The 80th Independence Day of India was celebrated with patriotic fervour in Dallas, Texas. The celebrations were organized by the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial of North Texas (MGMNT), with Indian-American community members gathering to pay floral tributes at the Mahatma Gandhi statue and honour the sacrifices of India’s freedom fighters.
The event was held on Saturday, August 15, at 8 AM at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Plaza, 1201 Hidden Ridge, Irving, Texas. The celebrations were organized in collaboration with the Indian American Friendship Council (IAFC) and the India Association of North Texas (IANT) under the theme “Har Ghar Tiranga.”
Irving City Mayor Al Zapanta attended the event as the Chief Guest. Special Guests of Honour included Eenadu Editor N. Nageswara Rao, renowned poet and Telugu film lyricist Jonnavittula Ramalingeswara Rao, and former President of the Singapore Telugu Samajam and social worker Vajramaju Sathyamurthy.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Prasad Thotakura, Founder President of the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial of North Texas, said the contributions and sacrifices of the freedom fighters who laid down their lives for India’s independence can never be forgotten. He said the contributions of great national leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad can never be praised enough.
Dr. Thotakura said the freedom enjoyed by Indians today is the result of the immense sacrifices and struggles of these freedom fighters and national leaders. He called upon the younger generation to remember their contributions and uphold the values of patriotism, unity and service to the nation.
The celebrations featured a patriotic atmosphere, with community members paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and participating in the flag-hoisting ceremony. The event brought together members of the Indian-American community to celebrate India’s freedom and reaffirm their connection with the country’s history, heritage and values.
