Iselin: On a beautiful Sunday, the sun shined as over 27,000 as they celebrated India’s Independence Day. The annual parade, hosted by the Indian Business Association, a non-profit organization is now in its 8th year. “Thanks to all our sponsors, volunteers and over 100 organizations that participated, we delivered a great parade to our community” said Kapil Shah, President of the IBA.
Commencing at Wood Avenue, on Oak Tree Road, the parade featured a marching band, over 15 floats, dozens of marching groups and even a horse carriage, the latter courtesy of Wells Fargo. Leading the parade was Grand Marshal and Bollywood actress Prachi Desai and Special Guest Aadesh Shrivastava, a noted singer and music director.
Thousands dressed in traditional Indian attire, a tribute to India’s freedom fighters.
Several prominent elected officials attended the event, including Woodbridge Mayor John McCormick, Congressman Frank Pallone, State Senator Sam Thompson, Freeholders Polos and Rios and members of the Woodbridge Council. “The Indo-American Community should be proud, this is an amazing event” said Congressman Pallone. The parade route was decorated with American and Indian flags.
“The theme of this year’s parade was Our India, Our Pride, Our Parade,” said Manher Shah, past president of IBA. “This is an event for our community,” he added. “Born in America, the parade is a reminder of my culture. It makes me proud,” said Jay Amin, a 9 year old from East Brunswick. Over 20 groups, comprised of children of various ages performed dances at the cultural program following the parade.
The IBA has a long history of arranging community events. “Our primary goal is to empower the members of our community. This is an organization built to strengthen and unify our community,” said Chandrakant Patel, a member of IBA’s executive board.
Over 150 volunteers worked round the clock to put the final touches on the parade. “There is an ownership of this parade by every individual, that’s what makes it a success,” said Mahesh Shah, a trustee of IBA.
Nandu Balija, president of the Krishna Temple in Marlboro, commented, “This is such a well-organized event. Everything started on time, there was water available for the public, it was a great.” The temple sponsored a float, for the third year in a row.
In addition to hosting the event and coordinating with over 100 participating organizations, IBA also arranges for security and post parade clean up.
“There is no cost to the tax payer. Plus the parade draws customers and attention to Oak Tree Road, our Little India,” said Praful Vaid, a sponsor and local jeweler.
Hillary Clinton greets India
In an official press statement, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, on behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States sent best wishes to the people of India. “Through my many visits to India, I have been impressed with the creativity of the Indian people, the richness of your culture, and the resilience and strength of your democratic institutions. From the freedom movement led by Mahatma Gandhi to independence in 1947 through today, India continues to stand as a beacon for the world of the power of nonviolence and the promise of democracy. The United States stands side by side with India in a strategic, indispensable partnership built on our shared democratic values and fundamental belief in the entrepreneurial spirit. Our governments and our people will continue to work together to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities of the 21st century, laying the foundation for continued peace and prosperity in Asia and around the world. As you celebrate this special day with family, friends and loved ones, know that the United States stands with you as a partner and friend,” she said in the press release.
