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 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 of patriotic songs. The Parade marched through the bustling Commercial Street to Boston Harbor. Enthusiastic participants and spectators witnessed the parade's grandeur that featured 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 National Anthem of India by the children and all the attendees of the event followed this. Varun Jeph in his brief speech said, “August 15^th 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 historic relation and 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. FIA team also recognized 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 lead by Johanny, Nachde Dragons Cultural Group (NDCG), and Puja Tiwari’s team presented different dances. Later, FIA team honored many senior citizens and first respondents to mark the event as a great celebration of their contribution and services to the society as well.

More than 50 free vendor booths were set up in the park to support small and medium range businesses and restaurants that included well-known restaurants that provided traditional Indian foods, Indian costume and jewelries. 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 of the event, Varun Jeph, Deputy Consul General of India, New York for his time and an inspirational speech. He thanked all the special invites, dignitaries, sponsors, and partner organization for their great support and assistance in organizing such a grand event. He also acknowledged the veteran Band’s active support and gracefully enhancing the spirit of the event immensely with their music. He sincerely thanked all the volunteers and FIA team members for their selfless services and invaluable support.  He appreciated the diligent work of the Emcees Jyoti Singh, and Dr. Divya Srinivasan for putting the event together. He became emotional while expressing his gratitude to all the excited audiences for coming with their little babies and kinds to the event in the hot weather and making the event a grand success and a memorable one.

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