Tricolour hoisted in Houston, New York for 80th Independence Day

Indian diaspora in Houston and New York celebrated India's 80th Independence Day with flag-hoisting ceremonies on Thursday. In Houston, Consul General D C Manjunath hoisted the Tricolour at the Chancery premises and read President Draupadi Murmu's address urging support for the Viksit Bharat vision. The event featured patriotic songs, a painting exhibition, and the felicitation of quiz winners. In New York's Times Square, Consul General Binaya Pradhan hoisted the flag at a ceremony that set a Guinness World Record for the largest flagpole number. Numerous elected officials attended both events.

Cultural performances highlighted India's heritage. Several US states declared August 15 as India Day, and landmarks like the Empire State Building were illuminated in Tricolour colours. The Federation of Indian Associations will hold its 44th India Day Parade in New York on Sunday, featuring the cast of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah.