NEW YORK, NY – August 15 – The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA NY-NJ-CT-NE) held its annual Empire State Building lighting ceremony on August 14, illuminating the iconic Manhattan landmark in saffron, white, and green. The event marked the 44th Annual India Day, honoring this year’s theme, ‘Harmony in Heritage,’ and celebrated two historic milestones together: India’s 80th year of independence and America’s 250th anniversary.
The ceremony opened with a cultural dance performance by the Kalashri School of Arts, choreographed by Bina Menon. FIA Joint Secretary Srujal Parikh hosted, welcoming guests and setting the tone for an evening built around the shared history of ‘the world’s oldest and largest democracies’.
FIA Chairman Ankur Vaidya reflected on the significance: “It bears double the joy to celebrate 250 years of America along with 80 years of India. What an iconic start to the festivities, with the pride of our community, Mayor Sam Joshi, doing the honors.” FIA President Sreekant Akkapalli also addressed the gathering.
Edison Mayor Sam Joshi, participating at FIA’s invitation, spoke about the Indian-American community’s impact across the tri-state area – citing contributions in healthcare, business, technology, and entertainment.
The ceremony featured the cast of Neela Film Productions’ ‘Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’ (TMKOC), India’s longest-running television show, including Dilip Joshi, Munmun Dutta, Mandar Chandwadkar, Sonalika Joshi, Balvinder Singh, and Nitesh Bhaluni, alongside Sesh, who had the honor of pulling the ceremonial lever to illuminate the tower in the Indian tricolor.
Hundreds of visitors witnessed the lighting, and it was livestreamed to lakhs of viewers globally via FIA’s digital platforms. Following the lighting, guests received keepsakes from Empire State Building representatives, posed for photos on the Grand Staircase, and continued the celebration on the building’s observation decks.
Mayor Joshi closed by congratulating the honorees and thanking FIA for its continued role in bringing the community together.
About FIA
The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating and promoting Indian culture and heritage in the United States, and to strengthening the bonds between the Indian-American community and the broader American public through cultural, educational, and civic events.
