Both US and India have been tolerant nations since their existence: Acharya Lokesh

New York: The Indian-American community across the US recently celebrated India’s 70th Independence Day on August 21 by unfurling the tricolour and organising a series of cultural events here.

The Grand Marshal of the India Day Parade in New York was Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan. Chief Guests were Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev, Jain Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni, South Indian superstar Chiyaan Vikram and Priyanka Kothari. It was graced by several eminent people from India.

This was one of the largest events marking India’s Independence in the US where thousands of people lined up on both sides of the road in New York as the colourful parade passed. It began from 39th Street, went down to Madison Avenue and culminated near 26th Street where several food and other stalls were put up and cultural events were organised.

Speaking on the occasion, yoga guru Baba Ramdev said that Indian economy is the fastest growing economy in the world and has the youngest population.

India also has one of the largest pool of talent in the world and US is the land of opportunities, therefore the coming together of the two great nations can actually benefits businesses there.

Congratulating the Indian-American community on 70th anniversary of India’s Independence, Dr Lokesh said that India and US are the two largest democracies of the world that share common values of plurality, secularism, justice to all.

US and India are examples for the entire world, as both countries have complete freedom to practice and propagate their culture and religion. Both are a tolerant society since their existence, he added.

Acharya Lokesh Muni further said that Indian Diaspora, which is one of the largest in US, has immensely contributed to America's progress to which the US also reciprocated by giving opportunities to the deserving.

Now under Make in India, Digital India, Start-up India, India is now emerging as the land of vast opportunity for US companies. This collaboration will take both countries far ahead, he stated.

The Federation of Indian Associations hosted the 2016 India Day Parade in New York City.

This year marks the 36th annual event, where people gather around to watch marchers embrace Indian culture. Spectacular cultural tableaux were also displayed on the occasion.