New York: Thousands of Indians in traditional finery celebrated India’s 70th Independence Day here at one of the largest parades outside the country with the iconic Empire State Building lighting up in Indian tricolour.
The 36th India Day Parade by the Federation of Indian Associations - New York, New Jersey, Connecticut yesterday ran through about 13 streets in Madison avenue in Manhattan and featured tableaux by various Indian-American groups, marching bands, police contingents and cultural performances by young Indian-Americans.
Chief Guest at the event Yoga guru Baba Ramdev said India represents the glory of the past, the present moment’s strength and is moving forward with hopes and dreams of a brighter future.
“India has made its mark through its strength, culture, heritage and honesty,” he said, expressing hope that the Indian tricolour continues to fly high around the world.
Amid loud cheers and applause, Ramdev, speaking in Hindi, said the world now recognises India’s strength and its tremendous contribution to health, education, political and spiritual system.
“Combining its spirituality and modernism, the country is moving forward,” he said and called on Indians living in the US and abroad to work together to take the nation, its cultural heritage and “Indianness” to greater glory.
India’s over a billion-strong population and its diaspora spread across the world are working for the country and contributing to its growth and glory from wherever they are, Ramdev said.
Underscoring the importance of Yoga, he said it is not just a physical exercise but a “complete medical science, life science and way of living” and promotes non-violence and harmony.
“Ayurveda, non-violence, truth, harmony, co-existence and brotherhood are India’s culture and heritage,” Ramdev said, adding that the people of India have to take this ancient practise forward.
Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan, the Grand Marshal of the parade, said it felt “wonderful” to be the part of India’s Independence Day celebrations in New York.
He recalled that the last time he had attended the parade was in 1997 when his father, Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan was the Grand Marshal. The senior Bachchan had participated in the 50th anniversary of India’s Independence Day 19 years ago.
“It is a huge honour to be here and represent the beautiful nation of ours,” Abhishek said, waiving out to the crowd from a stage, as people thronged to click pictures with him and shake his hand.
