70th Independence Day of India was celebrated in New York with the unfurling of the national flag by Shri M.J. Akbar, Hon'ble Minister of State for External Affairs. This was followed by singing of the National Anthem. The Consul General, Ambassador Riva Ganguly Das read out the Address to the Nation by the Hon'ble President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee. Hon'ble Minister addressed the gathering and greeted them on this auspicious and important occasion. He congratulated the large Indian community gathered at the Consulate for their many achievements and thanked them for their support in strengthening India-US relations and partnering with India as we march ahead to growth and prosperity for all. Elected representatives from New York City Council and Assemblymen from New Jersey were also present.

Several hundred members of the Indian community in New York and friends of India took part in the celebration in front of the Consulate, which was organized for the first time outside the Consulate between 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue. Refreshments were served to all participants in the celebrations.

Similar celebratory events were held in several cities and boroughs all over the 10 states under the jurisdiction of the Consulate.