Rani Mukherjee to lead NY India Day Parade
Rani Mukherjee
NEW YORK: The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) last week, raised the curtains on its 31st annual Indian Independence Day Parade celebration with its traditional kick-off event at the Consulate General of India, New York.
Celebrating the 41st anniversary, the FIA announced the annual parade to be held on Sunday August 21, which has now grown into the world's largest Indian Independence Day celebration outside India. Last year more than 140,000 people gathered during the Parade on Madison Avenue in the heart of the New York City.
At least 200 invited guests consisting of community leaders, sponsors, media partners and FIA committee members gathered during the unveiling of the parade. The program comprised folk dances and a presentation for sponsorship offering on various levels.
"I am very excited and delighted with the enthusiasm of the FIA team and we are ready to take this year's Parade to the next level, said FIA President Bipin Patel. "This year, we are looking forward to a record number of 150,000 participants in New York City."
FIA Trustee and Bollywood show organizer Kanu Chauhan announced that this year's Parade Grand Marshall would be popular actress Rani Mukerji.
The attendees were amazed to see the groundwork for the upcoming India Day parade, revealed through an audio-video presentation.
The Publicity and Media Chair Binoy Kothari talked about the overwhelming inquiries, not only from community media but also from mainstream media about participation in the parade.
The theme of this year's parade is 'My Earth-My Home', celebrating 'My India-My pride'. The 2011 India Day Parade will commence at 12:30 PM from Madison Avenue and 40th Street. The Review stand for the Bollywood celebrity Grand Marshall and the Chief Guest will be located between 28th and 29th Street. The booths will be located between 24th and 26th Avenue. The array of cultural programs will begin 3 PM onwards on the cultural stage set on 23rd Street.
For those who cannot attend the parade, the FIA has arranged to show it Live on TV in North America and worldwide on the Internet.
Each year during the India Day Parade, various organizations participate in a range of activities. Responding to last year's overwhelming demand of booths, this year FIA is offering 72 booths to organizations to launch their products.
The parade would be led by marching bands and theme based floats. The FIA said it would continue the tradition of customized floats showcasing Indian culture, as introduced last year. Parade attendees will take a journey into the past with colorful characters from historical and religious stories.
The FIA is also inviting over 5000 young Indian American students from premium universities to march at the parade.
During the month of the parade, street banners across the city will highlight the FIA and its sponsors and the Empire State building will be lit in the tri color of the Indian Flag.
The parade would be followed by a gala dinner on August 22 where FIA has created special opportunities by creating zone sponsorships during the reception.
Writers Corner: Books, Stories & Poems
10