The sixth and final Parade Council Meeting took place on August 7, 2024, at TV 9 Studios in Piscataway, New Jersey. Dr. Avinash Gupta, President of the FIA, presided over the meeting, joined by the Executive Committee members, Vice President Saurin Parikh, Secretary Ms. Priti Patel, Executive Vice President Ms. Smita Miki Patel, Treasurer Mr. Sanjeev Singh, Joint Treasurer Mr. Haresh Shah, and Joint Secretary Mr. Mahesh Dubal. Also in attendance were FIA Board of Trustees members Mr. Srujal Parikh and Mr. Alok Kumar, Past President Mr. Anil Bansal, and Mr. Deepak Patel.
Dr. Gupta outlined this year’s festivities, which include the ceremonial hoisting of the Indian Tricolor flag at Times Square and the iconic lighting of the Empire State Building in the colors of the Indian flag. The celebrations will culminate in the largest India Day parade in Manhattan, featuring a vibrant display of Indian culture and heritage, followed by the Grand Gala at the historic National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) in New York on the 18th of August, 2024.
Emphasizing the non-political and non-religious principles underlying the organization and the parade, Dr. Gupta stated, "This celebration is an inclusive event that proudly represents the rich tapestry of India's cultural diversity and will feature floats from various communities, including Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, and Christian faiths, underscoring the belief that we are all integral parts of this community, regardless of caste, creed, or religion."
In their speeches, FIA Dignitaries invited everyone to join in this monumental celebration, reflecting the spirit of unity and camaraderie among individuals of all backgrounds. Representatives from Sponsor Media Houses, such as TV Asia, Parikh Worldwide, TV 9, and Radio Zindagi, as well as New India Abroad, were also in attendance. A vote of thanks was extended to the State Bank of India, member organizations, sponsors, and the media for their continuous support over the years.