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Indians in Long Island mark 79th Independence Day
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Rajya Sabha MP Satnam Singh Sandhu were among the guests of honor.
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Staff Reporter - Wed, 20, Aug 2025
- 12:35 EDT
- 52
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Governor Hochul’s Proclamation declaring Aug 15, India Independence Day in NYS, presented by Varinder Bhalla to Naveen Shah / Navika Group
The Indian community in Long Island commemorated India’s 79th Independence Day with a gathering of over 1,000 people at the Marriott Long Island.
The event, titled “Shahidon ko Shraddhanjali,” was organized by Navika Capital Group and Blue Sky Hospitality Solutions and featured cultural performances, patriotic tributes to the nation’s bravehearts, and participation from local officials and dignitaries.
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From Bruce Blakeman’s office - Citation recognizing impactful work for the community presented to Naveen Shah, Neha Bhansali, Madhu Pareek, Garry Sikka, Harry Singh Bolla / Navika GroupNassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Rajya Sabha MP Satnam Singh Sandhu were among the guests of honor. The program opened with the national anthems of the United States and India, reflecting the bond between the two nations.
In his address, Blakeman recognized the contributions of Indian-Americans in business, technology, and civic life, and officially proclaimed India’s Independence Day across Nassau County. He also recalled Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the county and extended greetings on the occasion.
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Guests at the event / Navika Group
Sandhu, who traveled from India for the event, commended the diaspora’s efforts to preserve cultural traditions abroad. He said he was “stunned” by the enthusiasm and patriotism of the Indian-American community.
Community leader Harry Singh Bola stressed unity, saying, “Our efforts will be meaningful only when we put our differences aside, represent India as one country, one people, and one person equals the whole community.”
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Satnam Singh Sandhu at the event / Navika GroupThe program included theatrical performances depicting India’s struggle for independence, patriotic songs by Budh Prakash, and a parade by the Nassau County Band. A Sanskrit invocation by Neha Bhansali set a solemn tone, while Varinder Bhalla read the Independence Day proclamation. The event was co-hosted by Raj Bhayani and Madhu Pareek.
The celebration also marked Janmashtami, the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, with a cake-cutting ceremony and bhajan performances. Organizers highlighted the blending of India’s spiritual and national traditions.
Celebrations at the event / Navika GroupNaveen Shah, CEO of Navika Capital Group, said the celebration reflected “the strength of our community, our culture, and our unity.” Haridas Kotahwala, chairman, added that including Janmashtami “made the occasion even more special, reminding us of our national heritage and spiritual traditions.”
The evening concluded with recognition of dignitaries and performers, a dinner featuring regional Indian cuisine, and distribution of prasadam sponsored by Deepak Nandi.
Organizers said the event reinforced a collective commitment to honor India’s independence while contributing to civic and cultural life in the United States.
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