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0 commentsThe 42nd annual India Day Parade took place on Sunday in New York City, drawing tens of thousands of participants to Madison Avenue. As the largest such event outside India, it showcased the pride and cultural heritage of the Indian diaspora.
The parade, organized by the Federation of Indian Associations, marched from East 38th Street to East 27th Street.
Accompanying the parade were a food festival on East 26th Street and cultural programs on Madison Avenue. The event, celebrated each year around India's Independence Day, has long been a symbol of unity and pride for New York’s Indian and South Asian communities.
This year's theme, "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," meaning "the world is one family," was intended to promote inclusiveness. Yet, the inclusion of a float depicting the Ram Mandir, a Hindu temple in Ayodhya, sparked protests from some Muslim and interfaith groups. Meanwhile, some critics argued that the float was divisive, representing a site that has been at the center of longstanding religious tensions in India.
It is a shame to see New York City allow Hindu supremacist groups to parade an anti-Muslim symbol. It's a step backward for the city.
Law enforcement should prepare. This imagery has been used, for decades, to foment targeted violence against Muslims.https://t.co/04UmYwRAgM— Dr. Audrey Truschke (@AudreyTruschke) August 15, 2024
Ajit Sahi, the advocacy director for the Indian American Muslim Council, voiced concerns that the float symbolized repression and division. His organization, along with other groups, called for an investigation, alleging that the float promoted an Islamophobic ideology. The Babri Mosque, which once stood on the Ayodhya site, was demolished in 1992 by Hindu nationalist mobs, leading to nationwide riots that claimed around 2,000 lives.
Sahi, a Hindu himself, argued that the float was being used by some to spread hate and divisiveness in New York City. However, the Federation of Indian Associations defended the inclusion of the float, stating that it was a legitimate expression of religious and cultural pride.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams, when asked about the controversy, emphasized that there was “no room for hate” in the city. He indicated that if any part of the parade was promoting hate, it should not be included. However, the mayor’s office later clarified that the First Amendment's protection of free speech prevents the city from denying a permit or altering the message of the parade.
Despite the controversy, the atmosphere at the parade remained festive. Attendees, many dressed in vibrant traditional attire, celebrated India's independence and cultural heritage. Bollywood celebrities, Indian sports stars, and over 40 colorful floats contributed to the lively scene on Madison Avenue.
For many in attendance, the parade was a powerful reminder of the unity and diversity within the Indian diaspora in New York. “It’s a big achievement for India, to have such a parade in New York City,” said Shika Sharma from Stamford, Connecticut.
As the parade concluded, the message from organizers was clear: unity and inclusiveness should guide the celebration of India’s independence, even amid differing opinions and beliefs.
The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), a non-profit organization founded in 1970, represents the Indian diaspora across the Northeast USA, including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine. For over five decades, the FIA has been dedicated to engaging and enhancing the community through various initiatives, while promoting and safeguarding the values and culture of Indian Americans.
Learn more about FIA: https://fianynjct.org/
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