Historic Display Featuring 1,383 American Flags Celebrates Dual Milestones: India@80 and America@250
PARSIPPANY, NJ (TIP): The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA NY-NJ-CT-NE), in partnership with the Consulate General of India in New York and corporate supporter Zoho Corporation, officially set a new Guinness World Records title for the “Largest Flagpole Number.” The historic gathering took place on Saturday evening, August 15, at Veterans Memorial Park in Parsippany, New Jersey.
The record-breaking display featured 1,383 U.S. flags arranged on flagpoles to form a massive number “250,” encircled by Indian tricolors. The arrangement commemorated a unique dual anniversary: India’s 80th Independence Day (India@80) and the United States’ upcoming Semiquincentennial (America@250). Following meticulous verification on-site, the official Guinness World Records Adjudicator presented the framed certificate to organization leaders and dignitaries.
Chairman Mr. Ankur Vaidya said, “Achieving this Guinness World Record is a testament to our community’s unwavering dedication and deep pride in our heritage. This historic milestone honors our roots and demonstrates the incredible impact we can create when we unite with a shared vision.”
“This milestone is a vibrant expression of the enduring India-U.S. strategic friendship and a tribute to the Indian-American diaspora that binds our two democracies together,” said Ambassador Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York.
Addressing the audience, Parsippany Mayor Pulkit Desai highlighted the deep alignment of values between the two nations: “India and the United States share a fundamental, common goal to decide our own fate and build our own future.”
Recognizing the massive effort behind the setup, New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Dr. Dale G. Caldwell commended the civic spirit on display, strongly encouraging continued volunteerism across community and cultural initiatives.
President Mr. Sreekant Akkapalli added, “This record belongs to every volunteer, partner, and supporter who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make history. This record-breaking display of flagpoles stands as a symbol of our collective strength, patriotism, and global unity.”
FIA President Sreekant Akkapalli and Zoho Corporation Chief Evangelist, Raju Vegesna also joined the stage alongside guest speaker U.S. Congresswoman Analilia Mejia. Speakers collectively praised the Indian-American community’s expanding contributions across technology, public service, and local commerce.Immediate Past President Mr. Saurin Parikh remarked, “Reaching a world-record benchmark reflects years of building strong foundations, teamwork, and continuity. It is deeply gratifying to watch our organizational legacy grow and set global records that inspire future generations.”Reflecting on the organization’s legacy, FIA Chairman Ankur Vaidya also noted FIA’s history of ambitious endeavors: “Over the years, FIA has undertaken several Guinness World Record attempts. While each brought its own set of challenges, seeing the final outcome bring our community together makes every bit of the struggle entirely worth it.”
The event concluded with cultural performances and a public viewing of the record-setting installation.
About Federation of Indian Associations (FIA NY-NJ-CT-NE): Founded in 1970, the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) is one of the largest non-profit grassroots umbrella organizations in the United States. Representing the Indian-American community across eight northeastern states, FIA promotes cultural heritage, civic advocacy, and strong U.S.-India bilateral relations through landmark events like the annual NYC India Day Parade.About Zoho Corporation: Zoho Corporation is a leading global technology company providing a comprehensive suite of cloud-based business software and productivity applications. Headquartered in Chennai, India, with U.S. operations based in Austin, Texas, Zoho serves millions of users worldwide while prioritizing user privacy and sustainable rural development.
(Based on a Press Release issued by Falguni Padhiar for FIA)
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