FIA enters Guinness Book of World Records

NEW YORK (TIP): FIA India Day Parade, held after a gap of two years, generated huge enthusiasm among the Indian American community. Thousands  converged to take part in the  Parade. With pan India Superstar Allu Arjun at the helm as the Grand Marshall, the Parade celebrated the diverse culture and heritage of India. As part of the initiative by FIA to celebrate 75 years of India’s Independence the parade was a culmination of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav – more than a yearlong festivities earmarked to celebrate the historic occasion.

The Chief Guest Hon. Prime Minister Mr. Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda accompanied by Honorable Consul General of India Mr. Randhir Jaiswal, Hon, Mayor of New York City Mr. Eric Adams, Deputy Commissioner – International Affairs New York City Mr. Dilip Chauhan, Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu, Congressman Raj Mukherji and Formula 3 Driver Atharva Desai heralded the parade that followed as they walked down the Madison Square in New York City with thousands of people on each side of the street carrying the Indian National flags, many having the Tricolor painted on their cheeks, cheering and shouting patriotic slogans.

About 50  floats and marching groups beautifully showcased the diverse communities and traditions of India in the largest India Day parade outside India. The Consulate General of India had a float in the40 year old parade for the first time. The Grand Marshall Allu Arjun with a reference to a superhit dialogue from the blockbuster movie Pushpaa, holding the Indian National flag said ‘Yeh Bharat ka Jhanda hai, kabbhi Jhukega Nahi. Both , Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Mayor Mr Eric Adams, mimicked his signature gesture from the movie much to the delight of the huge gathering.

FIA creates History ; Enters Guinness Book of World Records

Earlier in the day, FIA created history by entering 2 Guinness World Records for the number of different flags flown simultaneously and the largest ensemble of Damru (ancient musical instrument associated with Hinduism and Buddhism). The FIA  had attempted the records to commemorate the completion of 75 years of Indian Independence, which was earmarked as Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav—the celebration of eternal freedom—by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. FIA President Kenny Desai said that he salutes Prime Minister Shri Modi’s vision and efforts, and that the FIA, in its own way, tried to do its bit by attempting the records and making our motherland shine in our homeland. ‘FIA has made India proud, and this achievement is a tribute to the unknown and unsung heroes of the freedom struggle,’ he further added.

FIA Chairman Mr. Ankur Vaidya said that these records are dedicated to the global community and thanked the community for their support, without which the feat would not have been possible. ‘FIA team gave blood, sweat, and tears to the humongous task for over a year,’ he added.

He said that this couldn’t have been achieved without the help and unconditional support of BAPS Swaminarayan Temple organization and their volunteers who participated wholeheartedly. He also thanked the member organizations for their support and participation. FIA Secretary and Event Chair for the attempts Mr. Parvin Bansal said that the endeavor required massive efforts and the whole team of FIA volunteers have been working day and night for the past few months especially since the logistics were a big challenge in itself. However, the fact that we did it makes us forget about all the trials and tribulations.

More than 1500 volunteers who registered for the Record on FIA website turned up early morning, and the prevalent atmosphere was of patriotic fervor as the lead conductor Kailash Kher sang ‘Hindustan Meri Jaan tu…’ and the whole gathering of thousands joined him. As soon as the judges from the Guinness Book team declared the results, there was a thundering applause and emotions could be seen running high as people hugged and shook hands to congratulate each other on the shared success.