Hundreds of Indian American seniors gather in Jersey City for July 4th celebrations

July Fourth celebrations in Jersey City, hosted by the Indo American Senior Citizens Association of Jersey City. ALL PHOTOS: Courtesy organizers

The Indo American Senior Citizens Association, Jersey City, celebrated America 249th anniversary, raising the American Flag, and showering blessings on all Americans with the slogan, “God Bless America.” American National Anthem was sung by young Durga Aindiri Ankum and Vaibhav Ankum.

More than 300 senior citizens attended the celebrations, organizers said in a press release.

The event was organized under IASCA Chairman Jatinder Bakshi, as well as other leaders or the organization, including President Dipak Valsadia, Stage Director Dinesh Pandya, Secretary Haren Acharya, VP Rashesh Shah, VP Kamlesh Patel, and the entire executive committee as well as members of the Center.

Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla gesturing while addressing the July 4th celebrations hosted by the Indo American Senior Citizens Association, Jersey City. Standing next to him is Jatinder Bakshi, chairman of the organization.

Other high-profile guests at the event included Jersey City Sheriff Frank Schallari, Indian American NJ State Senator Raj Mukherji, Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla, Hudson County, New Jersey officials including Commissioner William Ode.

Also present were Vice Chairman Kirti (Kenny) Desai, and Trustees Onkar Singh and Balvant Patel, Dr.Manmohan A. Patel, Dr. Sanjiv Parikh, Dr. Jayesh Patel, Indira Daga and other dignitaries.

Elected officials at the event spoke to the gathering and dwelt on business issues, government grants for proposed new building available for the nonprofit senior centers from the Federal, State and Local Governments, the press release said.

A section of the gathering at the July 4th celebrations hosted by the Indo American Seniors Association, Jersey City.
The entire event was sponsored by Jatinder Bakshi, as well as Sapthgiri Restaurant of Jersey City, NJ. Breakfast and Lunch was served to the attendees.

“The cultural programs were particularly inspiring,” organizers said, especially the performances by disabled (Blind) participants. They symbolized the spirit of inclusion and unity by singing devotional and Bollywood songs.

The Indo American Senior Citizens Association will be celebrating its next event- India’s Independence Day which falls on August 15. It will be celebrated on Saturday, August 16, 2025, for the convenience of members and those interested.