A Joyous Celebration of Freedom: India Day in Boston

The heart of Boston beat with vibrant energy and unity as 32 countries came together to celebrate India’s 78th Independence Day. Organized by the Foundation of Indian-Americans (FIA) New England, this year’s celebration drew global attention and showcased a blend of cultural richness and patriotic fervor.

The 3^rd FIA's 3rd International India Day Parade, which wound through Boston’s India Street and central streets, was a colorful display of tradition and solidarity. The event honored veterans, law enforcement officers, and senior citizens, while scholarships were awarded to outstanding students, highlighting the dual celebration of independence and education.

A standout feature of this year’s event was its strong focus on supporting small businesses. FIA-New England, with the help of community and cultural partners, provided a platform for small enterprises to display their products, fostering local and global economic engagement.

Abhishek Singh, President of FIA, delivered a heartfelt speech emphasizing, “Freedom is a right for all, not a privilege for the few. We honor the sacrifices of freedom fighters from both India and the USA and strive to empower our small businesses, the backbone of our communities.” His words were met with enthusiastic applause.

The event saw notable attendees including former Miss World Diana Hayden, political leader Geoff Diehl, Consul General of India in New York Binaya S. Pradhan, Arjun Awardee and former Indian Cricket Team for blinds Captain Ajay Reddy, and Hollywood actress Neetu Chandra. Their presence highlighted the event’s growing significance and the deepening ties between India and the United States.

The parade’s vibrant kickoff, filled with flag-waving and cheers, celebrated the shared values of democracy and freedom. The day’s festivities were widely acclaimed as one of the most impressive Independence Day celebrations in recent memory.

The post-parade flag hoisting and cultural program at Boston Harbor captivated the audience.

The event was orchestrated by FIA-New England’s Board of Directors and executives, including Jyoti Singh, Deepak Rathore, Amol Penshanwar, Anupama Debroy, Manisha Kumar, and Priyanka Wadhwa. Booth management was efficiently handled by Shova Sharma, Archana, and Girish Soni, with over 40 small business owners participating. The FIA Volunteer Committee, led by Jay Natarajan, Naveen Setty, Vishant Mahajan,Vijay Agarwal, Abhinav Yadav, Sapna Gupta and Sarvesh Sahasrabudhe Rider, coordinated with over 100 volunteers.

FIA-New England Executive Vice President Sanjay Gokhale, along with Nikhil Wadhwa and Anand Sharma, extended their gratitude to all partners, guests, celebrities, and vendors. Special thanks to photographers Sanjay & Vasudha Kudramurthy of Fotu Duniya along with Pramod kumar and Sumanth Reddy for capturing the beautiful moments of the day.

Event Highlights:
• August 15th proclaimed as India Day in Massachusetts by Governor Maura Healey
• Honors for Seniors by Miss World Diana Hayden, CGI New York's Binaya S. Pradhan, and Hollywood Actress Neetu Chandra
• Scholarships awarded by Sudhir Parikh Foundation
• Support for Veterans and Law Authorities by Kota Foundation
• Promotion of Small Businesses
• Cultural performances by various talented groups including Northeastern and Sankalp
• Support from Philanthropist Ram Gupta and Businessman Sandeep Asija
• Ajay Reddy’s advocacy for Blind Cricket, supported by Samarthanam
• Delicious food provided by Sankalp - The Taste Of India & Kinnera Indian Restaurant

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