Bollywood beauty Priyanka
Chopra is set to lead the 27th India Day Parade as Grand
Marshal in New York in August to celebrate the country's 60th
Independence Day.
The annual parade, which will be held on August 19, is organised
in Manhattan by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA)
and attracts thousands of people every year. It is considered
the biggest such event outside India.
Announcing details of the parade at the Indian Consulate in New York on Wednesday, FIA president Shobhana Patel said comedian Johnny Lever would be the chief guest. The theme of the parade would be "Women's Shakti" (power), Patel said.
Music composer A R Rahman , who is on a concert tour of the US, was present at the function. He was Grand Marshal for the 2006 parade.
Known personalities who have participated in the past FIA parades
include actresses Madhuri
Dixit and Rekha, spiritual guru Morari Bapu, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and former mayor Rudy Giuliani. Set up in 1981, FIA is a large,
influential umbrella organisation of the Indian community in
the US. It boasts of 300,000 members in the tri-state area of
New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. The objective of its annual
India Day Parade is to project Indian Americans' progress and
unity to other communities.
The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) of the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut is one of the largest and most powerful umbrella organizations in the Indian community. It represents over 300,000 strong and vibrant Asian-Indians who provides significant grass root support. Established in the year 1970 the FTA has blossomed into a commendable organization that has become an effective mouthpiece and mobilizer for the community.
The FIA represents various issues that concern a growing Asian-Indian community at the local, state, and national levels. Over the years, it has also tried to project a truthful and real image of India to the mainstream community and also further the interests of Indians residing in the United States. It is in this spirit that, since 1981, the annual India Day Parade is held in New York City to present our progress and unity to the many diversified ethnic communities in this area.
The ethereal Tribute in Light memorial was designed to help lessen the aching loss felt across the country since 9/11. It is a profound symbol of strength, hope and resiliency.
The New Yankee Stadium
New Yankee Stadium is the working title for a new stadium for the New York Yankees, currently under construction. It will open in 2009, replacing the third-oldest stadium in the Major Leagues.
The Bronx
In popular culture 'The Bronx' has often symbolized violence, decay, and urban ruin. In fact, there are guidebooks that say you must never go to the Bronx! Sheer ignorance, that is all we have to say! Interactive Bronx map
August 19, 2007 
Interactive Bronx map
