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NCAIA marks Republic Day with community reception in Virginia
Nearly 250 people attended the celebration despite inclement weather.
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Anushka Pathak - Tue, 17, Feb 2026
- 13:48 EST
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Community members and delegates at the Republic Day event organized by National Council of Asian Indian Associations (NCAIA) / Courtesy: S. S. Manku
The National Council of Asian Indian Associations (NCAIA) marked India’s 77th Republic Day on Feb. 15 in Manassas, Virginia.
The event held at the Magnolia Grand Conference and Event Center also included a welcome reception for India’s Deputy Chief of Mission to the United States, Ambassador Namgya Khampa.
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India’s Deputy Chief of Mission to the United States, Ambassador Namgya Khampa addressing the audience / Courtesy: S. S. MankuAddressing the gathering, Ambassador Khampa called Republic Day a “very sacred day for all of us.” She recalled that on Jan. 26, 1950, India adopted its constitution, transforming into a republic, and nearly eight decades later, India is the world’s fourth-largest economy and is projected to become the third largest by GDP, with a population of more than 1.4 billion, nearly half under 30.
Ambassador Khampa attributed India’s progress to uninterrupted democratic processes, including “regular elections, peaceful transfer of power, independent judiciary, vibrant civil society, and vibrant federalism.” She also talked about the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, bringing together more than 2,000 heads of state, ministers, and delegations from over 100 countries.
After hoisting the flag, Jag Mohan, Minister (Community Affairs & Personnel) at the Embassy of India, who is concluding his tenure in Washington, said the goal of achieving a developed India by 2047 is “very ambitious” but that progress is moving “very solidly.” He said members of the Indian diaspora are “not just spectators but are active partners” in achieving that goal.
In shared remarks, U.S. Senator Mark Warner said, “With the ties that bind the United States and India together, Virginians welcome the opportunity to celebrate the anniversary of India’s Constitution taking effect in 1950,” adding that the relationship rests on “deep people-to-people bonds.”
Through his representative, Congressman Suhas Subramanyam commended NCAIA for organizing the celebration, describing it as an occasion that highlights India’s democratic foundations and the U.S.–India partnership. Virginia Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi said she was “delighted to celebrate the vibrant culture and contributions of Indian Americans” across Virginia.
NCAIA also recognized and presented leadership awards to Jag Mohan, media professional Nilima Mehra, and former Indian Naval officer Satish Kapoor.
Virginia State Senator Kannan Srinivasan called it “a profound honor” to extend greetings to the community. Loudoun County Delegate JJ Singh, attending in person, noted that India and the United States “share so much together,” adding, “I am now the only Indian American to serve in the House of Delegates.”
The event also included remarks from community leaders and cultural performances. Organizers said nearly 250 people attended the celebration despite inclement weather.
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