Flag hoisting at Red Fort / IANS

Indian-origin leaders and lawmakers across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom marked India’s 80th Independence Day on Aug. 15, highlighting the contributions of the Indian diaspora.

New York State Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar reflected on her family’s immigration journey and her work representing the Indian-American community in New York.

Also Read: Flag hoisting, cultural performances mark India’s 80th I-day celebrations worldwide

“I’m proud to be on the ground with the Indian-American community across New York State—elevating our voices and helping shape the future of New York,” Rajkumar said in a post on X.

Rajkumar said her parents came to the United States from India with “$300 and one suitcase,” and noted that she later became the first Indian-American woman elected to New York State office. She also pointed to legislation she helped pass making Diwali a public school holiday in New York City, describing it as a measure that has helped set a national trend.

“Their journey, and the community I have been privileged to represent, remind me that in the greatest country on Earth, anything is possible,” she said.

In a separate Independence Day message, Rajkumar invoked the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and his philosophy of nonviolence.

“Gandhi led India to freedom through peaceful resistance and moral courage,” she said, adding that his example crossed oceans and inspired Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the American civil rights movement.

Rajkumar, a civil rights lawyer before entering public service, said Gandhi’s legacy influenced her own path and her belief that “courage and nonviolence can change the course of history.”

“From India to America, that light still shines,” she said.

I’m proud to be on the ground with the Indian-American community across New York State—elevating our voices and helping shape the future of New York.

My parents came to America from India with $300 and one suitcase. Their daughter would go on to make history as the first… pic.twitter.com/JMmaNyxb0V

— Jenifer Rajkumar (@JeniferRajkumar) August 15, 2026

New York State Sen. Jeremy Cooney also extended his greetings on the occasion, marking the 80th anniversary of India’s independence.

“On the 80th anniversary of India’s Independence, Diane and I wish you all peace and prosperity. Jai Hind!” Cooney said in a post addressed to the Indian community.

On the 80th anniversary of India’s Independence, Diane and I wish you all peace and prosperity. Jai hind! @IndiainNewYork pic.twitter.com/d8lPuf4Xpf

— Senator Jeremy Cooney (@SenatorCooney) August 15, 2026

In Canada, Indian-origin MP Anita Anand, who represents Oakville East, highlighted the size and contributions of the Indo-Canadian community.

“On India’s Independence Day, we celebrate the deep connections that bring our people together,” Anand said.

She noted that more than 1.8 million Canadians of Indian origin have contributed to Canada, saying they have helped shape communities and strengthen ties across generations.

Anand also pointed to renewed momentum in Canada-India relations over the past year. She cited the roadmap she and India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar launched last fall, followed by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to India, as steps toward a relationship focused on “greater opportunity, prosperity and security for both countries.”

On India’s Independence Day, we celebrate the deep connections that bring our people together. More than 1.8 million Canadians of Indian origin have helped to shape Canada, enriching our communities and strengthening those bonds across generations.

Over the past year, Canada and… pic.twitter.com/RaATG7SlgU

— Anita Anand (@AnitaAnandMP) August 15, 2026

In the United Kingdom, Conservative MP Priti Patel, the party’s shadow foreign secretary and member of Parliament for Witham, extended Independence Day greetings to Indians and people of Indian heritage in Britain and around the world.

Best wishes to everyone celebrating Indian Independence Day across the Indian community in the UK and abroad.

We also celebrate the incredible contribution of the British Indian community, across the generations who have contributed so much to enrich our country.

Jai Hind!… pic.twitter.com/Qqp6h6jwP7

— Priti Patel MP (@pritipatel) August 15, 2026

“Best wishes to everyone celebrating Indian Independence Day across the Indian community in the UK and abroad,” Patel said.

She also recognized the contribution of the British Indian community, saying generations of British Indians have “contributed so much to enrich our country.”

“Jai Hind!” Patel added.

This year’s Independence Day carries added significance as India marks its 80th Independence Day under the theme “Yuva Shakti for Viksit Bharat@2047,” emphasizing the role of young people in shaping India’s development through 2047, when the country will mark 100 years of independence. The 2026 celebrations also coincide with the 150th anniversary of “Vande Mataram,” India’s national song.

Discover more at New India Abroad.