Empire State Building Lights Up in Indian Tricolour to Celebrate India’s 80th Independence Year
The Federation of Indian Associations ( FIA NY-NJ-CT-NE ) hosted its annual Empire State Building lighting ceremony on August 14, turning the iconic Manhattan landmark saffron, white, and green. The ceremony marked the 44th Annual India Day and followed this year’s theme, ‘Harmony in Heritage,’ while bringing together two historic milestones: India’s 80th year of independence and America’s 250th anniversary.
The evening began with a vibrant cultural dance performance by the Kalashri School of Arts, choreographed by Bina Menon. FIA Joint Secretary Srujal Parikh served as the host, welcoming guests and setting the stage for an evening celebrating the shared history of ‘the world’s oldest and largest democracies’.
FIA Chairman Ankur Vaidya highlighted the significance of the occasion, saying: “It bears double the joy to celebrate 250 years of America along with 80 years of India. What an iconic start to the festivities, with the pride of our community, Mayor Sam Joshi, doing the honors.” FIA President Sreekant Akkapalli also addressed the gathering.
Edison Mayor Sam Joshi, who participated in the ceremony at FIA’s invitation, spoke about the significant contributions of the Indian-American community across the tri-state area. He highlighted the community’s role in healthcare, business, technology, and entertainment.
The celebration also featured the cast of Neela Film Productions’ ‘Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’ (TMKOC), India’s longest-running television show. The cast members included Dilip Joshi, Munmun Dutta, Mandar Chandwadkar, Sonalika Joshi, Balvinder Singh, and Nitesh Bhaluni. Sesh also joined the celebration and had the honour of pulling the ceremonial lever that illuminated the Empire State Building in the Indian tricolour.
Hundreds of visitors gathered to witness the landmark lighting, while lakhs of viewers around the world watched the ceremony through FIA’s digital platforms. After the lighting, guests received keepsakes from Empire State Building representatives and gathered for photographs on the Grand Staircase before continuing the celebration on the building’s observation decks.
Mayor Joshi concluded the ceremony by congratulating the honorees and thanking FIA for its continued efforts to bring the community together.
The evening began with a vibrant cultural dance performance by the Kalashri School of Arts, choreographed by Bina Menon. FIA Joint Secretary Srujal Parikh served as the host, welcoming guests and setting the stage for an evening celebrating the shared history of ‘the world’s oldest and largest democracies’.
FIA Chairman Ankur Vaidya highlighted the significance of the occasion, saying: “It bears double the joy to celebrate 250 years of America along with 80 years of India. What an iconic start to the festivities, with the pride of our community, Mayor Sam Joshi, doing the honors.” FIA President Sreekant Akkapalli also addressed the gathering.
You may also like
- 2 killed as Russian missile strike hits ArcelorMittal steel plant in Ukraine
- Largest US reservoirs hit record lows as experts warn of Colorado River crisis
- 18-year-old Belgian student thought he found a €1 coin during his summer construction job; he then uncovered gold worth €9 million
- Two killed as IED detonates on vehicle in Pakistan's Balochistan
- Meet RAF's 1st Sikh fighter pilot since WWII
Edison Mayor Sam Joshi, who participated in the ceremony at FIA’s invitation, spoke about the significant contributions of the Indian-American community across the tri-state area. He highlighted the community’s role in healthcare, business, technology, and entertainment.
The celebration also featured the cast of Neela Film Productions’ ‘Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’ (TMKOC), India’s longest-running television show. The cast members included Dilip Joshi, Munmun Dutta, Mandar Chandwadkar, Sonalika Joshi, Balvinder Singh, and Nitesh Bhaluni. Sesh also joined the celebration and had the honour of pulling the ceremonial lever that illuminated the Empire State Building in the Indian tricolour.
Hundreds of visitors gathered to witness the landmark lighting, while lakhs of viewers around the world watched the ceremony through FIA’s digital platforms. After the lighting, guests received keepsakes from Empire State Building representatives and gathered for photographs on the Grand Staircase before continuing the celebration on the building’s observation decks.
Mayor Joshi concluded the ceremony by congratulating the honorees and thanking FIA for its continued efforts to bring the community together.
About FIA
The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to celebrating and promoting Indian culture and heritage in the United States. It also works to strengthen the bonds between the Indian-American community and the broader American public through cultural, educational, and civic events.
Loving Newspoint? Download the app now
