New York, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has lauded diaspora organisation Foundation of Indian Americans New England for its commemoration of India's Independence Day in Boston, with Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey issuing a special proclamation to mark August 15, 2026, as 'India Day' in the state.
The Foundation of Indian Americans New England, led by its president Abhishek Singh, hosted the International India Day Parade and Freedom Festival for the fifth consecutive year in the historic Boston Harbor, on August 9.
In a personal message to the organisation dated July 30, Shah said the Indian Independence Day commemoration by FIA New England is a celebration of Indian culture, democratic values and the strong friendship between India and the US.
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He said it is also an important medium for connecting the Indian community living across the globe with its cultural heritage.
Shah said India's cultural heritage, democratic traditions and the ideal of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' continue to convey a message of unity, peace and harmony to the world.
The Indian community living abroad is not only enhancing India's stature through its dedication, talent and values, but also strengthening cultural, economic, and social relations between the two countries, Shah's message, conveyed in Hindi, said.
{{/usCountry}}The Indian community living abroad is not only enhancing India's stature through its dedication, talent and values, but also strengthening cultural, economic, and social relations between the two countries, Shah's message, conveyed in Hindi, said.
{{/usCountry}}Such initiatives play an important role in connecting the youth with Indian heritage, culture and national values, he added.
The Union home minister said India today is establishing a new identity on the global stage based on its rich cultural heritage, democratic values and global engagement. He described the Indian diaspora as not only an ambassador of India's cultural identity but also a strong representative of India's economic progress, innovation, investment, and global stature.
FIA New England president Abhishek Singh on Friday said the celebration got "significant boost" by the special message for the organisation from Amit Shah.
Singh said a major highlight of the celebration of the 80th anniversary of India's Independence will be the illumination of the iconic Prudential Center in Boston in hues of the Indian tricolour for the first time, "transforming the Boston skyline into a powerful symbol of the growing multilateral US-India partnership".
The grand parade, that was held on August 9, was kicked off by Consul General of India in Boston Raghuram S Leading the procession as 'Grand Marshals' were Colonel Inder Preet Singh, Yudh Seva Medal , and US Navy Intelligence Specialist Maggie Lehman, who was recognised for her dedicated service and commitment to the nation.
Singh also expressed deep gratitude to Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu for recognising numerous contributions of the Indian-American community in Boston area and for issuing an official proclamation announcing August 15, 2026, to be observed as India Day in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, marking the fifth consecutive year of this special recognition.
The August 9 parade showcased the rich cultural diversity of the Indian-American community, featuring colourful floats representing the heritage of India and shared values of the US and India, the organisation said.
The parade featured floats and tableaux, a vibrant cultural program, with participation of various community organisations, veterans, first responders, and thousands of participants representing the rich diversity of the Indian-American community across New England.
The highlight of the parade included an American Veterans' and Marathi 'Dhol-Tasha' band.
Noting the significance of the commemoration of Indian Independence in Boston, Singh said one of the most meaningful elements of the parade was its journey through historic India Street, a location that recalls Boston's early maritime trade connections with India.
"The historic Boston Harbor location carries special significance with the story of the Boston Tea Party, an event that became a defining moment in America's struggle for independence. The India Day celebration highlighted how trade, people, ideas, and history have helped connect the two nations across centuries."
The Freedom Festival brought together Indian-Americans from across New England, elected officials, diplomats, veterans, community leaders and diaspora members to celebrate India's independence as well as the "enduring bonds" between the world's largest and oldest democracies.
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