Indian community of Long Island celebrates India’s Independence Day and Krishna Janmashtami

Naveen Shah, CEO of Navika Capital Group and Bruce Blakeman, County Executive, along with other community members in front of the India’s Tricolor at the India Day celebration August 16, 2025 at Long Island Mariott.
PHOTOS: Provided by Navika Capital Group.

Attended by over a thousand people, India’s Independence Day was celebrated by the Indian community in Long Island on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the Long Island Mariott. Krishna Janmashtami was also celebrated at the same event, according to a press release from the organizers.

Organized jointly by Navika Capital Group and Blue Sky Hospitality Solutions, the event was also attended by invited guests, dignitaries, community leaders and political leaders, including Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and India’s Member of Parliament Satnam Singh Sandhu.

The celebration, co-hosted by Dr. Raj Bhayani and Madhu Pareek, opened with Sanskrit invocation by Neha Bhansali, and a singing of both the American and Indian national anthems. This was followed by singing of patriotic songs by Budh Prakash. The Independence Day proclamation was read by Varinder Bhalla, followed by speeches from the special guests.

Community leaders and organizers attend the singing of the national anthems at India’s Independence Day celebration August 16, 2025. Seen in the photo, along with others, are Indian MP Satnam Singh Sandhu (fourth from right) and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakewell (fifth from the right).

Addressing the gathering, Blakeman spoke about the contributions of Indians in areas of business, technology and civic life. Recalling Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, he wished the audience a happy Independence Day and declared August 15 as India’s Independence Day in Nassau County. Sandhu commended Indian Americans for preserving their traditions and respecting their roots.

Community leader Harry Singh Bola was quoted by the press release as saying, “Our efforts will be meaningful only when we put our differences aside, represent India as one country, one people, one person equals the whole community.”

Speaking at the event, CEO of the Navika Capital Group Naveen Shah said, “…this celebration shows the strength of our community, our culture, and our unity”. Chairman of the Group Haridas Kotahwala also spoke about pride in India’s Independence Day. “Including Janmashtami made the occasion even more special, reminding us of our national heritage and spiritual traditions,” he said, according to the press release.

A skit to pay tribute to India’s Independence struggle was part of the Independence Day celebration August 16, 2025 at Long Island Mariott.

The evening’s program featured more patriotic music, dance, a skit on India’s independence struggle and performance by the Nassau County Band. Singing of Bhajans was part of the evening’s Janmashtami celebration, along with cake cutting.

A variety of dishes featured at the dinner. At the end of the evening, a box of sweets sponsored by Dr. Deepak Nandi was distributed to all as prasadam.