India Association of Long Island Celebrates India’s 78th Independence Day

- ADVERTISEMENT -

The India Association of Long Island (IALI) celebrated India’s 78th Independence Day, bringing together a diverse crowd August 15, 2024.

A press release from IALI noted the list of those attending — Guest of Honor Town Clerk Ragini Srivastava, Town of North Hempstead; Zahid Syed, executive director, Community Affairs, Town of Hempstead; several Indian veterans including Group Captain Gursaran Singh Ahluwalia, a 93-year-old decorated veteran of Indian Air Force who spoke about his wartime experiences; IALI members including past presidents Bina Sabapathy, Satnam S. Parhar, Beena Kothari, Dr. Bhavani Srinivasan, Indu Jaiswal; Presidents of India Day Parade Deepak Bansal and Vimal Goyal; and Community Leader Dr. Bobby Kumar Kalotee, Founder India Day Parade and Chairman Human Rights Commission, Board of Directors of Nassau University Medical Center.

The celebration began with a traditional flag hoisting ceremony, the singing of US and Indian national anthems sung by Karishma Pahuja, daughter of IALI members, Namrata and Sameer Pahuja, granddaughter of IALI Past President Dr. Jagan Pahuja.

Dr. Neeru Bhambri, secretary of IALI, warmly welcomed all guests, emphasizing this year’s theme, ‘Nation First Always First.’ She underscored the importance of honoring India’s veterans and the collective duty to safeguard the nation’s independence.

President of IALI Pradeep Tandon while welcoming guests, expressed his pride in celebrating this special day at the IALI Center. He honored the memory of the brave freedom fighters, from Subhas Chandra Bose to Mahatma Gandhi, who paved the way for India’s independence. He praised the Indian community’s contributions to American society while preserving its rich heritage. As the tricolor was raised, he urged everyone to reaffirm their commitment to freedom, equality, and fraternity. He also emphasized the importance of giving back to society, and spoke of the importance of education, encouraging members to support education both in the U.S. and in India

Town Clerk Ragini Srivastava echoed other speakers, and also highlighted India’s blend of tradition and modernity, the strength of its democracy, and the resilience of its youth. She urged everyone to focus on their commitments to both India and the U.S. and presented Citations to all Adhoc Committee members of the India Association of Long Island.

Several other speakers made comments on the same lines and shared stories about their lives, including Zahid Syed, representing Town Supervisor Donald X. Clavin Jr.; IALI Treasurer Anjana Kashyap; and Ajinder Ahluwalia, a distinguished alumna of India’s Audit and Accounts Service and former Director General of Audit, who later worked with the United Nations and UNICEF in New York.

Ajinder Ahluwalia introduced her husband, Group Captain Gursaran Singh Ahluwalia who served the Indian Air Force (IAF) with distinction for 25 years, was wounded but played a role in India’s border conflicts, both in 1962 and 1971, receiving gallantry awards like the Vir Chakra.

Group Captain Ahluwalia captivated the audience with his detailed account of his wartime experiences.

Dr. Usha Tandon recited Subhadra Kumari Chauhan’s iconic poem “Jhansi ki Rani,” setting a tone of patriotism and pride. Anjana Kashyap followed with a soulful rendition of “Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon,” stirring deep emotions in the audience. A delightful surprise came when Town Clerk Ragini Srivastava graced the stage with her melodious performance of “Aye Mere Pyare Watan,” captivating everyone with her beautiful voice.

There was a cake cutting ceremony to celebrate India’s 78^th Birthday, and a sumptuous lunch was served, the press release said.