Several lawmakers and high profile officials from federal, state and local governments attended the February 1, 2026, celebrations to observe the 77th Republic Day of India which falls on January 26.
Among those present were Congresswoman Laura Gillen, Congressmen Nick LaLota and Mike Lawler, the Governor of Delaware Matt Meyer, as well as New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, Mayor of Edison, NJ Sam Joshi.
In his speech, India’s Consul General in New York Binaya Srikanta Pradhan focused on India’s democratic history, with its population of 1.4 billion people, of whom some 980 people were registered voters, of which more than 600 million voters cast their ballot in the last election.That is the “beauty and strength” of the country which is poised to become the 3rd largest economy in the world, he added.
Other elected representatives, members of the diplomatic corps, community leaders including Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh, chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media/ITV Gold, as well as business leaders, and cultural figures, were also present at the colorful event.
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In his speech at the gathering, Delaware Governor Meyer highlighted the Indian American community’s vital contributions and announced that his first overseas visit as a Governor will be to India in March 2026, which underscored his strong interest in deepening business ties and people-to-people engagement between Delaware and India, the Consulate noted in its post on X.com/IndiainNewYork.
Congressman LaLota, R-NY, spoke of the growing role of the Indian American community, praised its values of family, faith, and entrepreneurship, and congratulated India on its 77th Republic Day.
Representative Lawler, R-NY, underscored the centrality of the India-US partnership for global peace and prosperity. He recalled welcoming Prime Minister Modi to address a Joint Session of the US Congress, and reaffirmed strong support for the Indian American community, as well as deeper bilateral ties.
Rep. Laura Gillen, D-NY, recalled her formative time in Kolkata working with Mother Teresa. She dwelt on the compassion and generosity of the Indian people and reaffirmed strong bipartisan support for strengthening India-US ties and celebrating the contributions of the Indian American community.
In a post on his social media account, Dr. Parikh said, “Honored to attend the Republic Day Reception hosted by the Consulate General of India in New York at the iconic Taj Pierre. A wonderful evening celebrating India’s democratic spirit, rich culture, and shared values with friends from the community and distinguished guests.”
New York Assemblywoman Rajkumar spoke about the Indian values and democratic traditions that shaped her public service.
Mayor Joshi of Edison, NJ, called for deeper India-US engagement through people-to-people and economic ties.
The celebration featured colorful and energetic cultural performances, including a Bhangra presentation by Soormay Bhangra Dance Group, an instrumental rendition by artists from Sadhna Arts Academy that highlighted India’s folk and classical music heritage.