The Federation of Indian Associations held its first parade council meeting on April 19, 2023, at Akbar Restaurant in Edison, New Jersey.
Present at the event were Dr. Sudhir Parikh, FIA President Kenny Desai, FIA Chairman Ankur Vaidya, and the executive committee, comprising Dr. Avinash Gupta, Saurin Parikh, Smita Miki Patel, Haresh Shah, Mahesh Dubal, and Priti Patel. Also present were Board of Trustee members Alok Kumar and Srujal Parikh.
A brief video highlighting the FIA’s accomplishments over the previous 50 years opened the meeting, which was attended by approximately 100 FIA office bearers and volunteers.
Kenny Desai, who led the proceeding, spoke briefly about the past events of FIA held this year, including the very successful multi-city Artificial Limb Fitment Camps that were organized in collaboration with Jaipur Foot in India, Dance Pe Chance, which was the biggest so far, and International Women’s Day, which saw five trailblazing women being felicitated and honored by FIA.
He further went on to elaborate on the forthcoming events, including the Gujarat-Maharashtra Day to be held on May 1, 2023, at the Indian Consulate, the International Yoga Day, and the India Day Parade at Madison, New York, on August 20, 2023. He also announced the subcommittees that will handle the various aspects of the parade.
Ankur Vaidya said that it is indeed an honor to work with the executive committee and that he learns from his seniors in the organization. As India’s economy expands from 3 trillion to 5 trillion dollars, so does the Indian Diaspora in the United States, but what is lacking is a proper representation of the Diaspora, and to fill the need is what motivates him and FIA, he further went on to add.
One of the biggest cultural events in New York City, the India Day Parade, attracts thousands of spectators and showcases the cultural diversity of India. Over the years, the parade council meeting has served as a platform for members to collaborate and make informed decisions that can contribute to the success of the India Day Parade.