Washington, August 15, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Boston’s iconic Prudential Center was illuminated in the Indian tricolour for the first time as the Foundation of Indian Americans New England (FIA New England) marked India’s 80th Independence Day with its fifth International India Day Parade and Freedom Festival.
The celebrations were held at Boston Harbor, with organisers saying the tricolour illumination of the prominent Boston landmark symbolised the growing ties between India and the United States.
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah also sent a message to FIA New England president Abhishek Singh, congratulating the organisation and extending Independence Day greetings to its officials, volunteers and members of the Indian diaspora.
Shah said the event celebrated Indian culture, democratic values and the friendship between India and the US, while also helping members of the diaspora remain connected with their cultural heritage.
He highlighted India’s civilisational values, democratic traditions and the principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — the world is one family — saying they carried a message of unity, peace and coexistence.
The Home Minister said Indians living abroad were contributing to stronger cultural, economic and social ties between the two countries through their work, talent and values. He added that such events helped younger generations remain connected with Indian civilisation, culture and national ideals.
Shah said India was developing a new global identity under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, rooted in its cultural heritage, democratic values and international cooperation. He also highlighted the government’s efforts to strengthen engagement with the Indian diaspora worldwide under the principles of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” and “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat”.
The parade was inaugurated by Raghuram S., Consul General of India in Boston. Maggie Lemay of the US Navy and retired Indian Army Colonel Inderpreet Singh served as grand marshals, while community leaders Ram Gupta and Meetu Gupta also led the procession.
The event featured colourful floats showcasing India’s cultural diversity and the shared values of India and the US. An American veterans’ band and a Marathi Dhol-Tasha group added to the festivities.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu issued proclamations recognising August 15 as India Day. FIA New England said this marked the fifth consecutive year that the occasion had received such recognition.
The procession passed through India Street, a historic area of Boston associated with the city’s early maritime trade links with India. Organisers said the route highlighted the longstanding movement of commerce, people and ideas between the two countries.
The celebrations also took place against the historical backdrop of Boston Harbor, which is associated with the Boston Tea Party of 1773, a protest against British taxation that became a significant episode in the movement that led to American independence.
The Prudential Center, one of Boston’s best-known skyscrapers, joined a growing number of prominent buildings and public landmarks around the world being illuminated in the Indian tricolour to mark Independence Day in cities with sizeable Indian-origin communities.
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