Town of Hempstead Celebrates 73rd Annual India Republic Day with Flag-Raising Celebration at Town Hall

Jan 27, 2022 - 7:13 am EST @theindpanorama NY/NJ/CT 0

Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin raised the Indian National Flag in the presence of a large number of Indian American community members and Town officials.

Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin addresses the gathering.

Community members present at the celebration with Don Clavin.

Supervisor and Town Board recognize holiday to celebrate freedom in the world’s most populous democracy and honor the Indian-American community’s legacy in Hempstead Town

HEMPSTEAD, NY (TIP): Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin, along with members of the Hempstead Town Board and leaders of the Indian American Forum, joined together to celebrate the 73rd annual India Republic Day. The event was held on the front steps of Hempstead Town Hall Wednesday, January 26 to highlight the transition of the highest populated democracy in the world to a republic. The National Flag of India was publicly raised to commemorate Indian-American residents and culture.

“Indian-American culture and tradition are vastly important in the greater Hempstead Town community,” Clavin said. “America’s largest township is thankful to be home to thriving community of Indian-Americans contribute to shaping the dynamic identity of our home. It is vital and right that we communally recognize and celebrate thefundamental parts of our neighbors’ history.”The New York-Newark-Bridgeport Area (NY-NJ-CT-PA) contains the largest concentration of the Indian-American population in the United States, with over 700,000 Indian-American residents. Nassau County itself holds the third-largest Indianimmigrant hub in the country.

Due to the persistence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was heldcompletely outdoors. The flag-raising proceedings included a cultural music selection, the singing of the United States and Indian national anthems, blessings from a local pandit, and keynote speakers explaining the history and significance of theIndianAmerican community to the town and country. Guests for the ceremony were served tea and coffee.

“The importance of India Republic day extends far beyond the Town of Hempstead,” said Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray, who began the tradition during her tenure as Supervisor. “Indian culture has had a profound influence on American culture over the course of many years, and I’m always glad to honor and celebrate the Indian-American neighbors in our town.”“We encourage all residents to join us in celebrating our Indian-American community,” Clavin said. “Happy India Republic Day!”

(Based on a press release)