New York, Aug. 18 -- Thousands of Indian-Americans gathered in New York on Sunday (local time) to celebrate India's 79th Independence Day at the annual India Day Parade, one of the largest such celebrations outside India.

Rajya Sabha MP Satnam Singh Sandhu, who attended the parade, said it was a moment of pride to see the diaspora turn out in such large numbers. "It is a matter of great happiness that members of the Indian diaspora in such large numbers gathered here in New York City. India's independence is being celebrated... The Mayor of New York is also present here..." Sandhu said.

The parade was organised by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA). Its chairman, Ankur Vaidya, said the event reflected both pride and responsibil...