The Indo-American Seniors Association of Clifton, NJ celebrated India’s 80th Independence Day with a flag raising ceremony at Clifton City Hall Sunday, August 23, 2026.
A prayer and Shanti Path by the Balika Group of BAPS jumpstarted the ceremonies. Twelve year-old Khushi Patel delivered a speech on the significance of India’s independence. Krutik and Chris of Unnati Dance Academy presented a patriotic fusion dance that brought the audience to its feet.
“Despite cloudy skies, hundreds of community members gathered in saffron, white, and green, holding small Tirangas, their hearts beating with one chant – Vande Mataram!” organizers said in a press release.
A large number of elected officials and community leaders attended the event, a sign of the close bond between the Indian-American community and the City of Clifton, they added.
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Distinguished Guests & Dignitaries Present: Mayor Ray Grabowski, City of Clifton; Immediate Past Mayor James Anzaldi
; Passaic County Deputy Director Orlando Cruz; County Commissioner Nick Valente; Surrogate Judge Zoila S. Cassanova; City Councilman Tony Latona; City Councilman Chris D’Amato; Councilwoman Rosy Pino; Board of Education President Judy Bassford; BOE Commissioner Joe Canova and Alias Richie Mejia; Representative of Congresswoman Nellie Pou – Abigail Rojas; Community Supporter, Donor & Attorney at Law -Amy Peterson.
President of IASA-Clifton, Bharat Rana welcomed all dignitaries and community members and introduced his Executive Committee: Jayesh Gandhi – Vice President; Harish Sanghvi – Secretary; Arun Bhatia – PRO; Randhir Naik – Treasurer; Nanda Bhatia – PRO; Hema Trivedi – Event Coordinator; Alka Rana – Food Coordinator.
Some elected officials addressed the gathering.
“Namaste and Good Morning! First, thank you — your presence here in this beautiful morning proves that love for our Tiranga is stronger than any cloud, any weather!” President of the organization Bharat Rana said, noting how freedom fighters had given their lives for India’s independence. “We are PROUD to be Indian. We are PROUD to be American. And we are PROUDEST to be Indo-American — where the best of both great democracies lives in our hearts!
The crowd raised slogans of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai! Vande Mataram! Jai Hind! God Bless America!”
Both the Star-Spangled Banner and Jana Gana Mana were sung as the Indian Tricolor was hoisted to fly alongside the American flag. The gathering enjoyed light refreshments and fellowship outside City Hall.