It's that time again. India's Independence Day celebrations take place all over in India and America. The Empire State is Lite the Colors of the tricolors of India and parades take place in Chicago, New Jersey and New York. I am a part of an organization India Foundation of Metropolitan Princeton We share our culture and traditions by singing at nursing homes and donated to many causes Ekal Vidyalaya to create schools and Shankara eye Foundation to make it possible for less fortunate people to get eye treatments. I feel lucky to be as patriotic for both my nations and it brings out cheer in me every year before school starts I feel rejuvenated and ready. The celebrations end with one of the largest celebrations outside of India in NYC.

This year in NYC they are bringing Bollywood Film Star, Amitabh, Bachan's son. My great grandfather, Ambika Chakrabarty, along with Surjo Sen and others represented Bengal in the war against the British. It makes me proud to see my great grandfather's statue as an honor. At Rutgers I look forward to seeing that pride and passion grow in one of the nation's most diverse school to the Indian Community in Rutgers.

Being indian and growing up in the USA has been a great experience. There is a very rich cultural background that I can explore due to my Indian heritage. Independence Day is very important because it helped solidify India as its own nation. Abhisek Bachchan is The Grand Marshall for the Grand Parade in NYC and has acted in many Bollywood Films.

"Being an Indian that resides in America. I feel that it is important to have patriotism for the country for which you dedicate a majority of your culture and heritage to. I know the experience and relation to culture is different for everybody, but I have always been able to retain my respect for India through my knowledge of my culture, religion, festivals, and interactions with other Indians. Independence Day lets me realize that I have been able to do that. " -Anon

"I am proud to be an indian in every sense of the word, because we represent our country while being in other countries and spread friendship and kindness outside of India in other countries. Independence day is special because it allows me to celebrate my country's past and the sacrifices of leaders and soldiers from the past, being in a foreign country in cultural events i get to sing indina songs and experience indian dance and cuisine, things that i love about my home country and things that set india apart from any other county in the world." -Shankadip Chakrabarty


"I love being Indian! I was raised in an Indian household that followed Indian traditions so I grew up immersed in the culture and celebrating the holidays. This year I was in India for Indian Independence Day today, so that was really cool! I learned the history of India and the role Gandhi played in its independence, and the path of nonviolence we took to independence. I'm part of Nakhraas, Northeastern's garba team, which is the traditional dance of Gujarat. I absolutely love the team and its very enriching to be able to practice and perfect the dance that I grew up with. India is very special to me and a big factor in the way I was raised and my identity." -Ami Chauhan


Expectation for India Day Parade 2016 By Tarini Sadasivam

The India Day Parade is a way for people to celebrate India and it’s independence. There are many things to expect at the parade. I am expecting people holding flags to remember India’s independence. I am expecting people wearing traditional Indian clothing and having traditional music. There could be floats and special performances about India. The floats show how different cultures come together to unite as one country. They will tell us all the different cultures and how they make a difference in India. It’s not just a parade to celebrate India’s independence. The parade will celebrate all the diversity of cultures India has. The parade will be a day to remember for everyone.

"Being indian and growing up in the USA has been a great experience. There is a very rich cultural background that I can explore due to my Indian heritage. Independence Day is very important because it helped solidify India as its own nation. I created the India Foundation of Metropolitan Princeton youth group to help bring awareness about Indian culture to other youth as well as promote community involvement. It has been a great experience so far and I hope more youth get involved in our group!" Adeet Phanse