Extreme heat does not prevent people from participating

JACKSON HEIGHTS, NY(TIP): Jackson Heights Indian Merchants Association organized a celebration, August 15 to mark the 72^ndIndependence Day of India. The Indian National Flag was unfurled, and the Indian National Anthem sung by the gathering. Mohinder Verma, General Secretary of JHIMA conducted the brief program. Despite the heat of the day, a group of Indian merchants gathered to celebrate the Independence Day.

Shiv Dass congratulated the gathering on the historic day and reminded them of the need to promote friendliness and cooperation between India and America. He also emphasized how very important it is for the business community to promote trade relations between the two great democratic countries of the world.

Speaking on the occasion, Mohinder Verma made a passionate plea to never forget the freedom fighters of India who sacrificed their own interests for the sake of the country. He encouraged the business community of Jackson Heights to get involved in politics to get a better deal for themselves. He praised Shiv Dass for being instrumental in getting the 74^thStreet named as Kalpana Chawla Way.

Attendees were treated to lunch at Jackson Diner.