Community Celebrates India’s 79th Independence Day In Sacramento

India-West Staff Reporter

SACRAMENTO, CA – Over 3,000 Indian Americans gathered at Jessup University in Rocklin, on August 16to celebrate India’s 79th Independence Day. The event, organized by the Indian Association of Sacramento also marked the 20th anniversary of the organization.

The celebration began in the morning drawing a crowd dressed in traditional Indian attire. Attendees waved Indian and American flags and chanted patriotic slogans like “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram.” Both the Indian and American national anthems were played. A striking tricolor mega flag was displayed at the entrance, and Congressman Kevin Kiley (R-CA) officially inaugurated a new IAS flag.

IAS President  Selvi Janardhan underscored the event’s importance, stating, “The display of the mega tricolor flag at Jessup University Theater is a proud moment for our community. As India turns 79, we must move beyond partisan divides and strive for a unified community.”

In a special tribute, IAS invited all its past presidents to the dais, honoring their contributions to the organization’s success over the past 20 years. The event also featured a parade by representatives from participating organizations, celebrating India’s iconic freedom fighters.

IAS announced that two charities, HART of Folsom and Anaikkum Karangal, will receive this year’s charitable funds.

The celebration included a variety of cultural and sports activities. The IAS Sports Committeeorganized indoor and outdoor games such as badminton, volleyball, and chess, awarding trophies to winners and runners-up.

Harish Karbadna, Consul from the San Francisco Indian Consulate, was among the numerous regional leaders and distinguished guests in attendance, including Siri Pulipati, Rancho Cordova City Mayor, and Jaya Badiga, a Judge in the Sacramento County Superior Court.