GREENWICH, CT (TIP): Celebrations have already started in the US cities to honor India for its 77th Anniversary of Independence, being organized by the 4.5 million strong Indian American community. The Connecticut Chapter of the Global Organization (GOPIO-CT) had a highly successful celebration on August 11th with flag hoisting at the Stamford Government Center, a ceremony with elected Connecticut officials and dignitaries. The celebrations, with a colorful festival, then continued at the Mill River Park in Stamford.

A floating crowd of over 2,000 people attended flag hoisting at 11.30 am followed by the India Festival and Kite flying at the Mill River Park from 12 Noon to 4.00 pm. Dressed in colorful traditional Indian attire, with melodious music from the popular Bollywood world, dances depicting the wide variety of Indian culture, kite flying, spicy Indian cuisine, and booths decorated with Indian symbols and face art, the festivities were a treat to the fast-growing Indian American community in the state of Connecticut and New York’s Westchester County. The celebration had a combination of everything that one would want, catering to the diverse needs of the attendees ranging from a toddler to seniors. Over 20 performances by over 100 performers were presented at cultural programs.

The day-long celebrations began with the hoisting of the American and Indian flags at the Stamford Government Center by Darien First Selectman Darien First Selectman Jon Zagrodzky, Rep. Matt Blumenthal (Stamford/Darien) and Rachel Khanna (Greenwich/Stamford) and Indian Consul Pragya Singh. American and Indian national anthems were sung by students of Stamford’s Hindi School.

The program then continued to the adjacent Mill River Park with an Independence Day Ceremony which was addressed by Indian Consul Pragya Singh and several CT state officials. The ceremony was started by the program Chair Sushanth Krishnamurthy and program co-chair Sonali Gannu served as the MC who introduced GOPIO-CT President Dr. Jaya Daptardar.

In her presidential address, Dr. Jaya Daptardar described the mission and vision of GOPIO-CT under her leadership. “Our mission at GOPIO-CT is to be active participants in the local community through involvement in community events and local politics, and by providing services to the Indian community at large here in Connecticut. This lofty goal of providing services and a political voice to the local Indian population has evolved into an exemplary community service organization thanks to the tremendous support of our local Indian community.”

Indian Consul Pragya Singh who is the Consul for Visa and Community Affairs at the Indian Consulate was the honored guest. In her address, she highlighted the accomplishments and contributions of the Diaspora. “I’m very proud to say that the numbers prove that you have broken many barriers to become one of the most successful immigrant groups in the US. Indian Americans comprise only 1% of the US population, but across all the sectors, you pay 5 to 6% of income tax. You lead 16 of the Fortune 500 companies, which collectively employ 7 million Americans and generate nearly 1 trillion USD in revenue.”

Half a dozen elected officials from Connecticut spoke and lauded the contributions of the Indian Diaspora locally and nationally, and praised the strong values that govern the strategic relationship between India and the US. They included Darien First Selectman Jon Zagrodzky, CT State Senator Ryan Fazio (Senate 36th District, Greenwich/Stamford/New Canaan), CT Senator Patricia Billie Miller (Senate 27th District Stamford/Darien), and State Representatives Matt Blumenthal (147th District, Stamford/Darien), Anabel Figueroa (148th District, Stamford) and Rachel Khanna (149th Greenwich/Stamford). The elected officials were introduced GOPIO Chairman and Advisor/Trustee to GOPIO-CT Dr. Thomas ‘Abraham.

Furthermore, all the elected officials who spoke at the event acknowledged India’s success as the world’s most populous and largest democracy. Darien First Selectman Jon Zagrodsky recognized the “resilience and spirit that drove India to independence,” and appreciated the bonds between India and the United States through shared history. Connecticut State Senator Ryan Fazio remarked, “The United States and India share a lot in common,” proceeding to emphasize the difficulty of running a democracy within a large and diverse population while respecting every citizen’s voice. CT Rep. Anabel Figueroa, State Representative for District 148, not only pointed out the achievements India has made in the United States in areas such as medicine and culture but also emphasized the room for improvement in both democracies, as “India and America face issues with inequality and justice and the need for greater harmony among our diverse populations.”

Rep. Rachel Khanna, State Representative for District 149, impressed the entire audience, walking up to the mic and speaking in Hindi, “Aap sab ko milkar mera dil bahut khush hai,” which translates to “being here with you all makes me very happy”. She shared her personal experience of being married into a large Indian family, and like her other colleagues, stressed the importance of freedom, equality, and democracy. She pointed out the similarities between America and India that strengthen the bond between the two countries.

Ms. Eva Weller, Chair of the Stamford Mayor’s Multicultural Council and three colleagues thanks the Indian American community for its contribution to the diverse culture of Connecticut. Rep. Matt Blumenthal emphasized democracy once more, “Democracy is not a naturally occurring condition in the world, it’s not a form of government in society that just happens. It’s one that takes constant work, and struggle, and cultivation, and respect for every member of the society.” Lastly, Senator Patricia Billie Miller highlighted the need for understanding within a diverse population, “We’re in a society today where we have to practice love.”

Connecticut General Assembly issued a citation honoring the India Day Celebration and presented it to GOPIO-CT. The citation introduced by Rep. Blumenthal (147th Dist. Stamford/Darien) and supported by 14 other CT Representatives and Senators congratulated GOPIO-CT for celebrating India’s 77th Anniversary.

The citation read, “In recognition of the 76th Anniversary India’s Independence from British Colonial Rule on August 15th, 1947, today we come together to celebrate this occasion with GOPIO-CT to help promote awareness of Indian culture, customs and contributions of Indian Americans to various fields, including business and political arena, and in recognition GOPIO-CT’s support of many non-profits in Connecticut.” The citation was signed by CT General Assembly’s Pro Tempore Marten M. Looney, House Speaker Matt Ritter and Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas.

Stamford Mayor Carolin Simmons proclaimed August 11th as India Independence Day in Stamford to commemorate Indian Independence and thanki9ng the dedication of Indian American community.

An award and several recognitions were also felicitated at this milestone event. Dr. Anita Mathur, an active contributing member of GOPIO-CT, who also worked at the United Nations, was awarded the 2024 India Independence Liberty Award. Additionally, Graduating High School students of Indian origin were acknowledged with certificates, among whom, Vishal Nayak, the 2024 valedictorian from Stamford’s Westhill High School briefly addressed the audience.

The ceremony was followed by an Indian Festival with colorful Folk and Classical Dances of India, Music, and Bollywood Dances and were a treat for everyone to cherish. There were vendors, who displayed and sold Indian cuisine, Indian arts and crafts, Indian clothing, and other items. Free Carousel rides were provided for young children. Over 100 performers presented their colorful dances and other cultural programs.

“The Indian American community has done very well in Corporate America and now in political arena too and in Connecticut it is a growing community consisting generally IT and management professionals, healthcare workers and a large number of entrepreneurs in hospitality, Hedge Fund and small businesses,” said Dr. Thomas Abraham, Chairman of GOPIO International and Trustee/Advisor to GOPIO-CT.

The celebration is hosted by Mill River Park Collaborative and the sponsors are First County Bank and Hampton Inn. Others supporting the event were Keller William Prestige Properties Associate Sonali Zullurwar, Braj Aggarwal CPA, Counsel Academy, Kaashi Collections, Northstar Portfolio Investments, Pancer Solutions and several other individuals. The program was chaired by GOPIO-CT Secretary Sushanth Krishnamurthy and Co-Chaired by Board Member Sonali Gannu. Executive Vice President Mahesh Jhangiani gave vote of thanks. Mirat Joshi served as the master of ceremony for the cultural program.

The commemoration of India’s 77th Independence Day by GOPiO-CT was a grand success marked by a growing attendance through the day and a visually and audibly grand celebration of India’s culture, democracy, and the strong bonds between India and the United States. While reveling in India’s Independence, this event highlighted the enduring contributions, inclusivity, the pride and the positive energy shared by the Indian American community.

Over the last 19 years, GOPIO-CT, a chapter of GOPIO International has become an active and dynamic organization hosting interactive sessions with policy makers and academicians, community events, youth mentoring and networking workshops, and working with other area organizations to help create a better future. GOPIO-CT – Global Organization of People of Indian Origin – serves as a non-partisan, secular, civic and community service organization – promoting awareness of Indian culture, customs and contributions of people of Indian origin through community programs, forums, events and youth activities. It seeks to strengthen partnerships and create an ongoing dialogue with local communities.

(Based on a Report by Piya Sharma, Greenwich, CT)