Minister MJ Akbar joins I-Day celebrations at Indian Consulate in New York

New York: Probably for the first time, 64th Street in front of Indian Consulate  was closed to traffic as the community came together to celebrate the anniversary of  India's 69th Independence day. Hon. M.J. Akbar, Minister of State for External Affairs led the flag raising ceremony. 

The Consul General Ambassador Rivas Ganguly Das read out the speech delivered  by India's President Pranab Mukherjee to the nation. M J. Akbar greeted the gathering and spoke briefly about the Independence movement led by Mahatma Gandhi and his great message that continues to be an inspiration to India and the rest of the world.

Many dignitaries including City Council president Letitia James and other community leaders were present at the function. Mr. George Abraham, Chairman of the Indian national overseas Congress, USA, Mr. Thomas T. Oommen, Chairman of the Kerala Chapter, Mrs. Leela Maret, Vice-President of the Kerala Chapter, Mr.Harry Singh, EC member of INOC, USA, Saji Abraham were also present  on the occasion.