Indians celebrate I-Day in New York, New Jersey

New York, Aug 16 (UNI) Indians and Americans of Indian descent celebrated the 62nd Independence Day by hoisting the tricolor at the Consulate General of India here.

More than 200 people participated in the ceremony though it was raining heavily in New York last night.

Consul General Neelam Deo read out in Hindi and English the excerpts of President Pratibha Patil's speech delivered on the eve of Independence Day.

The national anthems of both India and the United States were played on the occasion. Noted vocalist from Chennai Aruna Sairam sang a song that suited the occasion. Deputy Consul General Ajay M Gondane conducted the proceedings.

Indians based in Edison and Iselin in neighbouring New Jersey also participated in the flag-hoisting ceremony.

August 15 was declared as India Day in New Jersey by Governor Jon S Corzine. Similarly Mayor of Chicago Richard Daley proclaimed the day as India Day.

Indian Muslim Council, an advocacy group working for safeguarding the country's pluralist and tolerant ethos, announced that members of the organisation would participate in a series of events related to Independence Day.

A United Nations statement said that 125 Indian police officers, including 10 women, were awarded the UN peacekeeping medal at a colorful ceremony in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The ceremony coincided with the Independence Day.

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