By Ravi R Ponangi
Atlanta, GA: The Indian community in Atlanta marked the 79th anniversary of India's Independence with remarkable enthusiasm, patriotism, and cultural pride. August 15, 2025, not only commemorated the end of British colonial rule over the Indian subcontinent but also became a moment for the Indian diaspora in Georgia to reflect on their roots and contributions while celebrating their shared heritage. This year’s Independence Day events across the city brought together thousands of people, prominent dignitaries, and cultural organizations, all unified under the tricolor of India in a collective display of remembrance, pride, and cultural solidarity.
Among the first to mark the historic day was the Consulate General of India in Atlanta, which was illuminated in the vibrant hues of the Indian national flag—saffron, white, and green—symbolizing courage, peace, and growth. In the early hours of August 15, a flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the consulate, with members of the Indian community attending in large numbers. The Consulate urged Indian-origin families to take part in the Government of India’s "Har Ghar Tiranga" campaign by hoisting the national flag at their residences, a symbolic yet powerful act reaffirming a collective commitment to India’s values of freedom, democracy, and unity.
One of the marquee events in Atlanta was the 11th Annual Freedom Mela hosted by the Indian Friends of Atlanta (IFA) on August 16 at the Cumming Fairgrounds. What started in 2015 has since transformed into a grand community celebration that now draws over 6,500 people annually. The event, held in honor of India's Independence Day, celebrated the spirit of freedom and the enduring bond between India and the United States. This year’s Mela stood out not only for its scale and meticulous organization but also for its vibrant programming and enthusiastic community participation.
From the onset, the fairgrounds radiated a festive energy, with Indian and American flags fluttering side by side. A lighted “I Love IFA” installation, along with arches made of tricolor balloons, added a visually striking element to the celebration. The digital backdrops on the stage featured iconic Indian monuments, blending modern technology with cultural nostalgia.
The centerpiece of the Mela was the Grand Parade, led by the IFA team and featuring performers representing various Indian states through traditional dance, music, and colorful costumes. The rhythmic sounds of Dhol Tasha and Lezim, along with coordinated performances, created an electrifying ambiance that echoed through the grounds. This parade wasn’t just a spectacle—it was a tribute to the cultural diversity of India, brought alive thousands of miles away from its homeland.
Prominent local and state dignitaries graced the occasion, including Georgia State Representatives, Forsyth County officials, and city leaders. Their presence underscored the influence and contributions of the Indian-American community in Georgia’s civic and cultural framework. Attendees included U.S. Representative Buddy Carter, Georgia State Senators Emmanuel Jones and Josh McLaurin, State Representatives Todd Jones, Ruwa Romman, David Clark, and Dr. Michelle Au, as well as Gwinnett County District Attorney Patsy Austin Gatson and Johns Creek Mayor Pro Tem Dilip Tunki. Their collective participation sent a powerful message of inclusivity and multicultural respect.
The day’s highlight was undoubtedly the performance by “Prince of Bhangra” Sukhbir Singh, whose energetic concert brought the crowd to its feet. Emcees Lakshmi Mandavilli, Bhrushira Vyas, Vikas Rattan Goyal, and Srivani Krishna kept the momentum going with their lively hosting and interaction with the crowd. Local arts academies delivered spectacular cultural performances that included patriotic songs and dances, ensuring entertainment for attendees of all ages.
In a touching moment, Representative Todd Jones joined the IFA team in hoisting both the American and Indian national flags, while a youth choir led by KT Sravanthi sang the national anthems. This act of dual celebration resonated deeply with attendees, embodying the bicultural identity that many Indian Americans hold dear.
IFA Founder and Chairman Sunil Savili and President Sreekanth Uppala, along with the founding members and executive committee, expressed deep gratitude to the event’s sponsors, partners, volunteers, and the wider community. They emphasized that the Freedom Mela's success is a testament to what unity, vision, and community spirit can achieve. Year after year, it continues to serve as a dynamic platform to showcase Indian culture, promote friendship, and build bridges with the broader community.
Meanwhile, the India American Cultural Association (IACA) held its 29th Annual Festival of India (FOI) on August 16 at the Gas South Center in Duluth, bringing together over 4,000 attendees in a resplendent celebration of India’s cultural richness and the strength of its diaspora. This long-standing tradition once again served as a convergence point for cultural expression, civic engagement, and community service.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, in a video message, acknowledged the Indian American community’s invaluable contributions to the state’s economic and cultural fabric. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger highlighted the democratic values shared between India and the U.S., and Forsyth County Board Chairman Alfred John praised the inclusive spirit that events like the FOI represent. Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson of Gwinnett County lauded IACA’s unwavering commitment to community building and cultural education.
Consul Kandhaswamy Raju from the Consulate General of India announced improved consular services, including the introduction of Saturday hours at VFS centers, providing much-needed convenience to the diaspora. These announcements were well received and underscored the strengthening bond between India and its diaspora in the Southeastern United States.
FOI featured over 70 mesmerizing cultural performances, ranging from classical Indian dance forms such as Bharatanatyam to high-energy Bollywood numbers. Dr. Raktim Sen, Cultural Director, noted with pride that the diverse presentations not only entertained but also educated and inspired, serving as a living museum of India’s vast cultural landscape.
The festival extended beyond performance to service. A free Health Fair offered medical screenings, consultations, and blood tests to over 200 individuals. Health Fair Volunteer Lead Soorya Kumar Aparna Thoppan remarked on the compassion of the volunteers, highlighting how community health initiatives provide not just care but also dignity. IACA Board Member Chand Akkineni, one of the festival’s key architects, emphasized that the dual mission of service and celebration is central to IACA’s ethos.
Other engaging activities included a public speaking contest for youth and adults, a storytelling workshop, and a colorful drawing competition for children. The Chess Tournament, in which members of the Gwinnett Police also participated, added an intellectual and cross-cultural dimension. According to Mohua Maity, Vice President of the Georgia Chess Association, the involvement of law enforcement in the tournament showed how the festival successfully bridges cultural divides.
The FOI also featured a bustling bazaar, with stalls offering traditional Indian cuisine, ethnic clothing, jewelry, and crafts, creating an immersive sensory experience. A vibrant flower show added a touch of nature and artistry, curated by Coordinator Neeta Shenvi, while the India American Scholarship Fund presented awards to meritorious students who exemplify academic achievement and service.
IACA President Dhananjay Gupta captured the spirit of the day with a poetic reflection, comparing the event to a sea where many rivers—representing diverse communities—come together to form a single identity. Board Chairman Kaushal Tripathi echoed this sentiment, calling the FOI “an iconic event” that continues to evolve and inspire. Jyothsna Hegde, Media Director and Souvenir Chair, expressed pride in the festival’s role in preserving heritage and planting seeds of cultural pride among younger generations.
The event was supported by an array of generous sponsors, including Delta Airlines, Platinum North America, Jaipur Living, and the Atlanta Partners Association, among others. Their support underscores the broad-based backing the Indian community enjoys in Atlanta.
Together, the Freedom Mela and Festival of India painted a powerful portrait of unity in diversity. These events were not only jubilant celebrations of a nation’s independence but also affirmations of cultural identity, shared values, and the strong bonds between India and the United States. As Atlanta’s Indian American community continues to grow in both size and influence, such celebrations serve as a reminder of their deep roots, remarkable journey, and ongoing contributions to the cultural mosaic of America.
