Brookhaven Supervisor Feted As Guest Of Honor, Along With Consul General In NY, At India Day Celebration

UNIONDALE, NY — Brookhaven Town Supervisor Daniel Panico joined the National Alliance of Indian Organizations India Day celebration, marking India's independence day, at the Long Island Marriott in Uniondale on Saturday, officials said.

The event not only commemorated India's 80th Independence Day, Aug. 15, 1947, marking the nation's independence from British rule, but America's 250th Semiquincentennial Anniversary.

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In a message prepared in recognition of India Day, Panico noted that the contributions of Indian people in education, medicine, business, technology, the arts, and public service have enriched communities across the globe and continue to strengthen Brookhaven and the nation, town officials said.

Panico described the anniversary as an occasion to reflect upon the courage of those who pursued freedom and the enduring values of liberty, self-determination, and hope, according to officials.

Panico was invited to attend as a Guest of Honor and joined community leaders, elected officials, and dignitaries for the celebration, including Binaya Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York, who also participated as a Guest of Honor.

Panico thanked everyone "for the very warm welcome."

"At this celebration of India's 80th Independence Day, it was
especially meaningful to see those in attendance also enthusiastically celebrate America's 250th anniversary,"
he said.

"Harry Singh, founder of Bolla, spoke movingly about how his success story was only possible in America and how deeply appreciative he is to be an American," he said. "Singh came to this country from India with very little, and worked tirelessly in a variety of jobs, including at a gas station, before building the highly successful Bolla brand we now see throughout Long Island."

"That spirit of entrepreneurship, hard work, and industriousness was prevalent throughout this very welcoming and proudly pro-American event," he said. "The celebration also featured prominent Indian-American industry leaders whose successful businesses employ many of our residents and are located right here in Brookhaven Town, including Amneal Pharmaceuticals."

"It was a wonderful celebration of India's independence, the contributions of Indian Americans to our community, and the tremendous opportunities that continue to make America the greatest country in the world," he added.