GOPIO-Connecticut celebrates India’s 75th Independence Day

August 9, 2022

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Indian-Americans of all ages gathered in Mill River Park in Stamford, CT, along with elected leaders and other prominent individuals, including the Mayor Caroline Simmons Aug. 6, 2022, to celebrate India Day Festival. Photo: GOPIO-CT.

Mill River Park in Stamford, CT wore a festive look Saturday, August 6, 2022, as Indian-Americans gathered in large numbers to celebrate India’s 75th Independence Day with an annual India Day Festival.

Bollywood music rang out as people in Indian dresses, enjoyed cultural programs displaying India’s diversity, and engaged in other activities, from dances to kite flying, a magic show, spicy Indian cuisine, and booths offering various treats.

Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons, Mayor of Norwalk Harry Rilling, and several elected state lawmakers joined the community for the event organized by the Connecticut Chapter of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO-CT).

High school graduates being recognized at the Aug. 6, 2022, India Day Festival organized by GOPIO-CT, in Stamford, CT. Photo: GOPIO-CT

Flags of the U.S., India, and Connecticut were hoisted and Mayor Simmons proclaimed August 15th as India Day, noting the largely non-violent resistance and civil disobedience that marked India’s independence. It also said Stamford honors the Indian community as an integral part of city’s diversity, success and great future.

Several elected leaders spoke at the event including State Senator Patricia Billie Miller, 27th District; Representative Daniel J. Fox, 148th District; Representative Matt Blumenthal, 147th District; Representative David Michel, 146th Dist; Representative Corey P. Paris, 145th District; and, Representative Hubert D. Delany, 144th District, Connecticut State Assemblyman Harry Arora, and GOPIO-CT Trustee/Advisor and Chairman of GOPIO International Thomas Abraham.

India’s diversity was on display with various dances and other activities at the Aug. 6, 2022, India Day Festival held in Stamford, CT. Photo: GOPIO-CT

A citation by the Connecticut General Assembly read, “Today, we join you to celebrate the rich history and culture along with freedom and liberty with people of India. We urge all our citizens to join us in publicly acknowledging the many achievements and contributions Indian Americans have made to the economy of Connecticut especially in IT and Technology, Healthcare and Hospitality. Congratulations on your Independence Day!”

In her address, Executive Vice President Dr. Jaya Daptardar described the many flagship events the organization hosts every year, among them, Women’s Mentoring Network, Future 5, Children’s Learning Center, Building One community, Grassroots of Norwalk/Stamford and Stamford Public Library.

Children sang patriotic songs, and high school graduates were recognized; The Independence Day Liberty Award 2022 was given to Ashok Nichani, past president of GOPIO-CT, for his service.