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AMERICANNewsline

14 AUGUST 21, 2026

New York and New Jersey proclaim

August 15 as India Independence Day

OUR BUREAU generations.
The celebrations in the New York metropol-
New York, NY
itan area will begin with a high-profile display of
s India prepared to celebrate its 80th In- India’s national colours at the Empire State Build-
dependence Day on August 15, the states ing on August 14.
Aof New York and New Jersey proclaimed Mayor Sam Joshi has been invited to partic-
the day as India Independence Day, highlighting ipate in the ceremonial lighting of the landmark
the deepening ties between India and the United building in the colours of the Indian tricolour as
States and the significant contributions of the Indi- part of the 44th Annual India Day celebrations.
an-American community. Organised by the Federation of Indian Associ-
The Consulate General of India in New York ations (FIA), this year’s India Day carries the
shared the proclamations in a series of posts on X theme “Harmony in Heritage”, celebrating the
and expressed gratitude to New Jersey Governor shared traditions, values and contributions of the
Mikie Sherrill and New York Governor Kathy Ho- Indian-American community.
chul for the special recognition. “Tonight, the Empire State Building represents
the contributions of the Indian-American commu-
The New Jersey proclamation recognised nity to the tri-state area,” Joshi said, pointing to
the community’s role in healthcare, local business-
the contributions of the state’s vibrant es, technology and other sectors.
Joshi has emerged as a prominent figure in In-
Indian-American community across edu- dia-US community and diplomatic engagements.
cation, healthcare, research, technology, He previously served on the welcome delegation for

business, public service and community that will also commemorate 150 years of Vande the Prime Minister of India and participated along-
side former New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy in
leadership. It also highlighted the growing Mataram. This year’s national celebrations are ex- the Choose New Jersey India Economic Mission.
FIA Chairman Ankur Vaidya described the
India-US partnership in areas including pected to place particular emphasis on Yuva Shak- Empire State Building lighting as a particularly
ti, or youth power, recognising the achievements
education, commerce, technology, health- and contributions of India’s students and younger significant moment in a year when both countries
care and cultural exchange. are marking major milestones.
DELA W ARE PROCLAIMS “It bears double the joy to celebrate 250 years
DELAWARE PROCLAIMS
The proclamation noted that India’s Inde- AUGUST 15 AS “INDIA DAY” of America along with 80 years of India,” Vaidya
AUGUST 15 AS “INDIA DA
Y”
said, describing the lighting as an iconic beginning
pendence Day honours the courage, vision and to the festivities and highlighting Joshi’s role in the
sacrifice of countless individuals whose peaceful head of India’s Independence Day cel- ceremony.
struggle for freedom inspired generations around ebrations, Delaware has proclaimed
The August 14 ceremony will also feature
the world, while affirming universal principles of AAugust 15, 2026, as ‘India Day’, honour- Indian entertainment and community figures, in-
justice, equality and human dignity. ing India’s rich legacy and the role of the Indi- cluding television producer and director Asit Ku-
In New York, the proclamation similarly rec- an-American community.
ognised India’s journey to independence and the The details were shared by the Consulate marr Modi, known for the long-running show Ta-
arak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, FIA Chairman
democratic values shared by the two countries. The General of India in New York in a post on X. Ankur Vaidya, and actor, director and screenwriter
Consulate said the declaration also acknowledged Thanking Governor Matthew Meyer for Adivi Sesh.
the significant contributions of Indian-Americans proclaiming August 15, 2026, as “India Day” in The proclamations by New York and New Jer-
to the cultural, economic and civic life of New Delaware, the post underlined how on India’s
sey, together with the Empire State Building cel-
York State. Independence Day, the proclamation recog- ebration, underscore the increasingly prominent
It highlighted India’s freedom movement nises the contributions of Delawareans of In-
and its emphasis on nonviolent resistance, truth, dian heritage in work, leadership, and service, role of the Indian-American community in the
social, economic and civic life of the United States.
self-discipline and moral courage. It also noted strengthening shared prosperity.
For a community that has become an import-
how India’s Independence Day celebrations in the It celebrates India’s rich diversity of lan- ant bridge between the two countries, the 80th
United States have evolved into major community guages, traditions, faiths, and customs, and the anniversary of India’s independence offers an
occasions, bringing together multiple generations Indian American community’s role in carrying opportunity not only to celebrate India’s histo-
to celebrate Indian heritage while reflecting the them forward in the US and also honours Dela- ry and heritage but also to highlight the growing
bonds between the two countries. ware’s Indian-American community and the en- people-to-people relationship at the heart of the
The proclamations come as India prepares to during ties between India and the United States.
mark 80 years of independence with celebrations India-US partnership.

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