Prudential Center Illuminated In Indian Tricolor As FIA New England Marks India’s Independence Day
BOSTON — The Prudential Center was illuminated in the colors of the Indian flag for the first time as the Foundation of Indian Americans New England marked India’s 80th Independence Day with its fifth annual International India Day Parade and Freedom Festival in Boston.
The event, organized by FIA New England, included a parade through Boston, cultural performances and a celebration of ties between the Indian-American community and India. The Prudential Center lighting was among the highlights of this year’s event.
First Consul General of India in Boston Raghuram S. took part in the lighting ceremony along with Deputy Consul General of India in Boston Shruthi Purshottam, FIA New England President Abhishek Singh, Dev Patil and members of the FIA executive team.
The parade was led by Raghuram S., who served as chief guest. Grand marshals included Maggie Lemay of the U.S. Navy and Indian Army Col. Inderpreet Singh, along with community leaders Ram Gupta and Meetu Gupta.
FIA New England also said it received an official letter of recognition and blessings from India’s Home Minister, Amit Shah, in connection with the celebration.
The organization said Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu issued proclamations recognizing Aug. 15 as India Day. This year marked the fifth consecutive year of the recognition, according to FIA New England.
“FIA New England President, Abhishek Singh, expressed deep gratitude to Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu for recognizing numerous contributions of the Indian-American community,” the organization said in a statement.
The parade featured floats representing different regions and cultural traditions of India, along with an American veterans’ band and a Marathi Dhol-Tasha band.
The procession also traveled through India Street, a historic area near Boston Harbor associated with the city’s early maritime trade connections with India. FIA New England highlighted the area’s history as part of the event, including its connection to the movement of Indian tea and goods through Boston Harbor.
The location also provided a backdrop for references to the Boston Tea Party and the broader history of U.S. independence.
The Freedom Festival brought together members of the Indian-American community from across New England, along with elected officials, diplomats, veterans, community leaders and others.
FIA New England said the annual event has become a recurring India Day celebration in the Boston Harbor area, with Singh and the organization’s team continuing to organize the event for the fifth consecutive year.
