INDEPENDENCE DAY GOOD NEWS
In a statement by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) of the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, it said that it “will be creating history” on August 15, 2020, by “hosting the first-ever flag hoisting ceremony at Times Square”.
This will be a proud moment for around 25 lakhs Indian population residing in the United States of America. This will be the first time the Indian tricolor will be unfurled at the iconic New York City destination. Consul General of India in New York Randhir Jaiswal will be the Guest of Honour at the event.
The FIA said that the Independence Day celebrations will include the flag-hoisting ceremony at Times Square and the Empire State Building will be illuminated in hues of the tricolor – orange, white and green. The Empire State lighting ceremony will be held on August 14.
The Consulate General of India in New York will host a virtual Independence Day celebration on August 15 in which it has invited “members of the Indian community and friends of India” for the commemoration that will be live-streamed. India Day Parade is the flagship event that FIA annually organizes to mark India’s Independence Day in August.
The annual parade draws a crowd of thousands in the heart of Manhattan each year. They are joined by top US political leaders, lawmakers as well as prominent members of the Indian-American community and celebrities from India. However owing to COVID 19, the parade will not be held this year.
It should be noted that earlier in the month of August, controversy broke out as Muslim Organization in New York tried to stop the display of Ram Temple Ceremony in Time Square. However, the largest display of Lord Ram was displayed in Times Square from 10 am to 10 pm on August 05.
