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Patrons of the Lead America Advisory Council and community leaders have praised an upcoming interfaith celebration commemorating the 250th anniversary of American Independence. The event, hosted by the Lead America Foundation in partnership with the Interfaith Leadership Alliance of Washington, D.C., and Natya Margam, is scheduled for July 19, 2026, at the Southern Asian Adventist Church in Silver Spring, Maryland.
The event, themed “Unity in Diversity,” will celebrate what organizers describe as the enduring “Soul of America” by bringing together faith leaders, community advocates, and participants from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds, according to a statement from Lead America.
Chief Patron Dr. Bharat Barai said, “A nation’s greatness is measured not just by its power, but by its capacity to embrace diversity while remaining united in purpose. As we mark 250 years of American Independence, this gala stands as a testament to the enduring American ideal that, out of many, we are one.”
Grand Patron Dr. Suresh C. Gupta, an eminent pulmonologist, former head of the Maryland Board of Physicians, and longtime community leader, said, “America’s success is built on the foundations of inclusivity, compassion, the humane and respectful treatment of all, and the courage of conviction. No other nation has transformed itself so magnificently as America has over the last century, and that is what we are celebrating in its 250th year of Independence.”
Patron Mohinder Gulati, former chief operating officer of a United Nations organization and an adviser to the World Bank, reflected on the nation’s founding ideals.
“Two hundred fifty years ago, a new nation was born out of strife, injustice, and colonial subjugation. Its clarion call was equality, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Every time our nation faced a challenge, it responded with courage while remaining anchored in its moral values. It emerged as a global beacon of freedom, democracy, and hope,” Gulati said.
He added, “Today, as a nation of many faiths, diverse ethnicities, numerous languages, and cultures from around the world, we stand as a testament to that shining city upon a hill envisioned by our founding fathers.”
Patron and Adviser Sant Gupta said, “America has always been a bold experiment in freedom and human dignity. This 250th anniversary is not merely a commemoration. It is a call to every generation to protect, preserve, and pass on the enduring values of liberty, justice, and opportunity for all.”
Lead America Chairman Dr. Krishna Madiraju said, “Unity in Diversity is more than a theme. It is the living heartbeat of America. Through this interfaith celebration, we reaffirm our shared commitment to the timeless principles that have made this nation a shining city upon a hill and a beacon of hope for the world.”
Patron and Adviser Dr. Siva Subramanian said, “In a world often divided, America continues to show that faith, freedom, and fellowship can coexist and flourish.” He added that the milestone provides an opportunity for people to rise above differences, celebrate their shared humanity, and strengthen the bonds that unite the nation.
Patron and Adviser Suresh Shenoy said, “America’s 250-year journey is a powerful reminder that true strength lies in our ability to unite across differences. From every corner of the world, people have come here not just to live, but to dream, contribute, and thrive.” He described the interfaith gala as a celebration of that shared dream of “one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
According to the statement, Lead America President Rajesh Gooty has spent years fostering interfaith dialogue and collaboration. The Interfaith Leadership Alliance of Washington, D.C. is a network of individuals from different faiths and beliefs working together to advance America’s promise of religious freedom and civil rights for all.
Natya Margam, whose name translates to “the path to the Divine through performing arts,” combines the ancient Indian classical dance form Bharatanatyam with contemporary American artistic expression and cultural themes.
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