“FIA Plans To Create Guinness World Records While Allu Arjun Leading India Day Parade In New York:” Kenny Desai, FIA President

The FIA India Day parade is considered the largest parade outside India to mark the country’s independence and brings together thousands of members of the Indian Diaspora.

“Celebrating India’s 75 years of Independence -Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav with the annual India Parade on the Streets of New York City, the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA-NY/NJ/CT), the oldest and a leading Indian diaspora organization in the United States plans to create two Guinness World Records with the popular Indian actor Allu Arjun leading the largest India Day Parade in the world,” said FIA President, Kenny Desai.

Popular Telugu actor Allu Arjun, who starred in the hit film Pushpa will lead the annual India Day Parade in New York on Sunday, August 21st, 2022, as India marks 75th year of Independence. The Federation of Indian Associations — New York, New Jersey and Connecticut — has planned grand events to celebrate India’s 75 years of Independence —  Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. Allu Arjun, the Grand Marshal will lead the parade along with NYC Mayor Eric Adams and a host of other celebrities and distinguished participants.

The Federation of Indian Associations which represents New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and New England in the U.S., has announced it is eyeing two Guinness World Records relating to the India Day Parade. The two Guinness Records being aimed at include – 1. Most flags flown in an outdoor event; and 2. Largest Damru, 2-headed drum ensemble.

The FIA India Day parade is considered the largest parade outside India to mark the country’s independence and brings together thousands of members of the Indian Diaspora. The annual cultural events run through several streets on Madison Avenue in the heart of Manhattan, featuring tableaux by various Indian-American organizations, marching bands, police contingents and cultural performances by young Indian-American children.

FIA Chairman Ankur Vaidya welcomed the announcement of Arjun as FIA’s 40th Grand Marshal and complimented the mega star for his kindness and patriotism towards the motherland. “There is palpable excitement in the Indian-American community to welcome the popular superstar and FIA will ensure he feels at home in the US,” Vaidya said. Previously, actors Arjun Rampal, Abhishek Bachchan, and Baahubali actors Rana Daggubati and Tamannaah Bhatia, as well as Sunny Deol and Raveena Tandon have attended the parade.

Under his leadership, FIA has organized several events. On celebrating 75 years of Independence of India, Desai said he is committed to “a jamboree of blockbuster mega-events” that will start with the International Women’s Day celebration and carry on into October of this year.

Some of the other events include FIA’s cultural event of children’s Dance Competition on May 7th;  a historical inaugural launch of the festivities from Capitol Hill in DC on May 12th; Press events in India; International Yoga day in NYC; and the flagship event of flag-hoisting at Times Square, followed by the World’s largest India Day Parade on Aug. 21st on Madison Ave in New York City.

FIA commemorated the 75 years of Indian Independence and honored the Asia Heritage Month on May 12, 2022 at Rayburn Building, Capitol Hill Complex Washington D.C. FIA was recognized for the event in Congressional Record Vol.168, No. 81. The event saw unprecedented participation from the states of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and the states from the region of New England.

“It was a historical moment for Indian Americans to celebrate the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence Day at the US Capitol,” said Kenny Desai, FIA president. FIA is one of the oldest and largest non-profit grass-root umbrella organizations of Indian Americans.

Kenny Desai, FIA President for 2022 is being assisted by a dedicated team of community leaders. The new team consists of Himanshu Bhatia as the executive vice president along with Saurin Parikh and Haresh Shah, the vice presidents; Parveen Bansal as the general secretary; Smita Miki Patel as the joint secretary; Amit Ringasia as the treasurer with Mahesh Dubbal as the joint treasurer.

Desai completed his Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering from Baroda, India, before immigrating to the United Statres and completed his Master’s Degree at the Stevens Institute of Technology at Hoboken, NJ. He has over 30 years of construction and real estate development experience. Desai has successfully led the TAK Group, a conglomerate of enterprises involved in general construction, construction management, design build projects, real estate development, multi-family development, along with healthcare and senior housing development and operations.

Over the past 20 years, TAK has focused its development strategies in the healthcare space. With Kenny’s experience in construction and real estate development, he has led TAK to be a unique player in the healthcare market by combining his development experience with his operating experience to provide exceptional work and quality care. Currently, TAK has expanded into trade finance and established a venture capital fund in the healthcare sector. Kenny has had experience in developing and operating medical centers and senior housing facilities, as well as urgent care facilities, surgery centers, and health & wellness spas.

Kenny Desai has actively been involved in different philanthropic activities. His generous personal involvement and contributions have resulted in the successful completion of the Mahatma Gandhi Center and the Hindu Temple in Wayne, NJ. He is the Vice Chairman, Trustee, and Director of the Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, a premier cultural and educational institution. He was awarded “The Prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor Award”. He has served as the President of World Vegan Vision and currently he is serving as a trustee and is a member of the advisory board of Share and Care Foundation. He is currently a trustee at Vraj Temple, where he has previously served as chairman, vice chairman, and president.

Kenny Desai’s vision for the year 2022 is to be working on the following matters: Mega Independence Parade celebration for Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav 50th anniversary for FIA; attempt to achieve Guinness Worlds Records; provide 40,000 plus meals in Diwali-soup kitchen across the USA and India for less fortunate; establish Diwali celebration in the US senate; women’s empowerment; youth participation in entrepreneurship; Dance pe Chance Annual Cultural Dance Competition; establish FIA / Indian community Center and help all the community members for any support requiring to obtain visa and help with job opportunities.

Kenny Desai, a seasoned veteran community leader expressed his gratitude to the community and board for trusting him with leading the organizational efforts.  He assures that he would deliver on the expectation of enhancing the community’s image and through his selfless service and dedication.

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