The National Council of Asian Indian Associations (NCAIA), Inc. hosted a community celebration in Rockville, Maryland, bringing together elected officials, community leaders, business executives and cultural performers to mark India’s 80th Independence Day and the United States’ 250th anniversary of independence.
The event was held Oct. 10 at the Hilton Hotel in Rockville in collaboration with Sikhs of America, Inc. and Global Haryana, Inc., according to the organizers.
The celebration highlighted the historical and cultural ties between India and the United States, as well as the contributions of Indian Americans to business, public service, journalism, philanthropy and cultural exchange.
Among the distinguished guests were Congressman Suhas Subramanyam, who represents Virginia’s 10th Congressional District; Karan Singh Bangari, first secretary for community affairs at the Embassy of India; Anil Sharma, CEO of 22nd Century Technologies Inc.; and Atif Chaudhry, representing the state of Maryland.
Subramanyam addressed the gathering and participated in presenting awards recognizing contributions to community service, business leadership, journalism and public service. Bangari’s participation highlighted the role of cultural connections and the Indian diaspora in strengthening relations between the two countries, according to the organizers.
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Sharma delivered the keynote address, drawing on his entrepreneurial experience and philanthropic work to encourage attendees to pursue professional excellence, contribute to society and maintain connections with their cultural heritage.
NCAIA highlights community leadership
NCAIA President Vikram Singh welcomed guests, partner organizations, sponsors, volunteers and community members. He highlighted the organization’s more than two decades of work bringing Indian-American communities together, preserving cultural heritage and promoting friendship between India and the United States.
Singh also acknowledged the contributions of NCAIA’s founders, former presidents, chairpersons and past leadership teams. Dr. Jasdip (Jesse) Singh, chairman of Sikhs of America, and Balinder Kundu, chairman of Global Haryana, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing community unity, cultural preservation and cooperation among organizations and generations.
The participating organizations said the event reflected their shared commitment to cultural exchange, community service and stronger people-to-people ties between the two countries.
Cultural performances showcase Indian traditions
The celebration featured classical, traditional and contemporary Indian dance performances by several regional dance schools and academies.
The program included Kuchipudi by Kalanidhi Dance, Ganesh Vandana by Raya Dance Academy, Bhangra by D.C. Metro Punjabi Academy, Bharatanatyam by Natyabhoomi School of Dance and Bollywood fusion by Yuva Dance Academy.
The performances showcased a range of Indian artistic traditions, from classical dance forms to Punjabi folk dance and contemporary Bollywood-inspired choreography.
The national anthems of India and the United States were also performed during the event.
Awards recognize community contributions
The organizers presented awards to individuals for their contributions to community service, business leadership, journalism and public service.
The Community Service and Business Leadership Awards went to Anil Sharma, Pavan Bazwada, Keerthi Swamy, Kanti Singh and Balinder Kundu. The Excellence in Journalism and Media awards for the South Asian community recognized Vishnudutta Jayaraman, Sukhpal Dhanoa and Varinder Singh.
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Subramanyam, Bangari and Chaudhry received recognition for their public service. The awards highlighted the work of individuals across professional and civic fields, according to NCAIA.
The organization also acknowledged its sponsors: Baljinder (Shammi) Singh of the Center of Social Change; Vikram Kansal of Wine & Spirit Group; Shruti Aggarwal, an indexed universal life and retirement planning expert; and Keerthi Swamy, CEO of East Coast Metals. The evening concluded with a gala dinner and networking reception.
Marking historic milestones
The celebration took place as India marked the 80th Independence Day in 2026 and the United States prepared to commemorate 250 years since the Declaration of Independence.
The event also recognized the role of Indian Americans in American society, including their contributions to technology, business, medicine, education, entrepreneurship and public service.
NCAIA said it would continue working to preserve Indian cultural heritage, foster cooperation among Indian-American organizations, encourage emerging community leaders and strengthen ties between India and the United States.
The National Council of Asian Indian Associations has served the Washington metropolitan region for more than two decades, providing a platform for Indian-American organizations, professionals, community leaders and families to collaborate, promote community service and celebrate cultural heritage.