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North The Indian Eye

AMERICANNewsline

14 AUGUST 29, 2025

Iconic New York Landmarks Illuminated in

Indian Tri-colors on Independence Day

FIA Hosts Empire State Building Lighting as New York State Celebrates India’s 79th Independence Day

OUR BUREAU recalled learning about the Empire State Building
as a young student and dreaming of seeing it one
NEW YORK, NY
day. “This is more than just a celebration, it is a
ew York State’s most iconic landmarks were symbol of how far we’ve come as a community,”
illuminated in the vibrant saffron, white, said President Parikh. “To see the Indian tri-color
Nand green colors of the Indian flag on Fri- shine across one of the most recognized skylines
day, August 15, 2025, to commemorate India’s 79th in the world is a powerful reminder of our shared
Independence Day. history, progress, and unity.”
The breathtaking tribute spanned the entire Srujal Parikh, Board of Trustees member of
state, with landmarks including Niagara Falls, One the Federation of Indian Associations, delivered a
World Trade Center, the Governor Mario M. Cuo- heartfelt speech expressing gratitude to the Em-
mo Bridge, Grand Central Terminal’s Pershing pire State Building and extending a warm welcome
Square Viaduct, and Albany International Airport to all attendees, highlighting the significance of
Gateway joining in this unprecedented celebration this historic moment and the strong partnership
of Indo-American friendship. between the Indian-American community and
The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) New York’s iconic institutions.
proudly hosted the Empire State Building illumi- Dr. Atul Rai, CEO of USA Cricket, marked
nation, making it the centerpiece of this statewide the historic significance of the moment: “India got
celebration that honors both India’s independence its independence in 1947, 78 years ago. On that
and the thriving Indian- American community in historic night, while the world was asleep, India
New York. awoke to freedom. Today, 78 years later, as we step
The Independence Day celebration featured a into the 79th year, we are celebrating this historic
vibrant Indian cultural dance program performed journey in the most iconic way by lighting up two
by the acclaimed Qala Creation Group. The en- of the world’s greatest symbols, the Empire State
semble captivated audiences with traditional per- Building in the USA and India’s own monuments.”
formances showcasing India’s rich artistic heri- Dr. Rai also announced CricMax’s partner-
tage, bringing together classical and folk-dance dence Day was profoundly moving and represent- ship with Team Grassroot Cricket to bring cricket
traditions passed down through generations. The ed the aspirations of millions of Indian Americans to America, launching with this historic celebra-
cultural program served as a perfect complement who have made New York their home. This light- tion. “Cricket is the world’s second-largest sport,
to the landmark illuminations, creating a compre- ing ceremony embodied our community’s journey and this moment marks a historic step in bringing
hensive celebration of Indian culture and indepen- from India’s struggle for independence to our suc- it closer to the American mainstream. This effort
dence. cess in America.” is not just about sport, but about creating opportu-
FIA Chairman Ankur Vaidya emphasized the FIA President Saurin Parikh extended heart- nities, connecting communities, and pushing crick-
significance of the Empire State Building sponsor- felt wishes to the global Indian diaspora, express- et to become a mainstream movement here.”
ship: “For decades, the Empire State Building has ing deep gratitude to the Empire State Building Grand Marshal Vijay Deverakonda began the
served as a beacon of hope and achievement. To team for illuminating the iconic landmark. Re- Tri-color ceremony and led the commemorative
see it draped in the Indian tri-colors on Indepen- flecting on his personal journey, President Parikh proceedings.

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