WASHINGTON, Aug 16: Top American lawmakers and officials greeted Indians on India’s 74th Independence Day as Indian-Americans across the country celebrated the anniversary of freedom from the British colonial rule through innovative ways while maintaining social distancing amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
Reflecting the bipartisan support India enjoys in the US, top American lawmakers from either side of the aisle, the two rival Trump and Biden campaigns, son of President Donald Trump, Donald J Trump Jr, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and his running mate Kamala Harris used the occasion to send their greetings to the Indian-American community and recollected the common values that bring the two nations together.
Sending “Best Wishes to India” on its Independence Day, Trump Junior tweeted: “Grateful for all my friends there and my Indian-American friends here.”
“Congratulations to India who is celebrating their 74th Independence Day and to all those Indian-Americans who now call the USA home. The bond between our countries is stronger than it has ever been as we share a deep appreciation for family, peace, and prosperity,” said Kimberly Guilfoyle, national chair of Trump Victory Finance Committee.
The Biden campaign released its policy document on Indian-Americans. To all Americans of Indian ancestry all across the United States, “Happy India Independence Day”, Biden said in his virtual address to the Indian-American community.
“We share a special bond that I’ve seen deepened over many years as a US Senator, and vice president,” he said.
“To the people of India and to Indian-Americans all across the United States. I want to wish you a happy Indian Independence Day,” Indian-American Harris said in her remarks.
India’s Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu hoisted the national flag at the Indian House as hundreds of Indian Americans attended the celebrations virtually.
“Happy India Independence Day. India is a crucial partner of the US in the Indo-Pacific, and I look forward to continuing to strengthen our nations’ diplomatic, economic, and defence cooperation in the months and years ahead,” said Senator Jim Risch, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
“On this day 73 years ago, India emancipated herself from British rule and began a long, storied journey toward becoming the biggest democratic nation in the world,” said Senator John Cornyn, Co-Chair of the Senate India Caucus.
“To all the Indian American families living in Texas, as well as my friends at the Indian Embassy and Consulate in Texas, you have made our state such a culturally rich and vibrant place, and I wish you a Happy Independence Day,” said the powerful Senator from Texas.
“Sending my best to those in New Jersey’s South Asian community celebrating India Independence Day today,” said Senator Bob Menendez, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
“Ties between the United States and India have never been stronger. Happy 74th Independence Day!” tweeted Congressman George Holding, Co-Chair of the Congressional India caucus.
Greeting people of India on its Independence Day, Congressman Scott Perry said that the US and India shared a long and storied history.
“And today we enjoy a strong US-India partnership that prioritises democracy, freedom and security,” he said.
The South and Central Asia Bureau of the State Department sent its greetings.
“Happy Independence Day, India! From our democratic roots to the present day, the US India relationship has grown into a partnership critical for international peace and prosperity. We look forward to another year of friendship and collaboration with India,” it tweeted.
“Happy India Independence Day! Our state is strengthened by our Indian American community, and last year I was proud to be the first sitting Governor of New Jersey to visit India,” New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy tweeted.
California State Assembly issued a certificate of recognition in celebration of the 74th India Independence Day.
“Happy Independence Day. I am excited about all the contributions that people of India have made in India and around the world,” Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee said in a message.
Independence Day messages also came in from several other lawmakers including Al Green and Pete Oleson.
“Today, we celebrate the 74th anniversary of Indian Independence Day. Throughout my career in public service, I have worked to elevate the US-India partnership and believe it to be one of our most important relationships for the next 50 years,” Congressman Tom Suozzi said.
Undeterred by the social distancing measures of coronavirus, Indian-Americans across the country used innovative ways to celebrate the Independence Day across the country.
Several thousands of Indian-Americans turned out in a Virginia suburb of Washington DC to celebrate the independence day in a unique drive through. Indian Americans drove through an open facility street that was decorated with many Indian artifacts.
“Keeping the current Pandemic situation in mind, we come out with this unique way of celebrating our 74th India Independence Day,” Manish Sood of Intense Entertainment, which organised the celebrations, said. (PTI)
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