BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE
Photos by Magic Dust Photography
Atlanta, GA, August 22, 2024: As India awoke to its 78th year of Independence from the British Raj, tricolors were hoisted by the diaspora across the world on August 15, 2024, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi taking the lead at Red Fort in New Delhi. The office of Consulate General of India, Atlanta commemorated the momentous occasion with joy and pride at the consulate premises in the presence of a large gathering of the community.
The celebrations commenced with the hoisting of the Tiranga and rendering of the Indian national anthem with consulate officers and community leaders felicitating the Gandhi Statue.
Consul General of India, Atlanta Hon. Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan, accompanied by Padma Bhushan Prof. Jagdish Sheth, planted a tree on the Consulate premises. Prominent community members, Georgia State Senator, and other distinguished guests commended ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign initiated by PM Modi, to contribute to a greener Earth through tree planting.
Acknowledging the bravery and sacrifices of the armed forces, Hon. Lakshmanan extended his greetings to all dignitaries, officials and the diaspora. “As the nation is all set to celebrate the Independence day, I extend my greetings particularly to our jawans, who guard our freedom and save our lives, to our police and security personnel who keep vigil across the country. I also extend my greetings to the members of the judiciary, civil services as well as officials of mission abroad. I extend my greetings also to our diaspora. You are our family – making us proud with your achievements. You are great representatives of India’s culture and heritage.”
Emphasizing the significance of cultural exchange, the consul general highlighted the Chalo India and Dekho Apna Desh campaigns by the Indian government that encourages diaspora members to become ‘Incredible India’ ambassadors by taking five non-Indians to India, promoting Indian culture and heritage globally. Dekho Apna Desh is a tourism initiative launched by the Indian government to promote India’s travel destinations, heritage, and culture, and to encourage people to travel within India.
The 4th edition “Trade and Investment: India and South-east USA was released on the occasion. by Prof. Jagdish Sheth, recipient of Padma Bhushan Award and Global Marketing Guru; Consul General; Ambassador Gregory Newell, Chairman, Corporate Advisory Board, IDF; and Mr. Ambar Mehta, Rep. of KNAV, Knowledge Partner.
Indian American Chamber of Commerce (IAICC ) felicitated Hon. Lakshmanan, CGI, Atlanta, Padma Bhushan Dr. Jagdish Sheth, Global Marketing Guru, Dr. Narasimhulu Neelagaru, Commissioner, Fifth District Georgia Student Finance Commission and Dr. Subrahmanya Bhat, Member, Georgia State Medical Board at the event. Hon. Lakshmanan, Ambassador Gregory Newell, Appen Menon, Executive Chairman, IAICC, KV Kumar, President & CEO, IDF welcomed the audience. The awards were presented by Ambassador Gregory Newell, concluding with vote of thanks by Glenn M. Falcao, Acting Chairman, IDF.
Consulate also observed ‘Partition Horror Day’ by organizing an exhibition that depicted the harrowing events surrounding the partition of India. The exhibition showcased a series of photographs and documents, which powerfully illustrated the traumatic experiences endured by countless individuals during this period.
Visitors to the exhibition engaged deeply with the displays and few spoke on the importance of remembering and learning from the past, emphasizing the need to honor the resilience of those who lived through the horrors of partition and to foster a commitment to peace and unity.
Each year a theme reflective of the current priorities and values of the nation is set for Independence Day celebrations. This year’s theme is focused on ‘Viksit Bharat’, which emphasizes the idea of a developed and progressive India by 2047.
