(Above); India’s 75th Independence Day celebration in San Francisco. (Indian Consulate SF) – More pics and video below.

The 75th Independence Day of India was celebrated with fervor across the United States. In Washington D. C. Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu unfurled the tricolor, which was followed by National Anthem. In his remarks, the Ambassador underlined that it was an occasion to rededicate oneself to transforming the dreams and aspirations of 1.3 billion Indian people into reality. The Ambassador also highlighted Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, being celebrated to mark 75 years of India’s Independence. He noted that the India-U.S. relations have come a long way; however, given the true potential of the relations, there is a lot more that could be done. He expressed keenness to connect the youth of both the countries, including through education and knowledge partnership. The message from Indian President Ram Nath Kovind was played during the event, followed by a cultural program. The celebrations were attended by representatives from the community in-person in accordance with health guidelines, while many Indians, members of Indian – American community and friends of India joined virtually.

Flag hoisting ceremonies were also held in all the five Consulates of India in U.S. namely New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Houston and San Francisco. Events were held in iconic and historic locations including Times Square in New York, Gadar Memorial and City Halls in San Francisco and State Capitol Building in Providence and Rhode Island. Several events including India Day parades, India festivals, lectures, Battery Dance etc. were organized across the U.S. by diverse community organizations as well as local administration to mark the occasion. Special receptions are being held in Houston, Atlanta and Chicago, with participation of dignitaries from U.S.

In honor of India’s 75th Independence Day, prominent buildings in U.S. including the Empire State Building, New York, One World Trade Centre in Manhattan, the State Capitol Building in Providence, Rhode Island, Twin Towers in Dallas, Governor’s mansion in Austin, City Hall of San Francisco; and Gandhi Statue at King Center Atlanta are being illuminated in tricolor lights. Commemorative resolutions and proclamations were issued by various U.S. States. The New York State Assembly passed a Resolution commemorating India’s 75th Independence Day on Aug. 15 and recognizing August 2021 as Indian American Heritage Month. Governor of Texas issued a Proclamation on the occasion.

Leaders from the U.S. including senior members of Senate and House, State Administrations and legislators and dignitaries from diverse fields such as business, arts, sports, science, etc. conveyed their greetings. Prominent members of Indo-American community including representatives of various socio-cultural organizations, members of the business community and others also expressed their felicitations.

In the run up to the Independence Day celebrations, there was enthusiastic participation from U.S. in the Rashtragaan initiative, with Indians and friends of India joining actively. A series of events will be held in U.S. in coming months to celebrate Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, marking seventy-five years of India’s independence.