Boston, USA (CU)_ To mark the 75th anniversary of India’s independence, Boston has planned a two-day festival. The special occasion includes participation from 32 nations and a 220-feet US-India flag carried aloft by an aircraft above the main American metropolis. According to Abhishek Singh, the renowned community leader, president of the Federation of Indian Associations, New England, and organizer of the parade, “The celebrations this year have several firsts in the history of India’s Independence celebrations in Boston.”
Charlie Baker, the Governor of Massachusetts, has recognized the 75th anniversary of Independence Day as India Day. Accordingly, India Day will be honored at India Street in Boston, in Massachusetts on August 15, and at the State House in Rhode Island on August 14. R. P. Singh, former Indian cricketer, has been invited to serve as the parade’s Grand Marshal. The theme of FIA New England’s commemoration of the 75th anniversary of India’s independence is ‘The Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’.
According to the media statement, the two-day celebrations will include an airplane carrying a 220-feet US-India flag above Boston, a flag-hoisting event at Boston Harbor, the India-USA Freedom Gallery throughout India Street, a lighting festival at the State House of Rhode Island, a march headed by a large team of veterans, and floats representing the diversity of the nation.
According to FIA New England, “For the first time in the history of the United States, participants from 32 countries are going to march in the India Day Parade, exhibiting the vibrant cultural diversity on India Street at the historic Boston Harbor”. Additionally, the FIA New England will organize the Freedom Gallery and exhibition throughout India Street for the first time in order to honor and memorialize the forgotten martyrs of the freedom movement, many of whom may be well-known but unknown to the present generation.
According to the media statement, “It helps bring alive stories of unsung heroes whose sacrifices have made freedom a reality for us and revisits the milestones and freedom movements”. According to the organizers, “The aim of recreating and bringing forth stories, which lay as faded memories of the past, shall serve as a medium of inspiration and encouragement for the coming generations”.
Abhishek Singh said, “India should once again become a Vishwa Guru and the hub of innovation and knowledge. For that to happen, it is important to increase awareness about numerous aspects of Indian heritage and culture in our younger generations and inspire the young budding minds to absorb the values embedded in them”. The Union Minister Piyush Goyal has submitted a pre-recorded video message for the event. According to Goyal’s message, “India US relationship has come a long way. Today, we are natural partners. We are friends and we are very important allies. Our partnership is strategic, very deep and has important dimensions”.
