Chicago, August 15, 2025 – The Consulate General of India in Chicago proudly celebrated the 79th Independence Day of India with patriotic fervor and the enthusiastic participation of the vibrant Indian diaspora across the Midwest.
The morning began with a solemn flag hoisting ceremony at the Consulate premises, where Consul General Somnath Ghosh unfurled the Tricolor to the resounding voices of attendees joining in the singing of the National Anthem. The Consul General then read out the Hon’ble President of India’s Address to the Nation, reaffirming India’s progress, resilience, and the collective aspirations of its citizens at home and abroad.
A brief but captivating cultural program followed, showcasing India’s rich heritage. The program featured: A patriotic fusion dance by Team Dancing Petals. A graceful Bharatanatyam recital by Sidhi Tantry.Soulful patriotic songs by the children of Chicago Tyagaraj Utsavam.
More than 150 members of the community participated in the Consulate’s celebrations, actively joining the nationwide #HarGharTiranga campaign. Families and children took selfies with the National Flag. The morning program concluded with a moving Hindi poem dedicated to the Tricolor, recited by Rakesh Malhotra, a respected community member.
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Later in the day, the Consul General hosted an Independence Day reception at the historic Chicago Cultural Center, attended by over 300 distinguished guests. Among the attendees were elected officials, senior U.S. Government representatives, local dignitaries, and prominent members of the Indian-American community representing business, academia, culture, and the arts.
In his address, Consul General Ghosh warmly welcomed the gathering and extended heartfelt gratitude to the diaspora for their enduring commitment to strengthening the bonds between India and the United States. He emphasized the Indian diaspora’s unique role as a living bridge between the two nations, bound together by shared values of democracy, innovation, and diversity.“Every contribution, big or small, adds meaningfully to the broader partnership,” he said, urging the community to take pride in their Indian heritage while actively advancing progress in both countries.
Outreach Across the Midwest:The Consul General also participated in several community-led Independence Day celebrations, including those hosted by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), Chicago at Daley Plaza, the Lake County Indians Association, the Indian American Cultural Center of NWI in Merrillville, Indiana, and the India Association of Indianapolis. At each gathering, Consul General Ghosh lauded the unity and dynamism of the diaspora, applauding their role in promoting India’s culture, values, and partnerships in America.