The program began with the American Pledge of Allegiance and national anthem, followed by India’s national anthem, “Jana Gana Mana”—a moving reminder of the shared values of democracy and freedom embraced by both nations.
The celebration featured a colorful cultural program and also honored several community leaders for their outstanding contributions to society. The honorees included Prof. Saluja, Dr. Ravindra Goyal, Dr. Devender Shrivastava, Harshad Bhai Patel, Jasbir “Jay” Singh, Mukesh Modi, and Anil Shah.
Beyond the formal recognitions, the event served as a gathering of community spirit, with attendees enjoying meaningful conversations and delicious Indian cuisine. The strong turnout and atmosphere of unity made the celebration a memorable commemoration of India’s Independence Day, underscoring the vital role of the Indian-American community in North Hempstead.