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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline AUGUST 25, 2023 | The Indian Eye 28

7 7 t h I nde p e nde n c e D a y o f I ndi a
77th Independence Day of India

IAAC with Vikas Khanna unveils 1,800-kg

Konark Wheel replica at Times Square

On India’s 77th Independence Day, an intricate piece of country’s rich heritage adorns the iconic location in Big Apple

OUR BUREAU
New York, NY

n the occasion of 77th Independence Day
of India, a special event was hosted at
OTimes Square by the Indo-American Arts
Council (IAAC) lead by Rajeev Kaul, a board
member, with Michelin-star chef Vikas Khanna.
The event received strong support from Consulate
General of India, New York, and New York Mayor
Eric Adams’ department of Culture and Art lead
by Commissioner Laurie Cumbo. An 1,800 kg
‘Chakra’ sculpture, a replica of the one of the 24
Chakras adorning the Konark Temple in Odisha,
was unveiled at the event.
Randhir Jaiswal, Consul General of India in
New York, was present for unveiling and inaugu-
ration which was accompanied by loud chants and
cheers of ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’, ‘Vande Mataram’,
and ‘Jai Hind. Indian and American flags fluttered
in unison while the venue reverberated with patri-
otic songs.
Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, the legendary Sarod
maestro, also graced the occasion with his presence.
The ceremony was orchestrated by the IAAC
leadership which has been working on the proj-
ect since September 2022 when Rajeev Kaul took
charge with guidance from CGI Jaiswal. Said Ra-
jeev Kaul, “It took long to bring this to New York
and get strong support and permissions to install at
the Times Square. But today we feel proud to see
such representation of India’s art in the middle of
Times Square where it will be kept for one week.
Rajeev Kaul expressed his gratitude to Com-
missioner Cumbo for her support and to CGI
Jaiswal for his help to IAAC. Kaul praised Vikas
Khanna for undertaking the initiative and “putting
together resources to bring the art to life”.
“It is amazing to bring this kind of art, such a
strong heritage to New York City and to showcase
to the world the power of Indian arts,” Kaul said.
Khanna, who has devoted many years to bring
this unique piece of art to New York, said, “For
the diaspora and for the younger generations, they
will get a reference of seeing something from India
-- so pure and majestic at the same time.” He com-
memorated the sacrifices and resilience of India’s
past generations, underscoring the significance of
India’s present and future.
Top representatives from the Indo-American
Arts Council (IAAC) including Rakesh Kaul, Vice sociations -- NY NJ CT NE (FIA), a prominent The Chakra sculpture will remain on display
Chairman, Anil Bansal, Board member, Sunil Indian diaspora umbrella organization, joined the for a week at Times Square. This project, initiated
Hali, former Executive Director and Board mem- high-profile event. Key figures from FIA, includ- before the pandemic, required the utmost dedica-
ber, Suman Golamudi, Executive Director, along ing Ankur Vaidya, Chairman and Kenny Desai, tion of artisans who beautifully crafted this awe-in-
with the leadership of Federation of Indian As- President, were present at the event. spiring piece.

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