The Indian Diaspora Council International (IDC) congratulates the people of United States of America (USA) on the 245^thanniversary of the Declaration of Independence and conveys its best wishes for continuing progress in championing the cause of freedom, justice and liberty throughout the world. Despite recent setbacks due to the devastation effects of Covid-19, widespread protests to achieve racial and economic inequities, many attacks on Asians in America, and perpetuating misinformation leading to ideological disputes in some segments of society, America and its institutions remain strong and resilient as a progressive nation.

We are grateful for the enormous sacrifices made for the hard fought independence of USA and the continuing diligence and determination to maintain and advance freedom and liberty which universally endear the USA as a beacon of hope, freedom and refuge for the persecuted and downtrodden. USA’s struggle for independence and promoting freedom exemplify the indomitable human spirit to choose and make decisions for “the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness”, and has inspired nations, racially diverse and ethnic groups and individuals to advance their own struggles for freedom. The USA strives to be introspective and adapt to changing times and recognition of past injustices to better serve the needs of its citizens with established institutions and processes for social justice.

The celebration of USA independence is also of historic significance to the rapidly growing Indian American community who have benefited enormously from the Luce-Celler Immigration Act of 1946 signed into law on 3^rd July 1946 by President Harry Truman granting naturalization rights to Filipinos and Asian Indians. The Immigration Act of 1946 also “allowed Filipino Americans and Indian Americans to naturalize and become United States citizens”. Upon becoming US citizens, the new Americans could own homes and farmland, and petition for family unification. This reversed the Naturalization Act of 1870 which had denied Asians the right to gain US citizenship.

The 2020 election of Indian origin Kamala Harris as Vice President, and the appointments of the Vivek Murthy as US Surgeon General and Vanita Gupta as Associate Attorney General, as well as many others in prominent positions, reflect the changing demographics and the diversity of America as well as the rapid strides that Indian Americans are making in the political landscape.