President Biden, Lawmakers and Prominent Indian Americans Commemorate India’s 75th Independence Day
- Those issuing messages include Sens. John Cornyn, Mark Warner, Bob Menendez, Nikki Haley, Sundar Pichai, Shantanu Narayen, Sunita Williams, among others.
Lawmakers and prominent members of the Indian American community took to social media to wish Indians and Indian Americans on the occasion of India’s 75th Independence Day.
Leading the congratulatory messages was President Joe Biden who issued a statement wishing those “celebrating in India, in the United States, and throughout the world, a safe and happy Indian Independence Day.” Biden noted how “over the decades, the ties between our people, including a vibrant community of more than four million Indian-Americans, have sustained and strengthened our partnership” He added: “In this moment of great challenges and opportunities, the partnership between India and the United States is more important than ever. Together, we must show the world that our two great and diverse democracies can deliver for people everywhere.”
Curiously, we did not find any message from Vice President Kamala Harris.
Secretary of state Antony Blinken, in a tweet, wrote: “On behalf of the government and people of the United States of America, I extend warm wishes to the people of India on your 75th Independence Day.”
Lawmakers reached out to their Indian American constituents, lauding their contributions to mainstream America.
Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), co-founder and co-chair of the Senate India Caucus tweeted a message. “To all the Indian American families living in Texas, as well as my friends at @IndianEmbassyUSand @cgihou, you have made our state such a culturally rich and vibrant place, and I wish you a Happy Independence Day.”
His colleague Mark Warner (D-Va,), co-chair of the Senate India Caucus wrote: “I want to congratulate the people in India on 75 years of Independence. The strength of the relationship between the world’s two biggest democracies is more important now than ever.”
Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) tweeted: “Today, August 15th, is #IndiaIndependenceDay marking the 75th year of India’s independence from British colonial rule. As Co-Chair of the House India Caucus, I will continue to work to further strengthen the U.S.-India relationship.”
Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) also congratulated Indians and Indian Americans and tweeted that he is proud to support India, the world’s largest democracy and America’s important partner.
Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said he is proud to join friends in India and Indian-American communities in New Jersey and around the world. “We recognize India’s rich heritage and many global contributions, and commit to build on our countries’ strong bond,” he said.
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) also delivered a message on the occasion.
Rep. Nikema Natassha Williams (D-Ga.) tweeted: “Wishing all those celebrating the 75th anniversary of Indian Independence a day full of joy!
A tweet from Rep. Van Taylor (R-Texas) said: “I’m proud to represent Collin County as we have such an outstanding Indo-American community. Our partnership with India remains strong as we share firmly held beliefs in democracy and freedom. Happy 75th Independence Day to India!”
“Happy Indian Independence Day,” Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) wrote on his Facebook page. “My staff attended the flag raising and cultural program in Milpitas, and recognized the Association of Indo Americans for hosting this event.”
“Wishing the people of India a very happy 75th Independence Day,” tweeted Nikki Happy, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. “America is fortunate to have a democratic friend and ally like India.”
New York State Assemblywoman also took to her Facebook page to wish her constituents. “As the first Indian-American woman elected to NY State Office, I send my warm greetings to over 4 million Indian-Americans across the United States,” she wrote. “My grandparents’ stories about the struggle for Independence shaped my love for democracy and my passion for civil rights. I look back at India’s history with pride, and I look ahead to a future filled with hope in the United States. Vande Mataram and God Bless America!”
Similarly, New York State Sen. Kevin Thomas, in a message congratulating Indians and Indian Americans, said he is a “proud son” of Indian parents.
Nisha Biswal, president of the U.S.-India Business Council and Senior Vice President for South Asia at the United States Chamber of Commerce, also sent a message.
Former PepsiCo Chairperson and CEO Indra Nooyi also conveyed her best wishes for 75 years of #India’s independence.
Shantanu Narayen, CEO of Adobe, in his message, spoke on the incredible strength of U.S.-India partnership. “Opportunities are endless for U.S.-India partnership,” he said.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai tweeted: “Happy 75th Independence Day, India! Wishing everyone a safe and happy celebration:) Many thanks to our guest artist Sayan Mukherjee for this year’s beautiful doodle!
Astronaut Sunita Williams mentioned the rich history of collaboration between India and the United States in space. “NASA and ISRO have cooperated in many different areas, including Earth and space science. Additionally, NASA has provided deep space communication and navigation support for ISRO’s missions to the Moon and Mars.”
The U.S.Embassy in India also joined the celebrations with a video dedicated to the things U.S diplomats love the most about the country.