New York: One of the most significant attractions at the Parade was the presence of Shri Shashi Tharoor Congress MP. from India who had joined the Indian National Overseas Congress, USA float. As expected, he was warmly received by the crowd at the starting point of the parade along with other leaders and celebrities. INOC, USA leaders including George Abraham, Chairman, Juned Qazi, President, Harbachan Singh, General Secretary, Mohinder Singh Gilzian, Sr. Vice-President, Jose George, Treasurer together with Executive members and various chapter heads and loyal supporters of the Congress marched the entire route drawing big applause from the viewing crowd. The large banner INOC leaders carried read ‘Independence won and Freedom preserved: thanks to the Indian National Congress’ an expression of gratitude to the party that has mostly transformed the nation into one of the economic powers in the world.
“Celebrating India’s 69th Anniversary of Independence at the India Day Parade in New York tops the world in its size and enthusiasm when it comes to spontaneous exuberance of grandeur and pageantry of India in all its colors, cultures, costumes, dances and music”, said Harbachan Singh Secretary General of Indian National Overseas Congress, USA. ‘It has always been an exhilarating experience to be part of the India Day Parade’ said George Abraham. ‘It was indeed a time to celebrate freedom, liberty and justice, a Nehruvian legacy for India that INOC will persevere to preserve and protect’ he added.