Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan, who was the Grand Marshal of the Indian Independence Day parade in Manhattan on Sunday, said it felt “wonderful” to be part of the celebrations in New York, and recalled that the last time he attended the parade in 1997 was when his father, Amitabh Bachchan, was the Grand Marshal.
The senior Bachchan had participated in the 50th anniversary of India’s independence, 19 years ago.
“It is a huge honour to be here and represent the beautiful nation of ours,” said Bachchan, waiving out to the crowd from a stage, as people thronged to click pictures with him and shake his hand.
Thousands of Indians in traditional finery celebrated India’s 70th Independence Day at one of the largest parades outside the country with the iconic Empire State building lit up in the Indian tricolour.
The 36th India Day Parade, on Sunday, ran across 13 streets in Madison avenue in Manhattan and featured tableaux by various Indian-American groups, marching bands, police contingents and cultural performances by young Indian-Americans.
The chief guest at the event, yoga guru Baba Ramdev, said India represents the glory of the past, the present moment’s strength and is moving forward with hopes and dreams of a brighter future.
“India has made its mark through its strength, culture, heritage and honesty,” he said.
Amid loud cheers and applause, Ramdev, speaking in Hindi, said the world today recognises India’s strength and its contribution to health, education, political and spiritual system.
“Combining its spirituality and modernism, the country is moving forward,” he said and called on Indians living in the US and abroad to work together to take the nation, its cultural heritage and “Indianness” to greater glory.
Speaking about the importance of yoga, he said it is not just a physical exercise but a “complete medical science, life science and way of living” and promotes non-violence and harmony.
“Ayurveda, non-violence, truth, harmony, coexistence and brotherhood are India’s culture and heritage,” Ramdev said, adding that the people of India have to take this ancient practise forward.
