India House in Washington D.C. hosted a celebration of India’s 79th Independence Day on August 15, 2025, featuring a ceremonial flag-hoisting, special address from India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Kwatra, and cultural performances highlighting the nation’s journey and achievements.

The ceremony was led by Ambassador Kwatra, and attended by members of the Indian diaspora, students, and friends of India. In his remarks, Ambassador Kwatra reflected on the Independence Day address delivered by President of India Droupadi Murmu on the eve of the national holiday.

Quoting the President, the Ambassador noted that India’s Constitution rests on four foundational values, “justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.” He emphasized that India’s path since 1947 has been guided by these principles. “But in the 78 years since then, we have made extraordinary progress in all fields. India is well on the way to becoming a self-reliant nation and is moving ahead with great confidence,” he said, citing the President’s message.

Highlighting economic achievements, Ambassador Kwatra noted from the President’s speech that India recorded a GDP growth rate of 6.5 percent in the last fiscal year, making it the fastest-growing major economy. Despite global economic challenges, domestic demand has remained strong and inflation under control.

The President also underscored that millions have been lifted out of poverty through effective governance and targeted welfare programs, with safety nets for those still vulnerable.

Addressing India’s rapid urbanization, the President’s remarks, as conveyed by the Ambassador, pointed to the government’s expansion of metro rail services across multiple cities and significant investment in urban infrastructure. In healthcare, initiatives under Ayushman Bharat have marked a transformative shift, making it the largest healthcare scheme of its kind globally.

In technology, nearly all villages now have 4G connectivity, with full coverage expected soon. India’s space program has also seen unprecedented growth, with Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission to the International Space Station inspiring a generation and advancing the upcoming ‘Gaganyaan’ human spaceflight program.

The President also identified artificial intelligence as the next frontier of innovation, highlighting the India-AI mission aimed at building models tailored to national needs and establishing India as a global AI hub by 2047.

Touching on national security, Ambassador Kwatra mentioned that the President condemned recent terrorist attacks in Kashmir as “cowardly and utterly inhuman” and praised the decisive military response through Operation Sindoor, affirming the armed forces’ readiness to defend the nation.

Virginia State Senator Kannan Srinivasan, who was at the event, told South Asian Herald “India celebrates not only the freedom won by generations of Indians, but also the extraordinary journey of a nation that inspires as the world’s largest democracy. India has propelled towards progress, driving innovation, fostering economic growth, and contributing as a natural ally on the global stage, with an active diaspora contributing in every aspect around the world.”

The full speech of President Murmu was televised for the guests at the celebrations. 

The celebration also featured a cultural program showcasing talent from the Indian diaspora. Senior dancers from the Mayor Dance Academy performed Odissi, while students from the Gandharva School of Music presented a medley of patriotic songs.

The Embassy recognized winners of its Independence Day painting and essay competitions for children of the Indian community.

Painting Competition Winners

• Ages 4–6: Manvith Kumar S A, Ekaansh Sinha, Reva Gupta
• Ages 7–10: Ivvana Gupta, Sandana Dinesh, Aarvi Singh, Navya Muppidi
• Ages 11 and above: Shrestha Datta, Raisa Vohra, Nimit Kumar Ranjan, Parvani Kaur

Essay Competition Winners

• Shiv Jindal, Shreyas Kumar Ranjan, Utsavi Sah

The celebrations also included an exhibition on the history of the tricolor flag as part of the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign.

Related posts:

Ambassador Vinay Kwatra celebrates India’s 78th Independence Day with the diaspora at India House Indian Ambassador’s Wife Pooja Kwatra Inspires DMV Youth with Global Lessons in Culture and Leadership India-U.S. Strategic Ties Bolstered by Joint Stand Against Cross-Border Terrorism  South Asian Americans Win the 2024 Loudoun Innovation Challenge Award in the Lifesciences Technology Category