Joyous celebration of freedom: India Day in Boston

August 15, 2024

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FIA-New England held the India Day Parade August 13, 2024 in Boston. Seen here is a section of the Parade. PHOTOS: Sanjay & Vasudha Kudramurthy of Fotu Duniya and Pramod Kumar and Sumanth Reddy, courtesy FIA-NE

Thirty two countries came together to celebrate India’s 78th Independence Day in Boston August 13, 2024.

Organized by the Foundation of Indian-Americans (FIA) New England, this year’s celebration drew global attention and showcased a blend of cultures, a press release from FIA-New England said.

Flag hoisting ceremony after the India Day Parade at Boston August 13, 2024, led by India’s Consul General in New York Binaya S. Pradhan

The 3rd International India Day Parade wound its way through Boston’s India Street and central streets in a display of tricolor flags and costumes.

The event honored veterans, law enforcement officers, and senior citizens. Scholarships were awarded to outstanding students.

A view of the Boston India Day Parade August 13, 2024.

Different from previous years, this year featured a strong focus on supporting small businesses. FIA-New England, with the help of community and cultural partners, provided a platform for small enterprises to display their products.

Abhishek Singh, president of FIA-NE delivered a speech emphasizing, “Freedom is a right for all, not a privilege for the few. We honor the sacrifices of freedom fighters from both India and the USA and strive to empower our small businesses, the backbone of our communities.”

Among the notable attendees were former Miss World Diana Hayden, political leader Geoff Diehl, Consul General of India in New York Binaya S. Pradhan, Arjun Awardee and former Indian Cricket Team for the blind Captain Ajay Reddy, and Hollywood actress Neetu Chandra.

FIA-New England presented a check to veterans. Seen in photo from left, Monalisa Pradhan, Bollywood actor Neetu Chandra, President of FIA-NE Abhishek Singh, veterans holding up the check, India’s Consul General in New York Binaya S. Pradhan, and former Miss World Diana Hayden.

Event Highlights:
• August 15th proclaimed as India Day in Massachusetts by Governor Maura Healey
• Honors for Seniors by Miss World Diana Hayden, CGI New York’s Binaya S. Pradhan, and Hollywood Actress Neetu Chandra
• Scholarships awarded by Sudhir Parikh Foundation
• Support for Veterans and Law Authorities by Kota Foundation
• Promotion of Small Businesses
• Cultural performances by various talented groups including Northeastern and Sankalp
• Support from Philanthropist Ram Gupta and Businessman Sandeep Asija
• Ajay Reddy’s advocacy for Blind Cricket, supported by Samarthanam
• Delicious food provided by Sankalp and Kennera Food

The Parade kicked off with loud cheers and flag-waving. Attendees told FIA-NE it was one of the most impressive Independence Day celebrations in recent memory.

Joyful India Day Parade in Boston August 13, 2024.

After the Parade, a flag hoisting ceremony and cultural program were held at Boston Harbor, conducted by the organization’s Board of Directors and executives, including Jyoti Singh, Deepak Rathore, Amol Penshanwar, Anupama Debroy, Manisha Kumar, and Priyanka Wadhwa.

Booth management was handled by Shova Sharma, Archana, and Girish Soni, with over 40 small business owners participating.

The FIA Volunteer Committee, led by Jay Natarajan, Naveen Setty, Vishant Mahajan,Vijay Agarwal, Abhinav Yadav, Sapna Gupta and Sarvesh Sahasrabudhe Rider, coordinated with over 100 volunteers.
FIA-New England Executive Vice President Sanjay Gokhale, along with Nikhil Wadhwa and Anand Sharma, extended their gratitude to all partners, guests, celebrities, and vendors.