A crowd of about sixty gathered at Acton Town Hall on Sunday August 6, to commemorate the 77th Anniversary of India’s Independence Day. The event was organized by Acton Indian Americans and India Association of Greater Boston (IAGB), an organization that promotes civic leadership, community service, youth engagement, and cultural events. Acton resident and long-time civic volunteer, Sahana Purohit, took charge of program planning, engaging with Town staff and officials, state legislators, and members of the Indian American community, to ensure a successfully executed and well-attended event.
Former Select Board member Himaja Nagireddy, Acton’s first Indian American elected official, and Dia Prakash, a rising seventh grader at RJ Grey, hosted the program, sharing personal stories relating the meaning that India’s Independence Day holds for each of them and introducing the speakers and performers. Nagireddy and Prakash were a dynamic pair, fostering enthusiasm from those gathered in front of Town Hall.
Vaishali Gade, IAGB President, made the opening remarks, followed by comments from all three members of Acton’s legislative delegation. Senator Jamie Eldridge remarked on the parallels between the overthrow of colonial rule in America and India, as well as the activities of non-violence and civil disobedience that inspired the leaders of the country’s “second revolution,” the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s. Referencing the importance of representation, Eldridge remembered Nagireddy’s recently completed term on the Acton Select Board, and Leela Ramachandran’s recent election to the School Committee. He also offered a more personal note of gratitude, noting that his district’s Indian American members have always made him feel so welcome. Representative Dan Sena offered that “this day represents not only the triumph of India’s sovereignty, but also the strength, unity, and resilience of the Indian people.” He also reminded the crowd that the flag represents prosperity, hope, and pride. Representative Simon Cataldo noted the astounding contributions of Indian Americans to the communities in which they live, here in Acton and beyond. He encouraged attendees to be civically active and engaged, noting that democracy is not self-actualizing and that we must continue to work to protect democratic ideals.
Select Board member Alissa Nicol shared, on behalf of the Select Board, that it was a great honor to participate in the day’s event, reflecting that the opportunity to share in cherished cultural traditions together enriches the Acton community. The American National Anthem was sung by Tara Vishwanathan. The tricolor, which became the official flag of India on August 15, 1947 and is known as “Tiraṅgā,” was raised by Select Board member Nicol. The Indian National Anthem was sung by a delightful trio of children: Anika Singh, Myra Manchanda and Saiba Jetly, guided by their teacher Vaishnavi Kondapalli. The official proclamation naming August 6 India Day in Acton was Select Board Vice Chair Fran Arsenault.
Tanu Phoenix, Executive Director of India Association of Greater Boston made closing remarks, noting the remarkable achievement of the nation, cultivating unity through a dizzying diversity. Phoenix and Gade presented plaques to both the Town of Acton and event coordinator, Sahana Purohit, who has coordinated the annual flag raising ceremony in Acton for the past four years. Phoenix also made an exciting announcement: on Tuesday, August 8, at the Red Sox v Royals game, fans will be treated to Indian percussion and dance performances and Indian food, and IAGB will be throwing the opening pitch. Ticket holders who purchase through the IAGB.org website will receive a custom Red Sox replica jersey highlighting the tricolor Indian flag!
The entire program was filmed by Acton TV volunteers, so Action Unlimited readers will be able to view the recording soon on Acton TV’s YouTube channel.
