Indian Association of Sacramento celebrates 77th Independence Day of India

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Some 3,000 people from the Greater Sacramento area and further away came to witness the Indian Independence Day celebrations in different venues, hosted by the Indian Association of Sacramento (IAS), after a 3-year pandemic hiatus.

On Aug 13th, 2023 at 10 AM, IAS members waved Indian tricolor flags in the lawns of the California State Capitol. Earlier, at 9 am, it conducted a 30-car parade at the State Capitol, each vehicle sporting Indian and US flags and other cultural symbols.

Parade leader Paresh Sinha, and President of IAS Gobi Ramasamy led the car parade which involved many volunteers helping make it a success. Patriotic Indian slogans reverberated through the California Capitol Building, like “Bharat Mata Ki Jai’, ‘Vande Mataram’, and ‘Jai Hind.’

“This year’s and last year’s Independence Day will mark a new chapter in IAS’s history, organizing India Day car parade, celebrating India’s Independence Day at the State Capitol building and an in-person cultural event at California State University – Sacramento,” organizers said.

Indian sweets were distributed, and the crowd erupted in huge cheers and applause as the Indian tricolor flag was raised in front of CA State Capital, alongside the American flag, commenting that it was indeed a proud and historic moment created for all.

IAS vice president Amitab Shaikh reiterated it was a historic moment for the Indian community as the tricolor was demonstrated in large numbers in front of the CA State Capitol. “It is indeed a proud moment for all of us, when India turns 77, we should turn the page on partisan communities. Our goal is a unified community” he said.

The IAS Secretary Ranju Varma said, “Today is the day to celebrate our outstanding achievements, great successes, our freedom struggle, all the sacrifices done by the leaders and also to chart out our future course of action”. The IAS Vice Secretary Bhavik Vyas said “good to see the attendees joining the Capitol parade event in their regional traditional attire. Several Indian Americans have taken up official local city council member positions recently – which is special”. IAS Treasurer Madhuri Natu thanked everyone who participated in the car parade beating the summer heat wave in Sacramento.

The following Saturday on Aug 19th, at 11 AM thousands from the community in the Greater Sacramento area participated in the IAS India Day Celebrations at California State University Union Building at Sacramento.  Colorful cultural performances went on for about 6 hours, according to cultural lead Selvi Janarthanan. And there were stalls serving food and other products. Indoor and outdoor  sports events were part of the celebrations, as was henna and face painting, balloons for kids, forums for women’s empowerment and mental health awareness items.

Many elected officials attended IAS India Day in person and wished the Sacramento Indian Community on the occasion of 77th Independence Day. The guests of honors included Bruce Houdesheldt – Mayor from City of Roseville, Bobbie Singh-Allen – Mayor & Kevin Spease Vice Mayor from Elk Grove City, YK Chalamcharla Vice Mayor Folsom City, Lisa Kaplan Councilmember, District 1 Sacramento, Sarah Aquino Council member Folsom City, Siri Pulipati Councilmember – Rancho Cordova, and Chris Clark FCUSD Board Member – Folsom.

The IAS has been holding India Day events since 2006, according to the press release.