The Consulate General of India in New York celebrated the 72nd Independence Day of India with a flag hoisting ceremony at the Consulate on Aug. 15. Consul General Sandeep Chakravorty did the honor of hoisting the flag.
The ceremony was attended by more than 200 people, including prominent members of the Indian-American community and local dignitaries including Rep. Grace Meng (D-N.Y.), Assemb David Weprin (D-Hollis), Assemb. Raj Mukherji (D-Jersey City), New Jersey State Sen. Vin Gopal and Bollywood actor Anupam Kher.
A short cultural program was held by Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, which included singing of patriotic songs and poetry recitation. The ceremony was followed by the playing of the Indian National Anthem after which Consul General Chakravorty read out the President Ram Nath Khovind’s Address to the Nation which was delivered on the eve of Independence Day in India.
At the initiative of local Indian community organizations, prominent locations throughout the state were illuminated with the colors of the Indian flag — the Empire State Building in Manhattan and Niagara Falls and the Peace Bridge in upstate New York.
This year, on the occasion of India’s Independence Day, Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) sponsored a seven-member group consisting of acclaimed Kathak dancers — Sandip Mallick a dance group with Anuj Mishra and group —during the flag-hoisting ceremony.
A short cultural program was held by Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan and included the singing of patriotic songs and poetry recitations.
