Consulate General of India
Chicago
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Celebration of India’s 76th Independence Day
The Consulate General of India in Chicago celebrated the 76th Independence Day at the Consulate premises. The event was conducted in hybrid mode with around 125 persons joining the celebrations in person.
Consul General Amit Kumar unfurled the tricolour, which was followed by singing of the National Anthem. He then read out the Address of the President of India. He also briefly spoke about wide-ranging India-US strategic partnership encompassing almost every facet of human and development endeavour as well as our efforts bilaterally, in Quad format and other plurilateral formats to address several current global challenges.
CG Kumar also highlighted the presence of the vibrant Indian American community in the US and their important role in enriching India-US partnership in myriad ways
There was a short cultural programme, which included singing of patriotic songs by the children of Chicago Tyagaraja Utsavam and a Bharatanatyam classical dance recital by the artistes of Mandala South Asian Performing Arts.
In the run up to the Independence Day celebrations, there was enthusiastic participation from US in the #HarGharTiranga initiative, with Indians and friends of India joining actively.
The Consulate is organising the #AzadiKaAmritMahotsav fortnight (6-21 August) with the active engagement of the Indian diaspora. This fortnight has so far witnessed (a) cultural event -Kala Utsav - on 6 August showcasing Indian classical dance and music forms, where 10 cultural groups from the US Midwest region participated; (b) Webinar on Ayurveda on 7 August focusing on benefits of Ayurveda in our daily lives; (c) Webinar on 10 August on global supply chains resilience and important role that India will play in this regard; (d) virtual showcase of emerging young talent in the US Midwest focusing on Indian classical dance and (e) music on 12 August; and an event showcasing different theatre styles from India on 13 August.
As part of the AKAM fortnight, more events are scheduled in the coming days. These include a virtual lecture on Kalamakari and Batik textiles on 18 August; an interaction with Fullbright scholars on 19 August and a theatre event “Zara Yaad Karo Qurbani” on 21 August which will feature three short plays staged by children in Hindi, Marathi and Bengali language
The Consulate is scheduled to organise an Independence Day reception later in the evening hosted by the Consul General with participation of elected representatives, senior Government officials, local dignitaries Indian American community drawn from business, academics and arts circles at prestigious Chicago Cultural Centre.
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Chicago, 15 August 2022
