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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline AUGUST 28, 2026 | The Indian Eye 18

New Jersey Indian American Elected

Officials Create History by Joining FIA India

Day Parade on a Dedicated Float

OUR BUREAU
New York, NY
n a historic first for the Federation of Indian
Associations (FIA) India Day Parade, a ded-
Iicated New Jersey Indian American Elected
Officials Float brought together mayors, council
members, and former state officials from commu-
nities across New Jersey to celebrate India’s 80th
Independence Day.
The landmark float highlighted the growing
presence and leadership of the Indian American
community in New Jersey and showcased elected
officials working together across municipalities to
celebrate India’s heritage, culture, and contribu-
tions to America.
The distinguished participants included:
• Mayor Pulkit Desai, Parsippany
• Deputy Mayor Siva Jonnada, Morris
• Deputy Mayor Uma Purandre, Hopewell
• Councilman Amit Chopra, Robbinsville
• Councilman Ravi Patni, Robbinsville
• Councilwoman Priti Dhariwal, River Edge
• Councilwoman Sonia Gawas, West Windsor
• Councilwoman Suruchi Batra, Chesterfield
• Councilman Kashyap Parikh, Tinton Falls
• Councilman Biral Patel, Edison
• Former LD 17 Assemblyman, Upendra Chvukula
The participation of Indian-American elect-
ed officials from communities across New Jersey
made the float a powerful symbol of unity, civic en-
gagement, and the Indian American community’s
growing role in public life.
“This was truly a historic and proud moment.
For the first time, Indian American elected offi-
cials from different communities across New Jer-
sey came together on one float to celebrate India’s
Independence Day at the world’s largest India
Day parade, said Councilwoman Priti Dhariwal of
River Edge. “It reflects the strength of our com-
munity, our commitment to public service, and the
beautiful connection between our Indian heritage
and our American home. I thank Federation of In-
dian Associations, the Chairman Ankur Vaidya &
President Shreekanth Akkapalli for giving us the
opportunity to be part of this historic event.”
The New Jersey Indian Americans Elected Of-
ficials Float added a new dimension to the 44th FIA
India Day Parade, celebrating not only India’s rich
heritage but also the many Indian Americans who
are actively serving their local communities and
strengthening the bond between the two nations.
The historic participation is expected to in-
spire greater civic engagement and representation
among the Indian American community in New
Jersey for years to come.

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