Join WhatsApp Channel
The India American Cultural Association (IACA) marked the 30th annual Festival of India on August 15 at the Gas South Center in Atlanta, bringing the community together to celebrate India’s 80th Independence Day alongside the 250th anniversary of the United States.
In his opening remarks, IACA President Dhananjay Gupta highlighted the organization’s 56-year history since its establishment in 1970 and reflected on its contributions to Atlanta’s Indian American community. Among its signature initiatives are the Festival of India, launched in 1997, as well as cultural programs including Diwali celebrations and Atlanta Indian Idol.
Gupta also encouraged greater community participation and membership to help advance IACA’s mission and sustain its cultural programming.
“Each of these events provides an opportunity to celebrate our traditions, encourage our younger generations to remain connected to their heritage, and share the beauty and diversity of Indian culture with the wider community,” Gupta said.
IACA Chairwoman Paddy Sharma, Ph.D., expressed her happiness that this year’s celebration took place on August 15, allowing the community to commemorate India’s Independence Day on the date itself.
“We are glad that we are here. And every year we celebrate in such a big fashion, and I can see the support,” Sharma said, while congratulating the honorees recognized at the event. “I have been connected with IACA for the past 30 years, and I have been very much involved in the Festival of India.”
Consul General of India in Atlanta, Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan congratulated IACA on organizing the Festival of India for 30 years.
“It’s an honor to participate in this event,” Lakshmanan said. Although he had missed the festival during the previous two years, he said he was pleased to attend this year’s celebration before moving on to his next assignment.
Reflecting on India’s cultural diversity, Lakshmanan said IACA’s festival seeks to bring that diversity together in Atlanta and create a “small mini-India” for the day.
The Consul General also underscored the importance of strengthening partnerships and connectivity between India and the southeastern United States. In that context, he announced that Delta is considering launching a direct flight between Atlanta and Delhi in late 2027, a development that could improve connectivity between the two regions.
U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia, addressing the gathering through a video message, thanked IACA for organizing the festival and for its efforts to strengthen U.S.-India relations and deepen ties between Georgia and India.
“It is a deep honor to represent Georgia’s Indian American community, and it’s been a priority for me to work across the aisle, bringing Republicans and Democrats together to support a strengthening of U.S.-India relations,” Ossoff said.
Georgia State Sen. Shawn Still praised Lakshmanan’s tenure in Atlanta, referring to him as the “greatest Consul General” Georgia has seen.
“Most of you know me as a friend of India,” Still said, describing Lakshmanan as “one of the finest diplomats” he has encountered during his years in politics. Still also expressed hope that Lakshmanan would represent Georgia in Ivory Coast during his next assignment.
Georgia State Rep. Dr. Michelle Au spoke about her longstanding connection with the annual celebration.
“I love coming to this event every year and seeing so many familiar faces and friends,” Dr. Au said.
She presented a resolution from the Georgia Legislative Asian American Pacific Islander Caucus recognizing the 30th anniversary of the Festival of India.
Fulton County Commissioner Bridget Thorne highlighted the Indian American community’s contributions to the county.
“I represent the largest and most vibrant Indian American community in Fulton County,” Thorne said. “That makes me proud because your families, your businesses, your faith communities, and your civic leadership are what make North Fulton County such a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”
Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson and Cobb County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Lisa Cupid were among other dignitaries who addressed the gathering.
During the celebration, IACA presented several awards recognizing contributions to the community. Consul General Lakshmanan received the Distinguished Service to the Community honor, while South Asian Herald Founder and Editor-in-Chief T. Vishnudatta Jayaraman was recognized for Outstanding Journalism.
GyanaLakshmi Rao received an award for Community Service, while Geetanjali Thalukdar and T. R. Reddy were recognized with IACA Dedication and Service Awards.
IACA also acknowledged Chairwoman Paddy Sharma and Prof. Jagdish Sheth for their support as gold sponsors of the event.
