By: Vandana Jhingan

The Consulate General of India in Chicago celebrated the 78th Independence Day on August 15 at its premises, with a large turnout from the Indian diaspora.
Consul General Somnath Ghosh unfurled the tricolor flag, followed by the singing of the National Anthem. He then read the President of India’s address to the nation. The event featured a cultural program including a patriotic fusion dance by Team Ghungroo, an Odissi dance recital by Ananya Kar, and patriotic songs performed by children from the Chicago Tyagaraj Utsavam.

In the evening, Consul General Ghosh hosted an Independence Day reception at the Chicago Cultural Center, attended by around 350 guests, including elected representatives, senior government officials, local dignitaries, and members of the Indian-American community from business, academia, and the arts.

On August 14, the Consulate, in association with Bhartiya Senior Citizens of Chicago, organized a “Partition Horrors Remembrance Day” event at the Rana Reagan Center, IL, to acknowledge the suffering during the partition of India.

Earlier, on August 11, Consul General Ghosh participated in the Annual India Day Parade and Concert organized by Indian Community Outreach in Naperville. Addressing a crowd of about 20,000 Indian community members and American friends of India, he urged the diaspora to collaborate in advancing the India-US partnership.

On August 3, Ghosh attended the Independence Day celebration organized by the Indo American Association of Iowa, and on August 4, he spoke at the Oak Brook Independence Day event about the India-USA partnership vision. He is also set to participate in the Independence Day celebration organized by the Federation of Indian Associations on August 16, where several dignitaries are expected to attend. Additionally, on August 24, the Consulate will present “Zara Yaad Karo Qurbani,” a theater event featuring short plays in Hindi, Marathi, and Bengali.