Flags Fly at India House for India’s 68th Independence Day
The Flag hoisting ceremony
By Vanshika Vipin
HOUSTON: India’s 68th Independence Day was celebrated in an impressive ceremony on the grounds of India House on Friday, August 15 at 11 am. A large crowd attended the ceremony, which not only included Indo-Americans, but also people from diverse cultures.
Independence Day is a day when Indian people pay homage to their leaders and those who fought for India’s freedom. Flag hoisting ceremonies and cultural programs are held in state capitals in India and often involve schools and organizations. Continuing the tradition, the US, Indian and Texas flags were hoisted outside the front entrance of India House. Dr. Virendra Mathur, Trustee, India House, did the honors of hoisting the American flag, Jugal Malani, President, India House hoisting the Indian flag, while the Texas flag was hoisted by Dr. Mathur’s wife, Nalini. Eriel Gorrell, an after-school program student at India House, sang the American national anthem beautifully after which the Indians present joined in to sing India’s national anthem.
Organizers and guests at the 68th Independence Day celebrations at India House
Later the people moved into the banquet hall, where Malani thanked everyone for their presence and delivered an upbeat speech that referred to first speech of India’s newly elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi which had been delivered to the nation on August 15 from the ramparts of the Red Fort in New Delhi and Malani went on to read Modi’s message. A representative from Senator John Cornyn’s office, Rachel David, Deputy Regional Director-Southeast Texas, read out the Senator’s message for the occasion.
As the program came to a close, Malani called out the popular Indian rousing slogans “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram” which all present enthusiastically responded to. The program ended with refreshments and sweets from Udipi Restaurant.
Jugal Malani, President, India House
Earlier in the morning, the traditional Indian flag hoisting was held at the Indian Consul General’s house, which drew an estimated 300 people, far in excess of what is usually expected. The Consul General, Parvathaneni Harish and his wife greeted the crowd and Harish read from the Prime Minister’s speech both in Hindi and in English. Students from a local classical dance school performed in the outdoor courtyard in front of the Indian flag.
For further information about India House and their upcoming activities visit www.indiahouseinc.org