In their efforts to spread the message of health and wellness for all and saluting India on the occasion of India’s 77th Independence Day anniversary, leaders of the American Association of Physicians of Indian origin (AAPI) marched at the India Day Parade in New York City on Sunday, August 20th, 2022. Applause from the crowds reached a crescendo as the colorfully decorated Float bearing AAPI’s name, symbol, and message of health and wellness to all rolled on in New York City on a bright Sunday afternoon.

Dr. Anjana Samadder, President of AAPI along with several Regional Directors, past presidents, members of BOT from different parts of the country joined over a hundred thousand fellow Indian Americans to be part of the largest India Day Parade around the world, organized by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA).

A host of AAPI leaders, including Dr. Anjana Samadder, Dr. Satheesh Kathula, President-Elect of AAPI; Dr. Sumul Rawal, Secretary of AAPI; Dr. Kavita Gupta, member of BOT; Dr. Gautam Samadder, past President of AAPI; Dr. Durgesh Mankikar, past AAPI BOT Chair; Dr. Udaya Shivangi, Chair of Women’s Forum; Dr. Krishan Kumar, past Treasurer of AAPI; Dr. Kusum Punjabi, BOT member; Dr. Malati Mehta, BOT member; Dr. Bhavani Srinivasan, past BOT Member; Dr. Joseph Chalil, Strategic Advisor of AAPI; Dr. Avinash Gupta, FIA Executive Secretary; and, Dr. Sanjay Gupta.

While AAPI’s energetic leaders from across the nation marched on the Street carrying the Banner saluting India and leading the AAPI float, dozens of physicians on the float were dancing and singing to the tune of beautiful Bollywood melodies, proclaiming the remarkable growth of India on the glorious occasion of India’s 77th anniversary of Independence Day.

While AAPI’s energetic leaders from across the nation marched on the Street carrying the Banner saluting India and leading the AAPI float, dozens of physicians on the float were dancing and singing to the tune of beautiful Bollywood melodies, proclaiming the remarkable growth of India on the glorious occasion of India’s 77th anniversary of Independence Day.

“AAPI is only about 41 years old, and we have achieved a lot in this young age,” Dr. Anjana Samadder said. “This year, India celebrates its 77th Independence Day remembering the sacrifices made by the freedom fighters, political leaders, and citizens in order to free the motherland from colonial rule. After all, isn’t service of mankind the best way to celebrate India’s Independence?”

Dr. Sumul Rawal, Secretary of AAPI, “This is another example of our ongoing efforts to make AAPI a mainstream organization and work on issues affecting physicians spreading the message of health and wellbeing for all, while leveraging the strength of 100,000 Indian American physicians.”

Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravisanker, Bollywood Actors Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Jacqueline Fernandez led the world’s largest annual ‘India Day Parade’ in New York, commemorating the completion of 76 years of Indian Independence, the celebration of eternal freedom.

A record number of people thronged the sidewalks, filling Madison Avenue from 38th to 24th Streets at the heart of New York City, cheering jubilantly as the floats portraying the rich heritage of India and the rise of India as a world power, meandered through the Big Apple. The gods seemed to smile as the clouds lifted and the bright sun shone forth. The crowds acknowledged the contributions and achievements of the Indian Diaspora and their motherland, India.

Organized by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA-NY/NJ/CT), the annual parade, the colorful celebrations at the heart of New York City was a way of honoring Mother India by the Indian American community the achievements of the 4 million Indians in the United States.