Page 18 - The Indian EYE 082925

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline AUGUST 29, 2025 | The Indian Eye 18

“SHAHIDON KO SHRADDHANJALI”

Indian Independence Day Celebrated

with Pride in Long Island

OUR BUREAU songs by Budh Prakash, renowned
for international satsangs. The In-
Long Island, NY
dependence Day proclamation was
he Indian community of Long read by Varinder Bhalla, while Dr.
Island came together to cele- Raj Bhayani and Madhu Pareek
Tbrate the 79th Independence served as co-hosts, expertly guiding
Day of India, organized by Navika the program with grace and profes-
Capital Group and Blue Sky Hos- sionalism.
pitality Solutions at the Marriott Alongside Independence Day,
Long Island. Over 1000 community the community also marked Jan-
members, local leaders, and distin- mashtami, the birth of Lord Krishna,
guished guests attended, including with a special cake-cutting ceremony.
Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Audience members whose birthdays
Executive, NY, and Satnam Singh fell on the same day were invited to
Sandhu, Member of Parliament, join, adding a personal and heart-
Rajya Sabha, India. felt touch. A soulful bhajan session
The celebration opened with the further enhanced the festive atmo-
American and Indian national an- traditions alive abroad. traditions.” sphere before lively music and dance
thems, reflecting unity, respect, and Community leader Harry Singh The evening featured a vibrant concluded the evening.
the strong bond between the two Bola underscored the importance cultural program that went beyond Guests enjoyed a sumptuous
nations. County Executive Bruce of unity, saying, “Our efforts will be music and dance, presenting a the- dinner representing the culinary
Blakeman addressed the gathering, meaningful only when we put our atrical storytelling of India’s inde- diversity of India, featuring flavors
highlighting the contributions of In- differences aside, represent India as pendence struggle. Through songs, from the North, South, East, and
dian-American residents to in busi- one country, one people, one person narration, and enactments, the per- West. Dignitaries along with our per-
ness, technology, and civic life. He equals the whole community.” formances highlighted the sacrifices formers from India and the US were
acknowledged Indian Prime Minis- Organizers and leadership re- of freedom fighters, revolts against formally recognized for their contri-
ter Narendra Modi’s visit to Nassau flected on the event’s significance. colonial rule, and India’s ultimate butions, underscoring the sense of
County, wished India a happy In- Naveen Shah, CEO, said, “I wanted triumph, leaving the audience deep- community and shared pride that
dependence Day, and officially de- to celebrate the birthday of India, ly moved. The Nassau County Band defined the event. As the event con-
clared Independence Day for India our soil, our nation - this celebration added to the celebration by perform- cluded, all attendees were presented
across Nassau County. shows the strength of our community, ing a parade around the Long Island with prasadam in the form of a sweet
Mr. Sandhu, who traveled from our culture, and our unity”. Haridas Marriott, infusing the evening with box for Janmashtami, generously
India especially for the event, ex- Kotahwala, Chairman, added, “It is energy and patriotism. sponsored by Dr. Deepak Nandi.
pressed heartfelt gratitude and admi- our honor to celebrate India’s Inde- The event opened with a power- Naveen Shah concluded the
ration for the Indian-American com- pendence Day with such pride. In- ful Sanskrit invocation led by Neha event with pride, unity, and a shared
munity, saying he was “stunned” by cluding Janmashtami made the occa- Bhansali, setting a reverent and cel- commitment to honor India’s inde-
their enthusiasm and patriotism and sion even more special, reminding us ebratory tone for the evening and pendence while contributing posi-
praised their efforts to keep Indian of our national heritage and spiritual soulful performance of patriotic tively to life in America.

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