Leaders from diverse communities enthusiastically celebrated the 79th Independence Day of India
QUEENS, NY (TIP Reporter): India Day Parade in Queens, New York was organized on August 16, 2025 by FBIMA, with actress Sejal Sharma as the Grand Marshall. President Denzil George, Parade Chairman Koshy Thomas and several elected officials attended the parade, which was witnessed by thousands who lined up the route of the parade.
Chairman of the Parade Organizing Committee Koshy Thomas addresses the gathering. Present on the stage are the Grand Marshal Sejal Sharma, President of FBIMA Denzil George, elected representatives, and community leaders.President of FBIMA Denzil George spoke on the occasion with the Grand Marshall Sejal Sharma, elected representatives, and community leaders by his side
Many prominent Indian American community leaders joined the parade. Among them were Dr. Hari Shukla and his wife Kirti, who have been patronizing the parade since its inception.
There was enough entertainment for all ages. For the children in particular, there were a couple of games and rides which attracted many kids.
Grand Marshall Sejal Sharma congratulated the gathering on India’s 79th Independence Day and said she was happy to be at the parade with the wonderful Indian community.Hari Shukla was honored for his support for the Parade. Seen in the picture, from L to R : Koshy Thomas, Sejal Sharma, Dr. Hari Shukla, Denzil George, and an Executive Committee Member.
Over the years, the Queens India Day Parade has been growing in size, and the organizers this year, in particular, President Denzil George and Parade Chairman Koshy Thomas, expressed the hope that more and more people will join the parade next year, which is an occasion to celebrate the freedom of India.
Dr. Hari Shukla and his wife Kirti Shukla hold the Tricolor while leading the car caravan in the parade.
Mohinder Singh Gilzian, Father Noby Ayyaneth, Dr. Surinder Malhotra, George AbrahamProf. Indrajit Saluja, Varghese Abraham, Leela Maret
NEW YORK (TIP): “Living Stan was a nobleman, but the departed Stan is unstoppable and his voice on behalf of the poor and the downtrodden is even stronger and will resonate it throughout history,” said Father Noby Ayyaneth of the Malankara Catholic Diocese of North America condoling the death of Father Stan Swamy at a remembrance meeting organized under the banner of Indo-US Democracy Foundation in Floral Park, New York. Jesus Christ was a master humanitarian, and Fr. Stan was following in his master’s footsteps. For him, suffering was not a tragedy in the face of injustice and as he could not be a silent spectator”.
Mr. George Abraham, Executive Director of the India-US Democracy Foundation, welcomed the gathering and stated ‘it is a dark day for democracy in India and Father Stan Swamy’s detention, treatment in prison and death is a blot on the nation’s consciousness and a travesty of justice. He expressed his disappointment that in today’s India, the presumption of innocence is becoming a thing of the past. India is about to celebrate its 75th Independence Day, and our founding fathers built democratic institutions that stood the test of time and protected democracy, freedom, individual liberty, and equal justice under law. However, these institutions are increasingly under attack and are being diminished. Today, anyone who dares to criticize the authorities is in danger of being termed anti-national.
Professor Indrajit Saluja, Publisher of Indian Panorama Newspaper, said Father Stan Swamy was a frail and weak man physically but strong morally and spiritually to carry on with his work on behalf of the weaker sections of society. As Indian Americans, we must demand our politicos to speak out when authorities target the poor and downtrodden in India. UAPA is a draconian law that the Supreme Court should have reviewed, and it is a shame that an innocent man had to pay with his life this way.
Pastor Wilson Jose, Pastor of the Grace International Church in Mineola, said while we have gathered here to celebrate Father Stan’s life, we would like to express our indignation as Pravasis, the way the political leaders and the judiciary treated him in India. Father Stan represented Christ’s teachings to its core and did his best to uplift the neglected ones by a caste system that is in place over centuries. Jesus said, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, and Fr. Stan’s life exemplified those principles. During the freedom struggle, Mahatma Gandhi was jailed many times by the British authorities. However, they respected his ideals and made sure no harm happened to him. Sadly today, the Government of India lacks even that basic level of humanity in the treatment of its own citizens!
Father John Thomas of Orthodox Church pondered what it would be like if any one of us would be in Fr. Stan’s shoes. Will we get intimidated or pull back? Father Stan’s life is a testament to all of us and should inspire us to stand up and fight for what is right.
Father P.M. Thomas, Vicar-in-charge of Marthoma Church in Queens Village, said Father Stan’s passing had created a big void, and each of us has a role to play in continuing his work. He asked not to be discouraged but to continue the fight until the truth is revealed.
Mr. Amir Rashid, Director at NYPD who hails from Bihar, described the hardships the marginalized people suffer at the powerful hands in States like Jharkhand. Father Stan Swamy was the voice for the voiceless, and as long as this same power structure exists, these injustices will continue to be tolerated.
Pastor Babu Thomas of IPC Hebron in Queens Village reiterated the old saying that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Father Stan Swamy was not a terrorist. The government knew that. His only crime was he loved the poor and served them. Unless we stand up and fight for our freedom and rights, our world will be a diminished place to live.
Dr. Surinder Malhotra, former President of the Indian Overseas Congress described the pathetic situation in India as far as caste and religion is concerned. Unlike the United States, even for a job application, they want to know your religion. Even in our Diaspora here, they tend to ask whether he is a Hindu or a Christian, north Indian or south Indian, and such intolerance is so evident and has become part of our mindset. He condoled the death of a man who dedicated his entire life to doing good but ended up dying in custody.
Mr. Mohinder Singh Gilzian, President of the Indian Overseas Congress, USA, said it is outrageous that a man who is working on behalf of the poor dies in Government custody. The people who are responsible for foisting false charges to imprison him should be held accountable. The UAPA act is being misused and used against people for political reasons.
Dr. Anna George, President of the Indian Nurses’ Association in New York, called Father Stan Swamy’s imprisonment and death cruel and unusual punishment. She asked for raising our collective voices to stop this from happening again.
Mr. Koshy Thomas, who ran for the NYC Council from District 23, expressed his sorrow, and asked authorities to protect activists such as Father Stan while respecting the human rights of every citizen in India regardless of their religion or caste.
Mr. John Joseph, the Vice-President of the Indian overseas Congress, urged not to be silent on these ongoing atrocities by the authorities. Is India a real democracy? He asked the participants to be more vigilant in guarding against these Human Rights abuses.
Mr. Shaji Karackal, National news coordinator, Harvest TV said ‘forgive us father, I am guilty and many of us are for not seeing the truth on time to come to your defense”. Father Stan Swamy will be remembered as a nobleman who stood up for the poor and marginalized.
Mr. George Chacko also spoke. Mr. Varhgese Abraham thanked everyone for their attendance and paid tribute to the memory of this great soul, Father Stan Swamy. Mr. Shaji Ennasseril (solidactionstudio.com) provided the logistics.
NEW YORK (TIP): Koshy Thomas, a candidate running for New York City Council from District 23, requests voters who would be unable to go to the polling booth on election day to request an absentee ballot now so that they could participate in the upcoming election on June 22nd, 2021. It is also quite possible that a request form for the absentee ballot may be already in one’s inbox at home if one is a registered voter. “Our community is somewhat lackadaisical in going to the polling booths on election day, and an absentee ballot is a convenient tool to avoid the hassle of travel and waiting in the queue,” said Mr. Koshy Thomas, who is running to represent District 23 for New York City Council that includes, Floral Park, Bellerose, Queens Village, Hollis and Oakland Gardens. “Our participation in the democratic process is vital to the community in terms of bringing out the issues of our concerns and advancing our interests,” Mr. Thomas added.
You may also go to the website: Find Record | NYC Absentee or call Mr. Koshy Thomas @ 347-867-1200 for any assistance.
Indian Americans, according to the latest US Census are the highest family income earners, with $120,000 average income for a family of four.
Indian Americans are the highest educated consistently since the 2010 census. They have the highest percentage of Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral degrees.
They are brilliant students, researchers, scientists, scholars, teachers, authors, artists. They are everywhere- in business, professions, politics, entertainment, media and in many other fields.
Of late, there has been a growing realization among the Indian American community that the real empowerment for the community can flow only when the community has political power. This new realization has resulted in an increase in the number of Indian Americans going in for politics, and actively participating in political processes.
Whereas, one can see scores of Indian Americans picked up for important positions in Biden administration (there were many in Trump’s administration, too, and in the administrations of many former Presidents) , and many are elected members of the US House of representatives, and many in State and City legislatures, one can see clearly an increased interest among Indian Americans to run for elections from the numbers who have thrown their hats in the electoral ring in the 2021 New York City elections .
There are at least 8 Indian Americans in political fray for the 2021 New York City Council elections. Their concerns are primarily the concerns of all immigrant communities, from education to housing, to safety and security to jobs and economic prosperity.
I will introduce here these contestants, and what they stand for.
CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 23.
There is a total of 7 candidates. 4 of them are Indian American. Among them, there are 2 Sikhs, one Christian and one Hindu.
The other three candidates are: Steve Behar, Linda Lee, Debra Markell
Going by the alphabetical order, the first Indian American I will pick up is Harpreet Singh Toor
HARPREET S TOOR
Harpreet Singh Toor
City Council District 23
The three top issues Harpreet has listed are:
Pandemic relief
Safe streets
Health Care
This is how Harpreet introduces himself.
“Harpreet Singh Toor has been an advocate for working- and middle-class families his entire adult life. Now he’s bringing his unique set of skills, experience, and successful record of improving the quality of life for all who live and work in Queens, to City Council District 23. His number one priority will be on resolving the problems resulting from the Pandemic crises.
“In more than 25 years of community service I have earned a reputation as someone who gets things done. Whether it’s getting the Religious Garb bill signed, co-naming Queens’ streets, or helping constituents navigate schools, hospitals and the PD, I have earned the respect of the people I serve, acting with integrity and full transparency.”
“As a lifelong district resident, I would be the first woman and person of color to represent my home. Raised by a taxi driver and union grocery store worker, I was spurred upon public service by the taxi medallion debt crisis. Having dedicated my life to education equity and immigrant justice, I am running to fight for worker and small business relief, world-class public transit, fully funded public schools, and affordable housing for all.
“Backed by key unions and progressive organizations such as CWA D1, PSC-CUNY, The Jewish Vote, Sunrise, Working Families Party, and Democratic Socialists of America, I will build a city that works for all of us.”
For more about Jaslin, visit www.jaslinkaur.nyc
Email: info@jaslinkaur.nyc
KOSHY THOMAS
Koshy Thomas
City council District 23
The three top issues Koshy has listed are:
Stimulate Economy
Health Care for all
Promote Peace and Prosperity
This is how Koshy introduces himself.
“Exited to be a candidate for the Democratic party will united various ethnical groups, assimilate them to the community to promote peace property. This will stimulate the economy and also promote tax rebate.
“Worked with almost all associations and groups in the District.”
I am ready to fight for the people: the individuals, and the communities that make New York special. I will create a better environment for small business, increase public safety, and expand equitable health care. Through empowering individuals with resources, assistance, and knowledge, we can create job stability which will allow people to pursue a career path that motivates and inspires them. Now’s the time to put power back into the hands of the people, and I am committed to exactly that.
“India Association of Long Island; South Asians for Strong America; South Asians for Empowerment; India Day Parade”.
There is a total of 8 candidates. The only Indian American Shekar Krishnan is pitted against 7 candidates, including South Asian and Asian, among others.
The other 7 candidates are: Xi Chen, Liliana Melo, Manuel Perez, Alfonso Quiroz, William Salgado, Carolyn Tran
SHEKAR KRISHNAN
Shekar Krishnan
City Council District 25
The three top issues Shekar has mentioned are:
Dignified, permanent housing for all
Defend immigrant New Yorkers
Invest in community-based safety
This is how Shekar introduces himself.
“Our city is facing a crisis of affordability, racial justice, and public health. We need a fighter representing us who will be fearless in standing up to powerful interests when our community’s needs are at stake. I am a civil rights lawyer fighting for housing justice and preventing displacement. I’m also a longtime activist in my community of Elmhurst and Jackson Heights, the son of immigrants from India, and the father of two small children. Together, we can rebuild our city, so it works for everyone.
There is a total of 15 candidates. One is a Sikh American of Indian origin. Amit Singh Bagga is pitted against 14 candidates, including South Asian and Asian, among other.
The other 14 candidates are: Jonathan Bailey, Lorenzo Brea, Julia Forman, Glennis Gonez, Dennis-Keehan Smith, Badrun Khan, Heajin Kim, Jesse Laymon, Sultan Maruf, Brent O’Leary, Steven Raga, Emily Sharpe, Julie Won, Ebony Young.
AMIT BAGGA
Amit Bagga
City Council District 26
The top three issues Amit has listed are:
Racial justice through economic justice
Deeply & permanently affordable housing
Immigrant, health, & environmental justice
This is how Amit introduces himself.
We need bold, progressive vision and real experience to deliver justice for NYC. Over 14 years, I’ve reunited hundreds of immigrant families, implemented paid sick leave & protections for freelancers & low-wage workers, fought predatory lending, and secured our political & economic future through NYC’s first-ever census campaign. My plan treats employment with dignity for all, housing, healthcare, & a thriving environment as human rights, and replaces our police state with a peace state.
There is a total of 3 candidates. One is a Sikh American of Indian origin. The two others are Adrienne Adams (the sitting Council Member) and Ruben Wills.
JAPNEET SINGH
Japneet Singh
City Council District 28
The three top issues Japneet has listed are:
Government Transparency
Education & Social Services
Infrastructure
Here is how Japneet introduces himself.
“This campaign’s primary goal is to unite the communities that live in Southern Queens. For far too long, due to the lack of leadership that truly understands our community, we have been divided. It is time, we come together in order to advocate for better schools and infrastructure as well as social services that will help to revitalize our community.
“Japneet Singh has been an active member of the community for years. He is one of the youngest members of Community Board 10 and also served as the Student Body President of Queens College from 2016-2018. He has played a vital role in numerous initiatives and with your support, hopes to continue his work on the City Council level.”
Email: japneetsinghfornewyork@gmail.com
CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 32
There is a total of 6 candidates. One is a Sikh American of Indian origin. Felicia Singh is pitted against 5 others who include Kaled Alamarie, Bella Matias, Michael Scala, Shaleigh Severino, Helal Sheikh.
FELICIA SINGH
Felicia Singh
City Council District 32
The three top issues Felicia has listed are:
Fully Fund Public Schools
Climate & Environmental Resilience
Safe & Equitable Transportation
This is how Felicia introduces herself.
“I’m an educator and daughter of working-class immigrants. As a lifelong resident of Ozone Park, graduate of NYC Public schools, and teacher, I’ve experienced systems that do not work for the working-class and that pushed me to run for office. My life’s work is serving and empowering those around me – identifying the structural barriers preventing communities like mine from thriving and bringing people and resources together to create lasting change. As your council member, trust that I’ll fight for you and your family in City Hall.”
The June 22 primaries will test the acumen of the Indian American contestants for New York City Council which needs the long-awaited presence of the Indian American community.
(Author is the chief editor of The Indian Panorama)
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