40th India Day Parade In NYC: Diversity on display as FIA made history with Guiness World Records

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The Federation of Indian Associations- NYNJCT/New England, now holds 2 Guinness World Records – one, for the most number of different flags flown simultaneously, and the second, for the largest ensemble of Damru (ancient musical drum instrument associated with Hinduism and Buddhism).

These world records were won during the August 21, 2022 India day Parade of FIA celebrating the 75^th anniversary of India’s independence which falls on Aug. 15, under the Indian Government’s Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav initiative, launched by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

People lined the sidewalk along Madison Avenue as the parade got going from 38^th Street, and the crowd thickened as it approached the culmination at Madison Square Park on 24^th to watch the colorful parade and witness close to 36 floats and groups representing organizations, marching bands, and dancers, which began moving at 1 pm.

Organizers said some 1,500 volunteers had arrived early morning to get the parade moving.

The Grand Marshal of the Parade, Allu Arjun, a “Pan Indian” super star, excited the crowds as his float passed by, and they saw him waving the tricolor vigorously.

The floats included two from publishers Parikh Worldwide Media which brings out News India Times and Desi Talk, and ITV Gold. The Indian Consulate’s float had a huge sign saying ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ and India @75 emblazoned on it.

The wide variety of floats signified the diversity of India as they went by, including trade and business, but also regional floats representing different parts of India represented by organizations here.

They ranged from the State Bank of India to Asian American Republican Coalition, Dunkin Donuts (one of the sponsors), Mrs. Universe, Ahimsa Foundation spreading the message of non-violence; one representing Mahatma Gandhi; Indian-American Muslim Association; Royal Albert’s Palace; North America Telugu Society; Jharkhand state of India; Telangana American Telugu Association; American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI); Karnataka contingent; Rajasthan contingent where women in beautiful flared skirts danced on the street; the National Association of Asian Indian Christians.

President of FIA Kenny Desai, speaking at Madison Square Park, said that he salutes the vision and efforts of Prime Minister Modi, and that the FIA in it’s own way was trying to do their bit “by attempting the records and making our motherland shine in our homeland,” the press release said. “Today FIA has made India proud and this achievement is a tribute to the unknown and unsung heroes of the freedom struggle,” Desai added.

Chairman of FIA Ankur Vaidya said that these records are dedicated to the global community and thanked the community for their support without which the feat would not have been possible.

FIA Secretary and Event Chair Pravin Bansal said that the endeavor to set world records required “massive efforts and the whole team of FIA volunteers had been working day and night for the past few months especially since the logistics were a big challenge in itself.”

“We are all very proud of Mother India on its 75^th anniversary. It has come a long way- rising to 3^rd largest economy, credit for which goes to Prime Minister Modi. This year was a record attendance for the Parade,” Dr. Sudhir Parikh, senior advisor to FIA, and chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media told Desi Talk.

More than 1,500 volunteers who registered for the World Record on the FIA website turned up early in the morning and the prevalent atmosphere was of patriotic fervour as the lead conductor Padma Shri recipient Kailash Kher sang ‘Hindustan Meri Jaan tu…’ and the whole gathering of thousands joined him, the press release said.

At Madison Square Park there were live performances, Bollywood celebrities, a food fest, booths and cultural programs.

The evening reception at Chelsea Pier 60 was attended by New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Allu Arjun and the Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda Gaston Browne who was also at the Parade.

The India Day Parade in Manhattan is described by FIA as the largest of its kind outside India.