ADVERTISEMENTs
_page-0001.jpg)
-10”-x-5.jpg)
Empire State building washed in tri-colour as FIA marks I-Day
Popular Telugu actor Vijay Deverakonda was the Grand Marshal of the ceremony and led the commemorative proceedings.
-
Staff Reporter - Sun, 17, Aug 2025
- 03:14 EDT
- 48
.jpg)
The Empire State building illuminated in India's tri-colour / Courtesy photo
The Empire State Building in New York was illuminated in the colours of the Indian National Flag on Aug. 15, 2025, as part of The Federation of Indian Associations' (FIA) celebration of the Indian Independence Day.
The saffron, white and green illumination was also witnessed in other popular landmarks including the Niagara Falls, One World Trade Center, the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, Grand Central Terminal's Pershing Square Viaduct, and Albany International Airport Gateway.
Apart from hosting the illumination of the Empire State building, a Tri-colour ceremony was also organized. Popular Telugu actor Vijay Deverakonda was the Grand Marshal of the ceremony and led the commemorative proceedings.
ALSO READ: Indo-American Cultural Society celebrates Independence Day
The event also featured a vibrant Indian cultural dance program performed by the acclaimed Qala Creation Group, captivating the audience with traditional performances showcasing India's rich artistic heritage, bringing together classical and folk-dance traditions passed down through generations.
FIA Chairman Ankur Vaidya highlighted the significance of hosting the illumination of the Empire State Building and said, "For decades, the Empire State Building has served as a beacon of hope and achievement. To see it draped in the Indian tri-colors on Independence Day was profoundly moving and represented the aspirations of millions of Indian Americans who have made New York their home.
He added, "This lighting ceremony embodied our community's journey from India's struggle for independence to our success in America."
FIA President Saurin Parikh extended heartfelt wishes to the global Indian diaspora, expressing deep gratitude to the Empire State Building team for illuminating the iconic landmark. He said, "This is more than just a celebration, it is a symbol of how far we've come as a community."
Parikh also said "To see the Indian tri-color shine across one of the most recognized skylines in the world is a powerful reminder of our shared history, progress, and unity."
.jpg)
Telugu actor Vijay Deverakonda joined FIA leaders in the celebration / Courtesy photoFIA Board member, Srujal Parikh, gave a heartfelt speech thanking the Empire State Building and welcoming attendees. Srujal Parikh also drew attention to the historic nature of the moment and highlighted the strong ties with New York's iconic institutions.
Dr. Atul Rai, CEO of USA Cricket also attended the celebration. Rai also echoed similar sentiments and said, "India got its independence in 1947, 78 years ago. On that historic night, while the world was asleep, India awoke to freedom. Today, 78 years later, as we step into the 79th year, we are celebrating this historic journey in the most iconic way by lighting up two of the world's greatest symbols, the Empire State Building in the USA and India's own monuments."
Dr. Rai also announced CricMax's partnership with Team Grassroot Cricket to bring cricket to America, launching with this historic celebration. "Cricket is the world's second-largest sport, and this moment marks a historic step in bringing it closer to the American mainstream. This effort is not just about sport, but about creating opportunities, connecting communities, and pushing cricket to become a mainstream movement here."
Related
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpeg)
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
ADVERTISEMENT
.jpg)
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login