Union Home Minister Amit Shah has praised the Foundation of Indian Americans (FIA) New England for its India Day celebrations in Boston after Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey issued a special proclamation declaring August 15, 2026, as India Day in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The recognition came as the Indian-American community in New England marked India’s 80th Independence Day with a parade and Freedom Festival at Boston Harbor. Organised by FIA New England, the event brought together members of the diaspora, elected officials, diplomats, veterans, community leaders and thousands of people from across the region.
The organisation, led by president Abhishek Singh, hosted the International India Day Parade and Freedom Festival on August 9 for the fifth consecutive year.
Amit Shah praises Indian-American community
In a personal message to FIA New England dated July 30, Shah described the organisation’s commemoration as a celebration of Indian Culture, democratic values and the strong friendship between India and the United States.
He said such celebrations provide an important connection between Indians living abroad and their cultural heritage.
Shah also highlighted India’s cultural traditions, democratic values and the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, saying they continue to convey a message of unity, peace and harmony to the world.
In his Hindi message, Shah said the Indian Diaspora was enhancing India’s stature through its dedication, talent and values while contributing to stronger cultural, economic and social ties between India and other countries.
He also emphasised the role of such initiatives in connecting younger generations with India’s heritage, culture and national values.
Shah calls diaspora an ambassador of India’s global identity
Shah said India’s global identity today is being shaped by its cultural heritage, democratic traditions and international engagement.
He described the Indian diaspora as an ambassador of India’s cultural identity and a strong representative of the country’s economic progress, Innovation, investment and growing global standing.
The Home Minister’s message gave additional prominence to the Boston celebrations, which FIA New England president Abhishek Singh said received a “significant boost” from Shah’s special message.
Massachusetts declares August 15 as India Day
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has officially proclaimed August 15, 2026, as India Day in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
According to FIA New England, the recognition marks the fifth consecutive year that Massachusetts has officially recognised India Day.
Singh thanked Governor Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu for recognising the contributions of the Indian-American community in the Boston area.
The proclamation coincides with India’s Independence Day and highlights the cultural presence and contributions of the Indian-American community across Massachusetts and New England.
Boston parade marks India’s 80th Independence Day
The International India Day Parade and Freedom Festival was held at historic Boston Harbor on August 9.
One of the major highlights planned for this year’s celebrations was the illumination of Boston’s Prudential Center in the colours of the Indian tricolour for the first time.
Singh described the planned illumination as a symbol of the growing US-India partnership, saying it would transform the Boston skyline into a representation of the relationship between the two countries.
The celebrations also featured colourful floats representing India’s cultural heritage and the shared values of India and the United States.
Consul General flags off parade
The August 9 parade was flagged off by India’s Consul General in Boston, Raghuram S.
Colonel Inder Preet Singh, Yudh Seva Medal (Veteran), and US Navy Intelligence Specialist Maggie Lehman served as Grand Marshals of the procession.
Lehman was recognised for her dedicated service and commitment to the nation.
The procession brought together community organisations, veterans, first responders and thousands of participants from across New England.
Indian culture showcased through floats and performances
The parade showcased the cultural diversity of the Indian-American community through colourful floats, tableaux and cultural performances representing India’s rich heritage.
An American Veterans’ band and a Marathi Dhol-Tasha band were among the attractions at the event.
The participation of community groups and performers from different backgrounds highlighted the diversity within the Indian-American population across New England.
The festival also provided an opportunity for members of younger generations to connect with Indian culture and traditions while celebrating India’s Independence Day in the United States.
Historic India Street adds significance to celebrations
Singh said one of the most meaningful aspects of the parade was its route through historic India Street in Boston.
The location recalls Boston’s early maritime trade links with India and provided a historical backdrop for the India Day celebrations.
Singh also pointed to Boston Harbor’s association with the Boston Tea Party, a major event in America’s struggle for independence.
“The historic Boston Harbor location carries special significance with the story of the Boston Tea Party,” Singh said, adding that the India Day celebration highlighted how trade, people, ideas and history had connected India and the United States over centuries.
Freedom Festival brings diaspora together
The Freedom Festival brought together Indian-Americans from across New England as well as elected officials, diplomats, veterans, community leaders and other members of the diaspora.
The event celebrated India’s independence and what organisers described as the enduring bonds between India and the United States.
The combination of the parade, cultural festival and official Massachusetts proclamation gave the celebrations a wider significance for the Indian-American community.
India-US cultural ties highlighted
The Boston celebrations come amid continued efforts by Indian-American organisations to promote India’s culture and heritage in the United States.
For FIA New England, the annual India Day event provides a platform for the community to celebrate India’s independence while highlighting the contributions of Indian-Americans to their adopted communities.
Shah’s message similarly placed emphasis on the diaspora’s role in strengthening connections between India and other countries through culture, Education, economic activity, innovation and community engagement.
Fifth consecutive year of India Day recognition
The official proclamation by Massachusetts marks the fifth straight year of India Day recognition in the state.
Together, the proclamation and the Boston parade underline the growing visibility of the Indian-American community in New England and its role in cultural exchanges between India and the United States.
The 2026 celebrations also carry special significance as India marks its 80th Independence Day.
With the Indian tricolour set to feature prominently across the celebrations and Boston serving as the backdrop for the annual parade and festival, organisers said the event reflects both India’s cultural heritage and the continuing connections between Indian and American communities.
For FIA New England, the fifth annual celebration combines India’s Independence Day traditions with Boston’s own history, while the Massachusetts proclamation formally recognises the occasion at the state level.
With PTI Inputs
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