Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know -Continued On Page 15 L arge crowds were gathering, Indian patriotic songs like Vande Mataram, and slogans like “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” were ringing out in the background, and NYPD personnel on motor bikes with Indian flags tucked in their front pockets, were on the ready for the kickoff of one of the largest parades in NewYork City Sunday August 17, 2025. It was the Federation of Indian Associations’ (FIA- NY-NJ-CT-NE) 43rd Annual India Day Parade. Organiz- ers estimated hundreds of thousands of participants and spectators were on the Madison Avenue route to witness a spectacular celebration of Indian culture and heritage. This year’s parade theme was “Sarve Sukhina Bha- vantu” (May All Be Happy and Prosperous), a spirit of universal well-being and unity that defines the Indian- American community, organizers said. While participants were trying to grab a front viewing position on the sidewalks, media including ITV Gold/ ParikhWorldwide Media, and numerous other media outlets, were going around taking in opinions and mes- sages from those gathered. At the helm of the Parade were charismatic Grand Marshals from India’s film industry, Rashmika Mandan- na and Vijay Deverakonda, for whom crowds cheered and surged to the barricades. Speaking to ITV Gold, Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sud- hir Parikh, Chairman of ParikhWorldwide Media and ITV Gold, said it was important to remember the heroes of India’s independence while celebrating. “This is a great opportunity to connect the Diaspora and improve US – India relations,” he said. By a StaffWriter Leaders of FIA including Ankur Vaidya, Saurin Parikh, Dr. Sudhir Parikh, as well as on right Dr. Amit Chakravarti, president of AAPI, pose for photo at India Day Parade in Manhattan August 17, 2025. FIA executive committee members at the 43rd India Day Parade in Manhattan. Grand Marshals of FIA’s 43rd Annual India Day Parade Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda, left and center, with Dr. Sudhir Parikh, chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media. Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Saurin Parikh, and Grand Marshal Vijay Deverakonda on a float at FIA’s 43rd Annual India Day Parade in Manhattan. Grand Marshal Rashmika Mandanna on the FIA float at the 43rd India Day Parade in Manhattan. Dr. Sudhir Parikh, US Congressman Shri Thanedar, D-Michigan, and Dr. Sudha Parikh at the FIA 43rd India Day Parade in Manhattan. PHOTO:VFS Global PHOTOS: ITV GOLD Hundreds Of Thousands Enjoy FIA’s Massive 43rd India Day Parade In The Big Apple 14 COVER STORY: INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE August 22, 2025