Thousands celebrated the pride of their motherland at the 13th India Day Parade of Long Island in Hicksville.
Hicksville: The India Day Parade (IDP) of Long Island this year surpassed the glory and grandeur of the previous parades, as witnessed by tens of thousands of people celebrating India’s 78th Independence Day here on Long Island on August 25.
A record 50 marching groups from different organizations and 11 floats participated in the parade, which was cheered on by the public waving the Indian Flag and lining alongside South Broadway down from the Patel Brothers Plaza. The floats included a replica of the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Ayodhya's Ram Mandir, and Lord Ganesha. The surprising participation by the Hicksville School Marching band and 25 motorcycle riders was a great attraction to the onlookers for the annual parade.
With the spirit of patriotism running high, the ecstatic Indian community came together to participate in the India Day Parade of Long Island. (Photos courtesy: IDP USA)
Organized by IDP USA, the parade, now in its 13th year, was a grand success held under the leadership of co-Presidents Vimal Goyal and Deepak Bansal, their team, and Nassau County Human Rights Commission Chair Dr Bobby Kumar Kalotee. Celebrity Grand Marshals included actress and politician Jaya Prada Nahata and actress Neetu Chandra who stole the hearts of their fans. Dr Urmilesh Arya was the community Grand Marshall. Consul General Binaya Pradhan as Grand Marshall was represented by Vishal Jayesh Bhai Harsh - Consul (Economy, HOC, and CPIO) and Mr Anurag. Harry Singh Bolla of Bolla Oil, Shudh Prakash Singh, and Dr Jay Sarkar were Chief Guests. There were several Guests of Honor and dignitaries who were present.
Celebrity Grand Marshalls, actress and politician Jaya Prada Nahata (second left) and actress Neetu Chandra (left), stole the hearts of their fans. (Photo courtesy: IDP USA)
The elected officials who addressed the surging crowds from the stage at Patel Brothers and later at the entertainment stage included Congressman Anthony D’Esposito, NY Senate members Steve Rhoads and Jack Martins, TOBAY Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Nassau County Legislator from Hicksville Rose Marie Walker, and Town of North Hempstead Town Clerk Ragini Srivastava, and others.
The parade culminated at the sprawling LIRR parking lot. Over 55 booths set up there attracted a stream of visitors. Free, delicious meals were served to all, courtesy of IDP USA. Bolla Market set up Free Children’s Carnival Games. In the afternoon, the gathering was regaled with popular Bollywood and Punjabi songs by well-known entertainers Rex D’Souza with his live band, Indian Idol Khuda Baksh, and Bhangra King Sarabjeet Cheema.
The parade showcased India’s rich culture with grand floats of Amritsar’s Golden Temple and Ayodhya Ram Mandir. (Photos courtesy: IDP USA)
Several people, including members of the IDP Team such as Chairman Bobby Kalotee, President Vimal Goyal, Past Presidents Jay Jasbir Singh, Indu Jaiswal, Senior Vice Presidents Nilima Madan, Bina Sabapathy and many team members and others were seen dancing with joy near the stage.
Dr Urmilesh Arya, a well-known community leader and pediatrician, led the India Day Parade as Grand Marshall. In her speech, Dr Arya said: “We are celebrating India’s 78th Independence Day on the land of the strongest democracy in the world in the presence of so many elected officials. This will forge a strong bond of friendship between the two nations and soon, India’s largest democracy will be as strong as that of America.”
Bollywood dance moves by IDP USA co-founder Bobby Kalotee (center) and his team members lit up the event. (Photo courtesy: IDP USA).
New York Senator Steve Rhoads was among the distinguished guests at the event. Addressing the crowd, he said, “I want to congratulate and thank you for being here. What a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Indian history and culture in this great country of America. Our origins matter less than our destinations. Where we are going together matters, thus we embrace our diversity. God bless you, God bless India, and God bless this amazing country.”
The parade saw participation from various community groups, including the India Association of Long Island, the New York Tamil Sangam, the Sant Nirankari Mission Band of New York and Connecticut, Oneness to Humaneness, Sai Mandir USA, and the Haryana Association of North America.
Shashi Goyal, one of the parade directors, said: “Here in Long Island, the Indian diaspora came together for this parade. It’s a celebration of our Indian independence, even though we live here in the US”.
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(Contributed by Nilima Madan, Parveen Chopra and Krishiv Shah)
