By Charudatt Vyas -- New York: The much-awaited India Day Parade kicked off at 1400 EDT on Sunday, August 20 at 41 Street Avenue and Madison Avenue with a large number of Indians participation right up to 24th Street, charging the atmosphere with the color and vibrancy of Indian culture. For the first time in the past so many years of celebration hosted by the Federation of Indian Association (FIA) to commemorate India’s Independence Day, failed to attract the usual crowd of parade goers, as the turnout of people was very poor this year, in spite of the presence of Bollywood actresses Amisha Patel as the grand marshal and Poonam Dhillon as guest of honor. However, they kept up the spirit of parade goers by waving and cheering them. Both the actresses marched in the parade from the beginning, but the sidewalks empty for unknown reasons. Amidst beautiful weather, the enthusiastic organizers of the parade conducted the event with high spirits. Amisha Patel and Poonam Dhillon, addressing the cheering crowds from the review stand, congratulated them for organizing such a beautiful event, and thanked the organizers for inviting them to participate in it. Amisha and Dhillon said: “We are delighted that Indian Americans are celebrating this great occasion of India’s Independence with great enthusiasm.” The parade was also led by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who commended the contribution of Indians to the city. He was joined by other mainstream political leaders including New Jersey Assemblyman Chivkula. About 33 floats participated in the parade. Some of them were sponsored by FIA, Air India, American Airlines, Society of Indo American Engineers, Desi Matchmakers , Dish Network, Direct TV, Haldiram , Sakhi, Heart and Hand for the Handicapped, India Tourism, ITV, Kashmir Solidarity, Mohan Custom Tailor, Nation Association of Asian Christians In USA, Orissa Society, Prudential Financial, Rajsun Entertainment, Royal Albert’s Palace, Sahara One, State Bank of India , TV Asia FOKANA, Surati Foods, JHMA, RBC Radio, Girls Sout, Swminayaran Temple , Nationwide Insurance Mahrashtra Manadal, and Zee TV. The parade was followed by a four-hour-long cultural function (mostly song and dance, from Bollywood to folk), which lasted till late evening. Official estimates put the number of people during the day at over 10,000. FIA president Jayesh Patel, in his brief address greeting the parade-goers, said that this year’s theme -- “Resurgence of India” -- was indeed a true reflection of what India and Indians were accomplishing globally in the diversified arena. “The pinnacle is historical civil nuclear deal, coauthored by the world’s most powerful democracy headed by President George Bush and most populous democracy headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, which is gaining its due recognition and importance as preferred nation,” Jayesh Patel said. Indian Ambassador Ronen Sen, Consul General Neelma Deo, Anil Mathur of Air India and Rajul Shah of FIA also addressed the gathering. Former FIA president Dr. Sudhir Parikh, offering heartiest greeting to all Indian Americans on the occasion, said: “We are all enjoying the fruits of Independence which was the result of visionary dynamic leadership of many stalwarts headed by Mahatma Gandhi, and sacrifice of millions of martyrs and freedom fighters. We gratefully remember them and pay our tributes to them.” Ramesh Patel, chairman of National Organization of Indian American Association (NOIAA), said that India would be entering into the illustrious 60th year of its Independence and FIA, the pioneer of organizing gala India Day parades, would continue to share pride, patriotism and pleasantries with millions of Indians worldwide. The Connecticut attorney General Perro and other dignitaries including Congressman and Assemblyman addressed the gathering and wished all the Indian American on the occasion of India’s Independence Day celebration.
