America
An inclusive India Day Parade in Queens, NY; Thousands march despite rains
Braving intermittent rains, thousands of people marched in the India Day Parade on Hillside Avenue in Queens, New York, August 11, with enthusiasm, patriotic slogans and music, colorful floats and pageantry, as crowds cheered from the sidewalk.
Despite the rain, the third India Day Parade, organized by the Bellerose-Floral Park Merchants Association was a huge success, observers noted.
The parade started at the intersection of the 263rd Street under clear skies but half way through the march, the rain began to pour. It did not affect the marchers or dampen their spirits as most of them walked in the rain cheerfully.
Many people did not turn up for the parade fearing the rain, yet it did not affect the overall number of attendees. More people attended the parade and the cultural program that followed it, compared to the last year. Organizers consider it a welcome development and a good sign for the future success and growth of the parade.
The Queens parade created another record for New York City for having a second parade in the same city. The city already has the distinction of hosting the first and largest India Day parade in the United States. The parade in Manhattan, the largest outside of India, is scheduled for August 19th on Madison Avenue.
People from different states and communities joined the Queens parade, making it an inclusive event as they showcased the diversity of India. It was one of the good things about the parade compared to the parades in other places, which are controlled by a few people.
The marchers converged at the Padavan-Feller Park grounds on 236th Street for the celebrations which included a cultural show. At the parade grounds, huge tents were erected, which were filled with people.
Bollywood actors Ishita Dutta and Vatsal Sheth were the Grand Marshalls of the parade. Dutta said she was impressed with the parade. Such parades are not happening in India and she suggested starting parades in India too.
The parade was led by New York Police Department, followed by the Fire Department. Officers mounted on horses marched in front followed by police officers and members of NYPD Desi Society, whose members are South Asian origin including from countries in the Caribbean. Under the Desi Society banner Detective Annand Naraya, Seargent Dewan Persaud, officers Ramesh Parambadin, Khyme Khan, and Dudnauth Mohabir marched.
The highlight of the event was the unexpected arrival of New York State Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul. She said she was coming from Buffalo with the sole aim of attending the parade. He noted her warm relations with the community and felt it was her duty to come here. She also commended the leaders for organizing the parade despite bad weather.
The program started with a prayer by Indian American Bishop Rt. Rev Dr. Johcy Itty of the Episcopal Church.
He mentioned the sacrifices of the freedom fighters and prayed for India and the US. He also prayed for the organizers and the attendees.
New York Supreme Court Judge Bernice Siegal led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Consul Devidasan Nair from the Indian Consulate spoke about slavery and freedom. He quoted Gandhi who said he would not compromise his freedom even if he faced death.
Subhash Kapadia, chair of the board of directors of the Merchant’s Association thanked the people for attending the event in spite of the rains. He also spoke about the importance of celebrating India’s Independence
Kirpal Singh, president and Hemant Shah, vice president of the association too spoke.
Harshad Patel, the main sponsor of the event, was honored by the officials with proclamations.
John Liu, former New York City Comptroller, and candidate for State Senate from District 11, which includes the parade area, saluted the parade and India’s independence. He called for all to vote for Democrats.
His opponent and incumbent Senator Toni Avella presented proclamations of the State Senate honoring the organizers. He spoke about the good work he is doing as senator.
Kevin Thomas, and Indian American attorney contesting for state Senate from District 6 in Long Island, too requested the support of the community. He said his Republican opponent has been in the Senate for several decades now.
Dan Bebono, who is contesting for Congress from the 3rd District, too spoke.
The emcees for the event included Thomas T Oommen (co-chair, MC), Dr. Ujwala Shah, Asha Mampilly and Amita Karwal.
The Jains of America, the Umiyaji Mataji Center, the Council of Indian Orthodox Churches, the Federation of Malayalee Associations of Americas (Fomaa), the Federation of Kerala Associations of North America (Fokana), the Indian Nurses Association, The Sree Narayans Association, Mahrashtra Mandal, Tamil Sangam, Queens Community Board, and Brahmin Society of New York were among the dozens of organizations that marched in the parade.Organizers of the parade included Kirit Panchamia, George C. Parambil, Koshy Oommen, Ashok Jain, Mathew Thomas, Joseph V Thomas, Arun Chandra, V.M. Chacko, Sanjoy Agustine, Jason Joseph, Harshad (Pakaji) Patel, Kalathil Varghese, Bina Sabapathy, Dr. Ujwala Shah, Chacko Koyikkaleth, Thomas T. Oommen, Hema Virani, Jose Jacob, Nayan Shah and Mary Philip among others.
Dilip Chauhan, Deputy Comptroller of Nassau County, Bobby K. Kalotee, noted community leader from Hicksville and several elected officials attended the event.
The idea of a parade in Queens was put forward by Subhash Kapadia, who used to lead the I-Day celebrations in Jackson Heights. Everyone welcomed it.
Queens has a special significance for the Indian community as many immigrants first arrive at JFK Airport in Queens, New York. A parade there is an occasion to remember their beginning in America, V.M. Chacko, a parade organizer, noted earlier.
