CGI Atlanta celebrates India’s 75th Independence Day
India’s 75th Independence Day was celebrated in the Consulate on August 15, 2021. The morning event saw the unfurling of the flag. It was celebrated both in-person and online with fanfare and enthusiastic participation by the Indian diaspora. Consul General Dr. Swati Kulkarni hoisted the National Flag and read out the message by the President of India. The National Anthem was sung by over 100 people who attended the celebration.
[Left] Consul General of India in Atlanta, Dr. Swati Kulkarni, with dignitaries and community leaders on the occasion of 75th Indian Independence Day.
The Consulate also organized an evening reception to mark this historic occasion. The event saw spectacular cultural performances. Community members turned up in large numbers to show their strength and solidarity for the occasion. The event was attended by over 250 people, including many dignitaries. Among those gracing the occasion were: Rich McCormick (Politician); Sheikh Rehman, State Senator (D-Georgia); David Shafer, State Senator (R-Georgia); Matt Reeves, State Senator (R-Georgia); Angelika Kausche, State Representative (D-Georgia, 50th District); Kim Schofield, State Representative (D-Georgia, 60th District); Pedro “Pete” Marin, State Representative (D-Georgia, 96th District); Sharon Cooper, State Representative,
(D-Georgia, 43rd District); Shea Roberts, State Representative (D- Georgia, 52nd District); John Ernst, Mayor, Brookhaven; Bianca Motley Broom, Mayor, College Park; Felicia Moore, City Council President; Russell, Consul General of Denmark; Dr. Amina Smaila, Consul General of Nigeria; Alex Gandler, Deputy Consul General of Israel; Marva Jacobs, Consul, Guyana; Consul General of Uganda; Tennis player from India, Prajesh Guneeswaren; and Bollywood actress Pooja Batra. Also attending the event were Presidents of Chambers of Commerce as well as Presidents of community organizations.
[Left] Dr. Swati Kulkarni hoisted the National Flag at the Consulate.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Kulkarni highlighted the achievements by India in various fields and its democratic journey of 75 years. She also released two books, Junction Immigration: Insights Gained from Real-Life Distress Situations which is a compilation of distress cases that came to the notice of the Consulate and lessons learned from them; and Indian Investments in the South-East U.S.A. that showcases the Indian investments in various sectors and their contribution to the local economy.
[Right] Dr. Swati Kulkarni with community members at the Consulate.
This was followed by four cultural performances by local artists. Nritya Natya Kala Bharti presented a graceful piece on Lord Krishna performed by Ishika Mehta, Kiran Varadarajan, Tara Varadarajan and Shirin Kuppusamy; and directed by Kumud Savla and Sandeep Savla. Bharathakala Naatya Academy performed two dance pieces. The first dance showcased the fast intricate footwork and the brisk nature of the Jathis combined with rhythmic notes. The second dance was titled “Celebrating Unity and Independence Day of Mother India.” This was followed by Vande Mataram, a salute to the country by Abhignya Sai Panatula, Ramya Ramaswamy, Sharnitha Sudhaher, Srinidhi Vangala, Shreya Srinivasan, Shreya Sunil, Tara Velappan and Vyshali Menon.
[Left] Dr. Swati Kulkarni with children celebrating Indian Independence Day.
[Right] Dance performance by Bharathakala Naatya Academy.
The Consulate building was lit with tricolor on the eve of 75th Independence Day, even as events were organized around the city to coincide with the occasion.
The iconic Freedom Hall, as well as the Gandhi Statue at The King Center which part of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park in Atlanta, was illuminated with the Indian tricolor. Dunwoody Baptist Church, Atlanta, also celebrated India’s 75th Independence Day on August 14, at the church campus, and the Indian flag was hoisted on the occasion. Dr. Kulkarni was the chief guest at the event which was attended by over 300 people.
[Left top] Celebrating unity through dance performance by Bharathakala Natya Academy.
[Right top] Dance performance by Nritya Natya Kala Bharti Academy.
Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotsav launched by PM Modi on March 12, 2021, in India, was the theme of the Association of Kerala Medical Graduates (AKMG)’s 42nd Annual Convention on August 13 in Atlanta which was attended by Dr. Kulkarni as the Chief Guest. Under the same umbrella theme, Georgia Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (GIACC) and Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce signed an MOU on August 12 in the presence of Dr. Kulkarni. This alliance will promote constructive business engagement between India and Georgia.
[Left] Dr. Swati Kulkarni with Gokuldham team at the evening celebration on 75th Indian Independence Day.
Dr. Kulkarni also graced Festival of India 2021, organized by Indian American Cultural Association (IACA), to mark 75 years of India’s Independence.
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