Happy Independence Day, India!

This past Saturday, the streets of New City were filled with community members celebrating the 79th Anniversary of India’s independence, the 40th anniversary of the Rockland County India Day Parade, and the richness of Indian culture. 

For many, this yearly parade serves as a public declaration of pride in Indian culture and a way for families to encourage the next generation to celebrate their heritage. “As immigrants, we feel an iota of guilt for uprooting our children…from the cultural and social comfort zone in India. This is our way of compensating for that,” said one attendee. “As [our children] grow, wherever they go, we are hoping that they’ll create these traditions and always remember our mother country. We love America, but we still have strong roots,” said another. 

A group of adolescents at the front of the parade echoed these sentiments. As they marched down the streets of New City, the group shared feelings of their elevated sense of cultural pride in being able to share their Indian American traditions so publicly and in their own backyard. 

Another attendee shared her belief that by meeting other Indian people at events held by The Indian Cultural Society of Rockland, or ICSR, immigrants from India are able to feel more immediately connected to the Rockland community. The confidence that comes from knowing you have a whole community of people who have experienced the same culture shocks and adjustments that you are helps ease the struggles of immigration. 

Immigrants are what makes Rockland the beautiful county it is. As the 53rd President of the ICSR Charu Krishan shared, “Rockland has given us a lot, so this is our way of thanking them, as well as saying that we also give a lot to the county; we are enriching each other.” Of all the aspects of enrichment Indian culture brings, one of Krishan’s favorites is the food. More specifically, a delicate deep fried snack called panipuri. “You pop one in your mouth and it just melts,” shared Krishan. 

Aney Paul, a Rockland County legislator and the first Indian woman to be a legislator in New York State, stood shoulder to shoulder with Krishan. “It is very important that we share our culture with the local community where we live, work and raise our family.” Paul gestured to the throng of dancing people surrounding her and Krishan as she shared how dance and music is an integral part of Indian culture – an aspect she is thrilled to be able to share with Rockland. 

An unexpected theme ran throughout the parade. While there was an undeniable and obvious pride for India, the home country for most parade attendants, there was also an unabashed pride in being American. As people clapped and marched and danced, their hands twirled two flags, one red, white and blue and the other orange, white and green.

“We’re actually very fortunate to be able to celebrate in this country where freedom is such an integral part of our society,” said Harinam, whose name means “Name of God”. “[It’s] life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness…there is no restriction on us, which is such a wonderful thing” 

Harinam and his wife, Vraja Priya, whose name means Beloved of Raja, had their three young children with them all bedecked in traditional Indian clothing. Their two young boys Ananta Vijaya and Hridaya Chaitanya, whose names mean unlimitedly victorious and Lord of the heart, played a traditional Indian drum called the Mridangam. The boys have been studying the Mridangam for three years, and they managed to make the complex syncopated beats look easy. Their younger sister Madhavi, whose name aptly translates to sweetness, was shy but pleased to show off her traditional bright green and gold cotton dress. This family was radiant with excitement to be able to share their culture with others, exemplifying this rich blend of Indian-American culture. 

From speaking with attendees and members of the ICSR, it became clear that this community is eager to share their culture and are more than welcoming to Rocklanders wanting to engage in cultural appreciation. From colorful block print fabrics to mouth watering food to music you simply cannot stop dancing to, Rockland is lucky to have Indian-Americans as part of the rich tapestry of our county. 

To learn about future events or to become a memeber, go to icsronline.com.