the event.

Anand Sharma, CT Narayan, Ashwani Virmani, Raj Gupta, Govind managed the logistics of the event. Deepak Rathore and Amol Penshanwar, Gaurav Dixit, Yashika Rustagi, Nimayra Lal executed the registration process and minute details to put together an event of this scale. Neha Kaushal and Vaibhav Arora, Ajay Rathi, Ashita Shekhar managed the media and press for this historical event.

The cultural committee, including Shova Sharma, Jyoti Singh, Mukta Munjal, and Jhalak Shah, worked on the lineup of cultural performances from various international groups, along with the logistics of showcasing the freedom gallery on India Street.

Under the leadership of FIA-NE Joint Secratory Deepak Rathore,Rakesh Kavsari, Ishan sharma, Karan salin, Jai Kumar, Raj Uppalapati worked with Boston city authorities to make sure the event was executed seamlessly. Manil Asija, Sachin Jain and Ankit loonia helped small business owners promote their businesses during this event.

Nikhil,Priyanka Wadhw and Ajay Pulaparthy worked on the Gala event where the entire FIA New England family, along with the New England Cricket fraternity, celebrated the closing of this momentous event!

Jyoti Singh & Mukta Munjal perform the role of a master of ceremonies at a grand celebration and thanked to all the Media Patners ( TvAsia, Parikh Media, Mera Sangeet, Lokvani), Food Sponsors ( Kumar Reasturant, Chennai Express ), Photo Media ( Blue Haathi Photography VJay Clicks), and all the participant and float groups.

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