MINEOLA, NY (TIP):  In celebration of India‘s 75th anniversary of independence, IDP USA will hold its 12th annual India Day Parade in Hicksville, Long Island on August 7, it was announced at the Curtain Raiser on June 21 held at the prestigious Nassau County Executive and Legislative Building in Mineola, NY. The event was attended by IDP USA team members, past presidents, community leaders, officials of Nassau County as well as the Town of Oyster Bay, and press persons. Vimal Goyal, IDP USA President, said that the parade this time will originate from Hicksville Community Center on Carl Street West, adding  that the enthusiasm this time is high since this is the 75th landmark year of India’s Independence, and the parade will proudly celebrate Indian Government initiative ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’. He recalled the sacrifices of freedom fighters, some known and some not so. How important independence is for a country you can see in Ukraine’s resistance to Russia’s aggression, he pointed out. IDP USA Founder Bobby K Kalotee, Chair of Nassau County Commission on Human Rights, in his address praised India’s intellectual force and free thinking and said that nobody could have kept the country in shackles. He also promised full support and protection for the parade on behalf of the Town and County.

The program emceed by Past President Mukesh Modi started with the recital of the Indian and American anthems, followed by the ceremonial lamp lighting. The first item was an energetic dance item, Ganesh Vandana, performed by a young girl, Angel.

IDP Chairperson Indu Jaiswal and Past President Beena Kothari, in  their brief speeches, gave a call to the community to support the parade with tan-man-dhan (body, mind and funds). The parade that culminates in an entertainment program will showcase India’s heritage and culture and Indian Americans’ achievements. Children’s carnival and games area will be free. Raffle will have attractive prizes. A couple of Indian Americans running for elected office in the New York primaries were in attendance. Dinner was provided by Rajbhog.

For more details: Vimal Goyal, IDP USA President, 516 978 7125, VimKGoyal@yahoo.com

Parveen Chopra (Media Coordinator), 516 710 0508, Parveen.Chopra@gmail.com

(Based on a press release issued by Parveen Chopra)