India’s 72nd Independence Day in Atlanta
The observance and celebration of India’s Independence from Colonial Rule on August 15, 1947, which has become customary at the Consulate General of India in Atlanta, was hosted in 2018 with the usual pageantry. In the absence of the newly appointed Consul General in Atlanta, Acting Consul General L.T. Ngaihte and Mrs. Ngaihte, with the Head of Chancery Mr. Shailesh Lakhtakia and the entire consular staff in attendance, played hosts with an on-time delivery of a short and sweet program.
|
|
|
Independence Day rendition of the Indian National Anthem, “Jana Gana Mana.” (Photo: Magic Dust Photography) |
(Left) Hoisting of the Indian flag and unfurling, rose petals dropping to the Consulate lawns. (Photo: Magic Dust Photography)
Atlanta’s weekday traffic congestion further convoluted by the recent changing traffic patterns delayed the arrival of a significant portion of guests, but the Tiranga (India’s tricolor flag) was unfurled at the appointed time, 9 am, and the rose petals that had been in its folds breezed their way down on the attendees, who sang “Jana Gana Mana” (the Indian National Anthem), unrehearsed, with vigor.
Hon. Ngaihte read out highlights from President of India Ram Nath Kovind’s eight-page Address to the Nation. Staffers had distributed printed copies of the address, both in Hindi and English, for the guests. Hon. Ngaihte read the last few paragraphs verbatim. He explained the unusual significance of this year through the next, in which India and the Indian diaspora will celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, beginning October 2, 2018. President Kovind had exclaimed, “Gandhi ji did not just lead our freedom struggle. He was and still is our moral compass. In my capacity as the President of India, I have been fortunate to have travelled around the world, particularly to a few countries in Africa. Everywhere, across continents, Gandhi ji is mentioned, cherished, and remembered as an icon for all humanity. He is the embodiment of India.” Hon. Ngaihte closed by thanking all attendees present for coming out in such large numbers, even though it was a workday. He invited all to enjoy the refreshments.
Consul Lakhtakia read the Proclamation by the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners, naming August 15, 2018 as “India Day.” The framed proclamation was made possible this year by Rajan Vedak, who had originated the idea of India Day and who had obtained it last year together with Sudhir Agarwal and Ravi Ponangi. Lakhtakia announced the cultural presentation in the evening at the Consulate, to continue the celebrations. Thanks to the Sandy Springs Police Officers, traffic was well managed, as they guided attendees to overflow parking areas and assisted those crossing the street to the ceremonies on the lawn.
|
|
|
|
Patriotic dance. (Photo: Ravi Ponangi) |
Rajastani dance. (Photo: Ravi Ponangi) |
|
|
|
|
Playing "Jana Gana Mana" on the violin. (Photo: Ravi Ponangi) |
Proclamation by Gwinnett County. (Photo: Ravi Ponangi) |
The Telugu Association of Metro Atlanta (TAMA) held a celebration elsewhere with unfurling the tricolor and the rendition of national anthem and patriotic songs. The India American Cultural Association (IACA) held its 22nd Festival of India on a weekend before the 15th, and the Indian Friends of Atlanta (IFA) held its fourth Freedom Mela after the 15th.
|
Consulate staff and their families at India’s 72nd Independence Day observance in Atlanta. (Photo: Magic Dust Photography) |
Website Bonus Feature
Video:
This video covers Independence Day celebration on 15-August 2018 at Consulate General of India, Atlanta GA. Flag hoisting followed by Cultural diversity function under the program called "India at 70"
Hemant Shah
Published on Aug 19, 2018
| Remember, we have new Website Bonus Features that are not in the print magazine. Every time you see the W symbol in the print magazine, you can go to our website to see additional print or audiovisual material! |
|
Submitting your report for consideration in Around Town Please send post event reports for consideration in the Around Town section to AroundTown@khabar.com. Publication of reports is based on several criteria including the volume of reports submitted for a given issue. Guidelines for the reports are on our website at http://www.khabar.com/magazine/around-town/guidelines_for_submitting_reports_to_around_town. Deadline: 15th of each month—for consideration in the following month. However, chances of inclusion are better if reports are received well in advance of the deadline – where possible, e.g. within 3-7 days of the event |
|
Submitting your news item for consideration in Newsmakers Please send news items for consideration in the Newsmakers section to CommunityNewsmakers@khabar.com. Publication of news is based on several criteria including the volume of reports submitted for a given issue. We are focusing on local community members with some achievement or award that will be interesting and/or inspiring to our readers. |
Enjoyed reading Khabar magazine? Subscribe to Khabar and get a full digital copy of this Indian-American community magazine.
