Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 7 CITY VIEWS August 22, 2025 Foundation Of Indian Americans-New England, Hosts 4th International India Day Parade At Boston Harbor T ihe Stars & Stripes and the Indian Tricolor fluttered in the breeze all around at Boston Harbor’s Christopher ColumbusWaterfront Park August 10, 2025, at the 4th In- ternational India Day Parade organized by the Foundation of Indian Americans- New England (FIA-NE), to celebrate the 79th Indian Independence Day which falls on August 15. More than 20 countries participated in the parade, FIA-NE said in its press release. A cultural extravaganza fol- lowed, along the picturesque banks of the Charles River, a site chosen for its historic and symbolic importance in the freedom struggles of the two countries, organizers said. The theme for this year, “United World, Shared Dream: Peace, Prosperity, and Progress” was decided upon after a roundtable discussion that featured diplomats, community leaders, and cul- tural ambassadors, FIA-NE said. Speak- ers reflected on the shared democratic values and aspirations for a peaceful and prosperous global community. “The India Day Parade is not just about celebration – it is about honoring the shared struggles, values, and dreams that bind us together as a global family,” Abhishek Singh, president of FIA–New England, said. The celebration also honored more than 200 seniors for their outstanding community service. Scholarships were presented to children with support from the Parikh Foundation established by Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh, chairman of ParikhWorldwide Media and ITV Gold which brings out News India Times among other weeklies. The event also recognized veterans and extraordinary women achievers with the Governor’s Special Citation. This year’s parade was headlined by Bollywood star Jugal Hansraj – an ac- claimed filmmaker, actor, and author – who served as the Grand Marshal. The gathering of dignitaries included Subu Kota, chairman of The Boston Group who joined as the Chief Guest, alongside Monique Tú Nguyen, the special representative of Boston Mayor MichelleWu, and Piyush Singh, from the Indian Consulate in NewYork. On August 8, the Consul General of India in New York Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, spoke in a video message about the FIA-NE parade. Following the Parade, on August 12, the NewYork Consulate posted on X @ IndiainNewYork, “Brimming with colour, energy, and pride, the 4th International India Day Parade — organised by the Foundation of Indian-Americans in New England FIA- New England— brought together the Indian-American commu- nity, community leaders, and friends of India…” further adding, that Consular Singh had joined the festivities “where colourful floats, captivating cultural per- formances, and spirited patriotic displays showcased the community’s deep-rooted connection to India’s heritage and its vi- brant contributions to America’s cultural mosaic.” Guests of Honor at the Boston event included Padma Shri recipient Prof. S.P. Kothari (Former MIT Dean), Ram & Meetu Gupta, Sushil & Alka Tuli (Chair- man, Leader Bank), Dilip Patel, chairman Jamson Group, Prof. Dr. Balram Singh (Community reformer), Rajendra Singh (Rajput Association of North America), community leader Neela Gandhi, and several other prominent leaders and philanthropists. This year’s parade featured special floats and thematic tributes honoring the first U.S. President, GeorgeWashington, and iconic Indian freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. A special highlight was the 150th Birth Anniversary tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the “Iron Man of India.” The Governor of Massachusetts, Maura Healey, issued a special proclama- tion declaring August 15th as India Day in the Commonwealth. The cultural segment saw an im pressive performance by the Amudha Sri Dance Group, led by Dance Guru Kalaimangai Anbalagan, featuring over 32 young dancers showcasing India’s rich classical traditions. Other highlights included Dhol Tasha performances, the Veterans Band, and colorful displays from diverse international groups, in- cluding the Nirankari Samaj. Sanjay Kudrimoti, who took photos during the event, posted on Facebook, “Kudos to Abhishek Singh, Jyoti Singh, Manisha Kumar and all of FIA- New Eng- land executive team for a perfect execu- tion of India Day parade and celebrations with pomp!” By a StaffWriter Top, a scene from the colorful International India Day Parade, hosted by FIA-New England August 10, on Boston Harbor. Below,ribbon cutting ceremony with Grand Marshal Jugal Hansraj, Piyush Singh from Indian Consulate in New York, Monique Tú Nguyen, from Boston Mayor’s office, Subu Koto of The Boston Group, and other dignitaries. Top, a rally of cars at the August 10, 4th International India Day Parade in Boston. Below (left): Abhishek Singh, President of FIA-NE, leading the parade on the 4th International India Day Parade at the Boston Harbor. Below (right): Bollywood filmmaker, actor, and author Jugal Hansraj, Grand Marshal at the 4th International India Day Parade held in Boston. 4th International India Day Parade ceremny at the Boston Harbor August 10, 2025. Flag hoisting at the International India Day Parade August 10, 2025, in Boston. PHOTOS:Courtesy:Fotu Duniya-The PictureWorldvia FIA-NE