By Krishiv Shah
The 78th anniversary of India’s independence was celebrated in Hicksville, Long Island, with the 13th India Day Parade. The event offered free admission and food, making it a vibrant and inclusive celebration that truly brought the community together.
The parade was graced by the presence of several dignitaries and notable personalities. Renowned Indian actress Jaya Prada Nahata served as the Grand Marshal. Known for her work in Telugu and Hindi cinema, Jaya Prada has starred in numerous films alongside Bollywood icons like Amitabh Bachchan, making her a beloved figure in Indian entertainment.
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. Each group marched proudly, accompanied by traditional Indian music, showcasing the rich diversity of India’s culture.
On left: Director Shashi Goyal, On right: author and Kaleidoscope founder Krishiv Shah. (Image courtesy: author)
I had the opportunity to interview Shashi Goyal, one of the parade directors, who played a key role in organizing and coordinating this remarkable event. With his extensive experience from the India Association of Long Island, Mr. Goyal shared some insights into the significance of the parade and the efforts behind it.
Krishiv: Can you tell me a bit about this event specifically?
Mr. Goyal: This is the 13th India Day Parade we have had here in Hicksville, marking the independence of India, which we celebrate every year on August 15th. India gained independence from British rule in 1947; since then, we’ve celebrated this day. Here in Long Island, the Indian diaspora comes together for this parade. We have floats, marching bands, religious groups, and other organizations joining in. It’s a celebration of our Indian independence, even though we live here in the US.
Krishiv: What are some big names at the parade right now?
Mr. Goyal: We have several notable figures here today, including the Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor, Mr. Joseph Saladino; Harry Bhola, a prominent business entrepreneur; Vimal Goyal and Deepak Bansal, Presidents of IDP USA; and Jennifer DiSena, the Town of North Hempstead Supervisor. The Indian Consulate is also represented. We have almost 4,000 to 5,000 people in attendance.
The 13th India Day Parade in Hicksville was a vibrant display of cultural pride and community spirit, showcasing Indian heritage and celebrating in the heart of America.
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Krishiv Shah, the founder and submission coordinator of Kaleidoscope, is an Indian-American senior at Syosset High School with aspirations to pursue a degree in South Asian Studies and Business.
