NEW YORK (TIP): The Consulate General of India, New York, celebrated 76th Independence Day of India on Monday, August 15, 2022 at the Consulate in the presence of members of the community, including State Senator, New York Mr. Kevin Thomas, the first Indian-American State Senator in New York. During the program, Consul General conferred Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) Quiz – 2022 Gold Medal for the PIO/OCI category on Ms. Riya Dadheech. Miss Riya Dadheech and Mr. Udayan Dhar are the winners of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) Quiz – 2022 Gold Medal from the jurisdiction of the Consulate. Congratulatory messages from several local elected officials and celebrities were received. Governors, State Assemblies and City Governments from nine States under the Consulate’s jurisdiction issued proclamations and citations celebrating India’s 75 years of independence.

Later, Consul General hoisted the national flag in a special event organized by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA – NY/NJ/CT) at the iconic Times Square in New York City. On August 15th, FIA– NY/NJ/CT in collaboration with the Consulate organized a lighting Ceremony at Empire State Building in New York City. Among other community organized events, the prominent ones were 11th India Day Parade organized in Hicksville, Long Island, New York, August 07th; Heritage of India festival organized by Indian American Cultural Association of Westchester, August 07th; flag hoisting ceremony at Philadelphia City Hall by Council of Indian Organizations in Greater Philadelphia on August 12th; Independence Day celebrations at Connecticut State Capitol Building held by Indian association of Central Connecticut on August 13th; India day Parade organized by Council of Heritage and Arts of India, at Williamsville, Buffalo, August 13th; India Day Parade & Flag Hoisting celebrations organized by Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), New England, Boston, August 13th; India Day Parade organized by Indian Business Association, New Jersey on August 14th. The special feature of the Boston celebrations, held close to Boston Harbor, was that it meaningfully brought out the shared historical connections between Indian and American independence.

In order to mark a special celebration on the occasion of 75 years of India’s independence, the Consulate General of India in association with the Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC) celebrated Festival of India@75. The series began on August 5th with a photo exhibition by celebrated photographer Steve McCurry. In the subsequent days, noted Classical vocalist Kaushiki Chakraborty, flautist Rakesh Chaurasia and Sitarist Purbayan Chatterjee performed at the Carnegie Hall in New York City. The grand finale of this series will take place on 15th August, featuring India’s celebrated Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan at the Carnegie Hall.

Largest India day Parade in downtown New York City is scheduled to be held on August 21st, 2022 by FIA- NY/NJ/CT in collaboration with the Consulate. The celebrations organized around Independence Day, this year, had a distinct flavor of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. Wholehearted Participation from members of the diaspora and friends of India transformed the landmark celebrations into a true people’s movement.