The Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies celebrated the U.S. 250th anniversary and India’s Independence Day with a ‘Celebration of Democracy’ in Milpitas, California, on August 2.
MILPITAS, CA – The Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) commemorated the United States’ 250th anniversary alongside India’s Independence Day with a ‘Celebration of Democracy’ on August 2 at FalconX. The event brought together over 150 community members and elected officials.
Dr. Srikar Reddy, the Consul General of India, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of people-to-people ties in enhancing the strategic partnership between India and the United States. He highlighted the Indian Consulate in San Francisco’s efforts to strengthen bilateral relations across various sectors, including trade, culture, education, and diplomacy. Dr. Reddy also acknowledged the community’s significant role in fostering connections between the two nations. Other dignitaries in attendance included Consuls Abhishek Sharma and Hasan Ali.
Khanderaom Kand, President of FIIDS, provided an overview of the organization’s recent initiatives, including the Advocacy Summit held in Washington, D.C., in June. During this summit, FIIDS representatives engaged with members of Congress and Senate staffers to discuss pressing issues affecting Indian Americans.
Yogi Chug, FIIDS Policy Advisor, coordinated a session featuring Bay Area elected officials who spoke about the contributions of Indian Americans to public and civic life in the United States. The session included the mayors of Milpitas and Sunnyvale, three current and former vice mayors, and seven City Council members from six Bay Area cities. Additionally, four Indian American candidates for elected office and eight commissioners participated in the discussions.
The event also featured a community felicitation for Dr. Reddy, recognizing his leadership and the Indian Consulate’s service to the diaspora. Shachindra Nath, FIIDS Director of Policy, led this session, which united representatives from more than 18 community organizations across the Bay Area.
Among the organizations represented were the Global Indian Technology Professionals Association, Overseas Friends of BJP, Association of Indian Americans, Fremont Hindu Temple, AUM School, Indo-American Chamber of Commerce, Uttaranchal Mandal of America, BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Abu Dhabi Hindu Mandir, Yoga Bharati, Global Organization of People of Indian Origin, Gujarati Cultural Association, Cupertino Bhuvneshwar Sister City Odisha Organization, and the Rajasthan Association of North America.
This celebration not only marked significant historical milestones but also reinforced the bonds within the Indian American community and their contributions to American society, according to India West.