India At 75: The celebrations of the 75 years of India's Independence have transcended borders as Boston has also geared up for the two-day event which will witness participation from 32 countries.
“The celebrations this year have several firsts in the history of India's Independence celebrations in Boston,” community leader Abhishek Singh, president of Federation of Indian Associations-New England, organiser of the parade told news agency PTI.
Preparations For India's Independence Celebrations In Boston
The ‘75 years of Independence Day’ has been proclaimed as India Day by Governor of Massachusetts Charlie Baker. The celebrations will be observed at India Street in Boston, Massachusetts on August 15, and at State House in Rhode Island on August 14.
To commemorate the event former Indian cricketer R P Singh has been invited as Grand Marshal of the parade. The celebrations will be marked under the banner of 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav'.
The two-day event will feature an aeroplane carrying a 220 feet US-India flag over Boston apart from flag hoisting at Boston Harbor. There will be an India-USA Freedom Gallery across India Street and a light-up ceremony at the State House of Rhode Island including a parade led by a big band of veterans and floats showcasing the diversity of the country, according to the media release.
A recorded video message from Union Minister Piyush Goyal will also be played on the occasion.
It will be the first time in US history that participants from 32 countries will march in the India Day Parade exhibiting the vibrant cultural diversity on India Street at the historic Boston Harbor, said FIA New England.
FIA New England will also host the Freedom Gallery and exhibition for the first time across India Street to recall and remember forgotten heroes of the freedom struggle, many of whom might be renowned yet unknown to the new generation.
The event is aimed at recreating and bringing forth stories, which lay as faded memories of the past and shall serve as a medium of inspiration and encouragement for the coming generations, believe the organisers.
(With PTI inputs)