AIA hoists Indian Tricolor at Daley Plaza in Chicago

The AIA Independence Day event drew a crowd of 150 attendees.

AIA 78th Independence Day celebration at Daley Plaza with Deputy Cousel General TD Bhutia and Cook County treasurer Maria Pappas. / Asian Media USA

The Illinois Chapter of the Association of Indians in America (AIA) celebrated India's Independence by hoisting the Indian Tricolor at Daley Plaza in Chicago on Aug. 12.

The flag hoisting ceremony was conducted in the presence of T. Bhutia, the Deputy Consul General of India in Chicago, and Maria Pappas, the Cook County Treasurer.

The event drew a crowd of 150 attendees, including esteemed members of the diaspora attended the event with many people of Indian descent from nearby offices and passersby joining in the celebration.

National anthems of both countries and patriotic songs were sung by Khushi Jain, a rising young artist from Chicago. The celebration was further enlivened by a classical dance performance by Rashika Bendekar and Kabita Dey, as well as a Punjabi dance performance led by Madhu Arya and her team.

AIA Independence Day cultural celebration at Daley Plaza. / Asian Media USA

In his address, Bhutia highlighted India's significant contributions to the strong U.S.-India friendship. He also acknowledged the vital role played by the Indian community living in the U.S., including the Indian student community, in strengthening the ties between the two nations.

The event featured addresses by AIA chairman Salil Mishra and AIA president Lucy Pandey, with a vote of thanks delivered by vice president Nilabh Dubey and national vice president Santosh Pandey. Hina Trivedi introduced Maria Pappas, and Shabana Rehman served as the master of ceremonies.