Saurin  Parikh, President of FIA, originally from Gujarat, highlighted the theme “Survey Bhavantu Sukhina” emphasizing unity and happiness. The parade will feature 35 floats representing diverse faiths and cultures, including “Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Isai, and Jainism”. Celebrities Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda will serve as grand marshals. Local politicians, including Mayor Eric Adams, have confirmed participation. Cultural programs, a street fair, and a cricket-playing area will accompany the parade. FIA has 1,800 volunteers and 10 city agencies involved in the planning.

Here are excerpts from the conversation.

TIP : Good morning, Mr. Parikh. Before we talk about the parade, I’d like our readers to know  about you personally. Could you tell us about your background—where you are from, your education, and your family?

SP: First of all, Professor Saluja, I would like to thank you and The Indian Panorama for your continuous support over the years in highlighting and promoting the India Day Parade. This is a massive annual event that FIA organizes, and it is heartening to see your newspaper cover it year after year.

As for myself, I am originally from Gujarat, India. I was born and raised there before immigrating to the United States at the age of 20. I am a licensed civil engineer by profession, and I have been actively involved with the FIA for the past 15 years. This year, I have the privilege of serving as the President of the FIA Executive Committee for 2025.

TIP: And your family?

SP: My father was a banker with Bank of Baroda in India before we immigrated. After coming to the U.S., he worked for the State Bank of India for about 15 years. My mother was a social worker back in India. Both my parents were deeply committed to community service, and they were my earliest role models in working for the community selflessly.

TIP: Are you married?

SP: Yes, I am married. I have a wonderful wife and am the proud father of twin daughters. They are the joy of my life.

TIP: Let’s talk about the big event. Is this the 43rd India Day Parade?

SP: Yes, it is. This is the 43rd India Day Parade in New York City—organized by FIA since its inception.

TIP: Every new FIA president tries to bring in something fresh and exciting. What is your vision for this year’s parade?

SP: That’s a very  good  question. For any incoming president, the challenge is not just to maintain tradition but to improve upon the previous year’s achievements.

After much thought, we have chosen this year’s theme as “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah”—a Sanskrit phrase meaning “May All Be Happy”. It’s a message of universal well-being, unity, and harmony. In a world currently plagued by wars, terrorism, and division, our goal is to unite all faiths and communities and encourage people to spread happiness. Happiness grows when it is shared.

To put this theme into action, my team and I, along with the Board of Trustees Chairman and my Executive Committee, reached out to leaders of various faiths—Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, and Jain. We met them individually, participated in their community events, and invited them to be part of the parade.

For the first time in FIA history, we will have floats representing all these faiths marching side by side. Out of the 35 floats confirmed, a substantial number will reflect this diversity, alongside marching groups representing different Indian states, cultures, and ethnicities.

TIP: Our readers always want to know about star attractions. Who are your celebrity grand marshals this year?

SP: This year, we are delighted to have two prominent stars from the Indian film industry—Rashmika Mandanna, currently one of Bollywood’s most sought-after actresses, and Vijay Deverakonda, a hugely popular actor from the South Indian film industry who has also made a mark in Bollywood. Their presence will add glamour and draw a massive crowd.

TIP: And what about political dignitaries?

SP: We have invited governors, senators, mayors, and other elected officials from across the United States. Mayor Eric Adams of New York City has confirmed his participation. We will also have several U.S. Congress members, New Jersey mayors, and, we hope, a few senators, whose confirmations are pending.

TIP: Apart from the parade itself, what other attractions have you planned?

SP: Alongside the parade on Madison Avenue, there will be cultural performances at Madison Avenue and East 25th Street—featuring Indian classical, folk, and Bollywood dance presented by talented kids  from schools in  the tri-state area.

We will also have a Street Fair on East 26th Street between Madison and Park Avenues. Visitors will find Indian and international cuisines, vendor booths showcasing products and services, and even giveaways at various stalls.

This year, a unique addition is a cricket playing area organized by our title sponsor, CricMax. We will build a safety-enclosed cricket cage right on the streets of New York, where people can enjoy playing with a softball. It’s symbolic of our effort to promote cricket in America, which has been gaining popularity, especially after the T20 World Cup matches were hosted in New York earlier this year.

TIP: The parade is the centerpiece, but FIA also organizes other events during this period. Could you tell us about them?

SP: Yes. On August 15, we will participate in the Empire State Building Lighting Ceremony, where the iconic skyscraper will be lit in the Indian tricolor. This partnership has been ongoing for over a decade, and it is always an emotional and proud moment for the Indian community here.

On August 16, we will host the Flag Hoisting Ceremony at Times Square—a tradition we began during COVID-19 when large gatherings were not permitted. It became so popular that we continued with it. This year’s flag hoisting will be at 10:30 a.m. and is open to the public.

We also host a Gala Dinner to thank our volunteers, sponsors, and supporters. This year, it will be held at Cipriani’s on Wall Street—one of New York’s most elegant venues—and it is already sold out.

TIP: Organizing the largest India Day Parade outside India must require enormous effort. Who would you like to acknowledge?

SP: You are absolutely right—it is a gigantic undertaking. The parade involves 1,800 volunteers, numerous committee members, and collaboration with 10 city agencies to secure permits and ensure smooth execution. Planning begins almost a year in advance.

I am deeply grateful to our Board of Trustees, comprised of past presidents whose experience is invaluable. Our sponsors deserve special thanks—without their financial and moral support, this event would not be possible.

I especially acknowledge our title sponsor CricMax, along with other major supporters such as X-RAY Group, TEK Group, Wenzel Foundation, Mehta Foundation, ICICI Bank, State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, and our media partners—including The Indian Panorama.

TIP: Finally, what is your message to our readers?

SP: I invite each and every member of the community to come and be part of this grand celebration of India’s 79th Independence Day. The parade will be held on Sunday, August 17, starting at noon, on Madison Avenue at 38th Street in Manhattan.

Come with your families, bring your friends, wave the tricolor, and let’s celebrate our heritage with pride. I promise that you will experience the joy and emotion of seeing Mother India honored in the heart of New York City.

TIP: Thank you, Mr. Parikh, for speaking with The Indian Panorama. We wish you and the FIA a very successful 43rd India Day Parade.

SP: Thank you, Professor Saluja. I look forward to seeing all your readers at the parade. Jai Hind!