(MINEOLA, N.Y.) – Nassau County Legislator Ellen W. Birnbaum (D – Great Neck), the office of Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, the Nassau County Office of Asian American Affairs, and Indian-American community leaders celebrated the 73rd anniversary of India’s independence during a flag-raising ceremony in the Ceremonial Chamber of the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building on Thursday, Aug. 15.
Independence Day marks the implementation of the United Kingdom’s Indian Independence Act of 1947, which shifted legislative sovereignty from the United Kingdom’s Parliament to India’s Constituent Assembly. The day it took effect was declared a national holiday symbolizing the end of British oppression and colonial rule.
“I recognize and honor your culture, and at these trying times in our nation, we really have to celebrate our diversity and get to know one another even better,” Legislator Birnbaum said. “That is why I enjoy celebrating the different cultures we have in Nassau County so much. We are all one community - we are Nassau County.”
Thursday morning’s program included remarks by Indian American Forum Chairperson Indu Jaiswal; Indian Association of Long Island President Lalit Aery; and Nassau County Office of Asian American Affairs Director Farrah Mozawalla. Community members Anjali Purohit led guests in the American National Anthem, while Geeta Setia performed the Indian National Anthem. Setia Purohit, Dr. Rajpal Chopra, Jyoti Gupta, and Anjali Purohit led a performance of patriotic Indian songs.
Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth, North Hempstead Town Clerk Wayne Wink, Nassau County Comptroller Jack Schnirman; Nassau Legislator Debra Mulé (D - Freeport) and Herricks School Board President Juleigh Chen were also on hand for the celebration.