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www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 12 CITY VIEWS August 22, 2025 Iconic New York Landmarks Illuminated In Indian Tri-Colors On 79th Independence Day N ewYork State’s most iconic landmarks were illuminated in the colorful saffron, white, and green colors of the Indian flag on Friday, August 15, 2025, to commemorate India’s 79th Indepen- dence Day. The tribute spanned the entire state, with landmarks including Niagara Falls, OneWorld Trade Center, the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, Grand Central Ter- minal’s Pershing Square Viaduct, and Albany Interna- tional Airport Gateway joining in this unprecedented celebration of Indo-American friendship, a press release from FIA said. The FIA’s lighting of Empire State Building was the centerpiece of this statewide celebration that honors both India’s independence and the thriving Indian- American community in NewYork, organizers said. The Independence Day celebration featured an Indi- an cultural dance program performed by the acclaimed Qala Creation Group. The ensemble “captivated” audi- ences with traditional performances showcasing India’s rich artistic heritage, bringing together classical and folk-dance traditions passed down through generations. FIA Chairman Ankur Vaidya emphasized the signifi- cance of the Empire State Building sponsorship: “For de- cades, the Empire State Building has served as a beacon of hope and achievement. To see it draped in the Indian tri-colors on Independence Day was profoundly moving and represented the aspirations of millions of Indian Americans who have made NewYork their home. This lighting ceremony embodied our community’s journey from India’s struggle for independence to our success in America.” FIA President Saurin Parikh extended heartfelt wishes to the global Indian diaspora, expressing deep gratitude to the Empire State Building team for illuminating the iconic landmark. Reflecting on his personal journey, President Parikh recalled learning about the Empire State Building as a young student and dreaming of seeing it one day. “This is more than just a celebration, it is a symbol of how far we’ve come as a community,” said President Parikh. “To see the Indian tri-color shine across one of the most recognized skylines in the world is a powerful reminder of our shared history, progress, and unity.” Srujal Parikh, Board of Trustees member of the Feder- ation of Indian Associations, delivered a heartfelt speech expressing gratitude to the Empire State Building and extending a warm welcome to all attendees, highlighting the significance of this historic moment and the strong partnership between the Indian-American community and NewYork’s iconic institutions. Dr. Atul Rai, CEO of USA Cricket, marked the historic significance of the moment: “India got its independence in 1947, 78 years ago. On that historic night, while the world was asleep, India awoke to freedom. Today, 78 years later, as we step into the 79th year, we are celebrat- ing this historic journey in the most iconic way by light- ing up two of the world’s greatest symbols, the Empire State Building in the USA and India’s own monuments.” Dr. Rai also announced CricMax’s partnership with Team Grassroot Cricket to bring cricket to America, launching with this historic celebration. “Cricket is the world’s second-largest sport, and this moment marks a historic step in bringing it closer to the American main- stream. This effort is not just about sport, but about creating opportunities, connecting communities, and pushing cricket to become a mainstreammovement here.” Grand Marshal Vijay Deverakonda began the Tri- col- or ceremony and led the commemorative proceedings. By a StaffWriter PHOTOS:FIA-nynjctne Empire State Builsing lit up in Indian flag colors August 15, 2025, the country’s 79th Independence Day. Ankur Vaidya, Chairman of FIA-NYNJCTNE - speaking at the Empire State Building lighting ceremony. FIA President Srujal Parikh addressing the gathering, August 15, 2025, at Empire State Building lighting ceremony. BOT member of FIA, Saurin Parikh, speaking at the Aug. 15, 2025, lighting of Empire State Building. Dr. Atul Rai, CEO of USA Cricket speaking at the Empire State Building lighting ceremony August 15, 2025. Grand Marshal Vijay Deverakonda, led the proceedings during the lighting ceremony of the Empire STate Building, August 15, 2025. Indo-American Community Of Scranton, PA Celebrates 79th Independence Day C onsul Mahesh Yadav joined the 79th Indepen- dence Day celebrations organized by the Indo- American Community of Scran- ton, Pennsylvania. The event was attended by State Senator Marty Flynn , Mr. Razin Karu, Executive Director at the Governor’s Office, Dr. Vithalbhai Dhaduk, and other representatives of Scranton city. The India Day Parade, witnessed enthusiastic participation from the Indian-American community and friends of India, making it a vibrant and memorable celebration. Post from X @IndiainNewYork PHOTO:X@INDIAINNEWYORK