Indian American lawmakers join India’s Republic Day celebration

Ro Khanna and Shri Thanedar vow to work to build a stronger India-US relationship

Two Indian American members of US Congress and friends of India from diverse fields, business, media, students and the Indian diaspora joined India’s Republic Day celebration at the Indian Embassy in Washington DC on Jan 26.

Indian ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu, unfurled the national flag at India House. It was followed by singing of the National Anthem, according to an embassy press release. President of India Droupadi Murmu’s address on the eve of Republic Day was screened during the ceremony.

Read: Seven state lawmakers join India’s 73rd Republic Day celebrations (February 3, 2022)

Congressman Ro Khanna, Chair of the House Caucus on India and Indian Americans, recalled the sacrifices of his own family members during India’s freedom struggle and pointed out that countries across the globe drew inspiration from India’s freedom struggle. Khanna expressed happiness in seeing both India and Indian Americans thriving in the world.

Newly elected Indian American Congressman Shri Thanedar highlighted that his being the fifth Indian origin Congressperson in the United States was a watershed moment for Indian Americans. He, along with his colleagues in the Congress, would work to build a stronger India-United States relationship, Thanedar said.

Read: Indian community in US celebrates 73rd Republic Day of India (January 27, 2022)

Earlier, highlighting India’s presidency of G20 and other important initiatives at multilateral fora like the Voice of the Global South Summit held earlier this month, Sandhu emphasized that India is looked upon not only as a strong pillar for the global economy but also as a country that can be counted upon for bringing stability and security on multiple counts during these uncertain and complex times.

He noted that India and the US are benefiting from mutual exchanges, across domains including healthcare, clean energy, security, education, technology, translating the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden into action.

Read: US instrumental partner during India’s transformative journey: Ambassador (January 27, 2023)

Sandhu noted that Srinivas Varadan, an Indian American Mathematician and a distinguished diaspora member, has been awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second highest civilian honor.

A cultural program featuring tuneful rendition of patriotic songs by students of Gandharva School of Music, Richmond was presented during the ceremony.