National Council of Asian Indian Associations celebrates India’s 77th Independence Day

- ADVERTISEMENT -

The National Council of Asian Indian Associations (NCAIA) in collaboration with other regional organizations in the Washington DC metropolitan area, commemorated India’s 77^th Independence Day on August 20, 2023, at the John Champe High School in Aldie, Virginia.

Chancellor of Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, India, Prof. Panjab Singh, chief guest on the occasion, thanked NCAIA for the opportunity and said since attaining independence 77 years ago, India has consistently achieved remarkable advancements. Amidst the global devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Singh pointed out that India, once grappling with food scarcity, undertook the initiative of distributing free sustenance to 800 million people for a period extending beyond three years. Furthermore, India not only successfully administered vaccinations to its population, but also exported food resources internationally.

Singh, who has been visiting the US for the last 30 years, said Indians have done exceedingly well in every sector be it health, business, science and technology and others. “Therefore, we really feel proud of all of you. And we want that you continue to do that. Serve the United States, but at the same time be very devoted to India. India will look forward for all your real contribution,” added Singh, a former Vice-Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru Agricultural University, and Banaras Hindu University.

On the occasion, NCAIA’s Excellence in Education and Research Award was presented to Panjab Singh, for his work in the field of education and agriculture.

Expressing gratitude to both the freedom fighters and the armed forces for their efforts in safeguarding Indian borders, Chairman Trustee of NCAIA, Sunil Singh noted that Independence Day is an occasion to celebrate India’s advancements as the nation is currently positioned as the world’s fifth-largest economy. He went on to say that the nation’s infrastructure continues to flourish in tandem with technological strides. Notably, individuals from the Indian diaspora are at the helm of major global corporations and enterprises in the United States.

Special greetings from US Senators from Virginia, Mark Warner, and Tim Kaine, along with Lt. Governor of Virginia, Winsome Sears, Attorney General of Virginia, Jason Miyares, and Congressman Gerald Connolly were read during the event, where elected officials such as Sheriff of Loudoun County, Commissioner of Revenue of Loudoun County, and Chair of Loudoun County Board of Supervisors addressed the gathering. Indian-American candidates, Puja Khanna, running for Dulles District Supervisor in Loudoun County, and Kannan Srinivasan running for Virginia House of Delegates also attended the event.

On the occasion, Coordinator of NCAIA, Alok Srivastava released a souvenir along with Prof. Singh and board members of NCAIA. Chairman of NCAIA, Kripa Singh, and President of NCAIA, Yogendra Gupta who also spoke welcomed the gathering and thanked volunteers for their help.