41st India Day Parade in Manhattan drew large crowds

P 1 — Marching in the 41st India Day Parade in Manhattan on August 20, 2023. L to R: FIA Advisor Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Faith Group Head Geeta Fofandi, FIA President Kenny Desai, Spiritual Guru Sri Sri Ravishankar, Consul General of India Randhir Kumar Jaiswal, BJP spokesperson Shazia Ilmi, The Indian Panorama publisher Indrajit Saluja. (All photos : Jay Mandal – on assignment)

Sri Sri Ravishankar, Actors Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Jacqueline Fernandez, NY City Mayor Eric Adams and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams graced the historic event

New York City Mayor Eric Adams addressing the gathering.
L to R: Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, Mayor Adams, Sri Sri Ravishankar, Consul General of India Randhir Kumar Jaiswal, and Dr. Sudhir Parikh.

Mayor presented a Proclamation to FIA President Kenny Desai.
L to R: Kenny Desai, Actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Mayor Adams, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and Sri Sri Ravishankar.

New York Public Advocate Jumaane D Williams recognized Federation of Indian Associations for having exemplary events in the city of New York.
L to R: Kenny Desai, Mayor Adams, Jumaane Williams, Sri Sri Ravishankar, and Consul General Randhir Kumar Jaiswal.

Consul General Randhir Kumar Jaiswal greeting Indian Americans on the Independence Day of India.
L to R: Si Sri Ravishankar, Randhir Kumar Jaiswal, and Dr. Sudhir Parikh.

Noted singer Falu Shah singing a patriotic song.
L to R: Deputy Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Innovation in Mayor Adam’s office, Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez, Falu Shah , and Deputy Consul General Dr. Varun Jeph.

Actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu addressing the gathering.
L to R: Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Sri Sri Ravishankar, and Consul General Randhir Kumar Jaiswal.

NEW YORK CITY (TIP): A crowd of over 100 thousand lined up to witness the 41st India Day parade. The streets came alive with different hues of color, culture, and diversity.

The theme for this year’s Parade was Mission Life – An India led global movement for a sustainable lifestyle for a greener and healthier planet. The Parade stared at 12.30 from the corner of Madison & E 38th Street as Consul General of India Sh. Randhir Jaiswal , spiritual guru HH Sri Sri Sri Ravishankar ji led it along with New York City Mayor Mr. Eric Adams, Indian Films Industry Actors Samantha Ruth Prabhu & Jacqueline Fernandez, and New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.

Sh. Randhir Jaiswal said that it’s an occasion to celebrate America and India together and their shared spirit of democracy. Samantha Ruth Prabhu said that the Parade made her realize how rich her culture and heritage is. The memories of the Parade will last her a lifetime.

New York Public Advocate Jumaane D Williams recognized Federation of Indian Associations for having exemplary events in the city of New York

Grammy award winner Falu Shah rendered a song dedicated to the International year of Millets – ‘Abundance in Millets”

DCG Dr Varun Jeph said that lets unite in the theme of the Parade – Mission Life to make our planet greener for our future generations to come.

FIA President said that the Parade aims to foster unity among the diverse Indian American Diaspora.

Mr. Ankur Vaidya said that the parade aims to showcase our motherland India in our homeland India and also to keep the Diaspora connected to their cultural roots. The vibrant India Day parade has been organized by Federation of Indian Associations since 1981 and witnesses colorful floats, marching bands, colorful traditional attires, cultural performances, booth fairs – all representing India’s Unity in Diversity.