India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Kwatra, marked India’s 78th Independence Day on August 15, 2024, by unfurling the Indian flag at India House. Kwatra, who assumed his role as the Indian Ambassador on August 12, emphasized the Embassy’s commitment to enhancing the vital partnership between India and the U.S., stating, “The Embassy of India will continue to work intensely to strengthen this crucial partnership.”
During his address, Kwatra highlighted that the celebrations symbolize the pride of 1.4 billion Indians and extended the President’s greetings to the Indian diaspora. He underscored the significance of the day, reflecting on the collective joy of being part of such a historic occasion.
The festivities also included a televised address from India’s President, Droupadi Murmu, who expressed the emotional impact of the day’s events. “Witnessing the tri-color unfurl on this occasion, be it at the Red Fort, at state capitals, or in local neighborhoods, always thrills our hearts…” Murmu said. She acknowledged the contributions of the diaspora, noting, “You are part of our family, making us proud with your achievements” and described them as “great representatives of India’s culture and heritage.”
In her speech, President Murmu also honored the legacy of Indian freedom fighters such as Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Babasaheb Ambedkar, and Bhagat Singh. She highlighted India’s economic progress, stating, “From 2021 to 2024, India has been among the fastest growing major economies, with an average growth rate of 8 percent annually. This has not only put more money in the hands of people, it has also drastically reduced the number of people living below the poverty line…” Murmu also praised the country’s achievements in sports, noting the significant advancements made over the past decade.
Adding to the day’s celebrations, the Indian Men’s Cricket Team for the Blind, currently touring the U.S., participated in the Independence Day events at India House. The team’s tour includes stops in nine cities: Boston, New York City, Chicago, Detroit, Dallas, Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, and New Jersey. Dhiraj Sequeira, the team manager, shared with News India Times, “The main reason why the Indian Men’s Cricket Team for the Blind is in the USA is to promote cricket for the blind amongst the public, specifically the Indian diaspora and the visually impaired across the country.” He expressed hope that the tour would inspire visually impaired individuals from various institutions to engage with the sport and aimed to establish the first men’s and women’s American Blind Cricket Teams in the future.
Former Director-General of Police of Bihar, Gupteshwar Pandey, who attended the event, conveyed his pride in being Indian and his happiness at witnessing the flag-raising ceremony, telling News India Times, “I feel proud to be an Indian. I am very happy to witness the unfurling of the tri-color flag by Ambassador Kwatra.”
The Embassy also organized a painting competition themed “My idea of India/Mother Earth” in honor of the 78th Independence Day. With over 250 entries from across the country, Ambassador Kwatra awarded certificates to the winners across various age groups. The celebration concluded with a special Bharatnatyam performance by the Natananjali School of Dance, set to the song “Jayate Jayate Bharat Mata.”
