NEW DELHI: The vibrant hues of the Indian tricolor illuminated Wall Street as New York City celebrated India’s 78th Independence Day with a patriotic fervor.
The event, organized by The Indian Cultural Association of North America, highlighted India’s rich cultural heritage and the strong bilateral ties between India and the United States.
At the flag-raising ceremony, New York City Mayor Eric Adams likened the city to the “New Delhi of America,” underscoring the deep connection between the two nations.
Reflecting on his visit to India, where he paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi, Mayor Adams emphasized the shared responsibility to uphold Gandhi’s vision of lifting humanity.
He lauded the significant contributions of the Indian community in New York, noting their presence in diverse professional fields, including business, healthcare, and education. “You do us proud here in this city and in our entire country,” Adams remarked.
Indian Consul General Binayak Pradhan echoed the sentiments, emphasizing the growing India-U.S. partnership. “If President Biden says that this is the most consequential partnership of the 21st century, we in India echo that. We strongly endorse and believe in that,” Pradhan stated.
He highlighted that the celebration not only marked India’s independence but also recognized the pivotal role of the Indian diaspora in the United States’ development. “It’s a story of Indian people coming here, working hard, contributing to the nation-building of the United States in a tremendous way,” Pradhan added.
Deputy Commissioner for the New York City Mayor’s Office for International Affairs Dilip Chauhan revealed that New York City schools would be closed for Diwali for the first time.
“Diwali is going to teach love, unity, and harmony among the students, who will be the future leaders,” Chauhan said. He noted that the decision to close schools on November 1st this year reflects the city’s deep respect for the rich cultural diversity that strengthens its community.
Chauhan, who also oversees Trade, Investment, and Innovation for New York City, encouraged the community to engage with the Mayor’s office for support in business ventures and emphasized the city’s revival post-pandemic. “Our hospitality industry is back. If you want to open or expand your business, we are here to help,” he affirmed.