India’s new envoy to US celebrates Independence Day with the diaspora  

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Washington DC: India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Kwatra, unfurled the tri-color Indian flag on August 15, 2024, at India House to mark India’s 78^th Independence Day.

Ambassador Kwatra, soon after assuming charge as the Indian Ambassador on August 12^th, emphasized that the Embassy of India “will continue to work intensely to strengthen this crucial partnership.”

During his speech, Ambassador Kwatra told members of the diaspora and friends of India that these celebrations represent the joy of 1.4 billion people being a part of this great nation and conveyed the greetings of the President to members of the Indian diaspora.

On the occasion, President of India, Droupadi Murmu’s televised address to the nation was played for the diaspora members. President Murmu noted, “Witnessing the tri-color unfurl on this occasion, be it at the Red Fort, at state capitals or in local neighborhoods, always thrills our hearts…”

Referring to diaspora members, she said “You are part of our family, making us proud with your achievements,” adding “You are great representatives of India’s culture and heritage.”

President Murmu recalled the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters including Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Babasaheb Ambedkar, and Bhagat Singh.

“From 2021 to 2024, India has been among the fastest growing major economies, with an average growth rate of 8 per cent annually. This has not only put more money in the hands of people, it has also drastically reduced the number of people living below the poverty line…” added President Murmu. “The world of sports is another arena in which the country has made great progress in the last decade…”

Indian Men’s Cricket Team for the Blind, currently visiting the United States, also joined to witness the Independence Day celebrations at India House. The team is on a tour to nine cities including Boston, New York City, Chicago, Detroit, Dallas, LA, Seattle, San Francisco, and around the state of New Jersey.

Manager of Indian Men’s Cricket Team for the Blind, Dhiraj Sequeira, told News India Times, “The main reason why the Indian Men’s Cricket Team for the Blind is in the USA, is to promote cricket for the blind amongst the public, specifically the Indian diaspora and the visually impaired across the country.”

Expressing hope that their visit would encourage many visually impaired individuals from various schools and institutions to engage with the sport, Sequeira emphasized, “At the same time, we would be able to form the first ever men’s and women’s American Blind Cricket Team in the coming years.”

Former Director-General of Police of Bihar, Gupteshwar Pandey, who participated in the celebrations told News India Times, “I feel proud to be an Indian. I am very happy to witness the unfurling of the tri-color flag by Ambassador Kwatra.”

The Embassy also organized a painting competition on the theme of, “My idea of India/Mother Earth,” to commemorate the 78^th Independence Day Celebrations and received over 250 entries from across the country. Ambassador Kwatra awarded certificates to the winners across age groups.

On the occasion, a special Bharatnatyam performance to the tune of “Jayate Jayate Bharat Mata,” was presented by the Natananjali School of Dance.