The National Council of Asian Indian Associations (NCAIA), in collaboration with other community organizations in the DMV area, hosted India’s 79th Independence Day celebrations on August 17, 2025, at John Champe High School in Aldie, Virginia, bringing together elected officials, community leaders, and members of the Indian American community.

The program highlighted the shared democratic values of the United States and India, honoring the sacrifices of freedom fighters while underscoring the growing partnership between the two nations.

Rep. Suhas Subramanyam of VA’s 10 district said he is the first Indian American Member of Congress Virginia has ever sent to the US Capitol. 

“I was born here, but some of my family still lives in India,” said Rep. Subramanyam. He noted that when he was appointed Ranking Member of the Oversight Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs, his priority was to help ensure the U.S.–India relationship remains strong.

He emphasized bipartisan efforts to reinforce ties. “I am working on that very diligently in a bipartisan way, we’re going to send a delegation of members of Congress to India. We’re already sending one in September. We’re going to try to send another one in February next year and continue to strengthen the relationship,” he noted, adding, “I know right now things are not great because of the tariff situation, which I’m speaking out against, but we’ll continue regardless, to try to make sure we have that strong economic defense relationship.”

Virginia State Senator Kannan Srinivasan quoted former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, saying, “US and India are natural allies.” He added, “As the largest democracy and the oldest democracy, we may go through challenges as we are going through now. But I’m very confident that these two amazing democracies will not only survive this, but thrive…”

Senior Delegate David A. Reid (HD-28) expressed gratitude for the community’s invitation.

“Since I was first elected eight years ago, I have made it a priority to attend Indian Independence Day celebrations,” Reid said. “Your independence 79 years ago and our independence 249 years ago are forever intertwined. We are the world’s two largest democracies and that creates a special bond that is reflected in our communities and spans the globe.”

Delegate Geary Higgins (HD-13) conveyed his best wishes, adding, “I hope you all have a great celebration as we look forward to celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the Independence of the United States in the coming year.”

Delegate JJ Singh also spoke of the nations’ shared values. “US and India share so much in common, not just in independence from Britain, but also economic ties. I hope that our relationship can stay strong despite the tariffs that have been levied…” he said, while recognizing his mother Dilpreet Singh in the audience who was recording his speech.

Loudoun County Treasurer Henry Eickelberg reflected on the two countries shared democratic foundations. 

“We each got our democracy from England. Each of us went our separate ways from England. But the principles that we got from that shared history are really important, and they continue to define both of our great countries to this very day…” he remarked.

NCAIA leaders also used the occasion to honor India’s progress and the contributions of the diaspora. Trustee Chairman Sunil Singh emphasized India’s rapid strides in the economy, space, technology, education, and healthcare. 

Outgoing Chairman Kripa Singh added, “Our two democracies—diverse, dynamic, and determined—share more than common values. We share a vision of progress that reaches from classrooms to laboratories, from space exploration to global peace efforts.”

Messages from elected officials further reinforced the importance of the U.S.-India partnership. Jaclyn Marmol, Outreach Representative for U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner, delivered a commendation highlighting Warner’s role as co-chair of the bipartisan India Caucus in Congress.

The commendation said, “I commend the National Council of Asian Indian associations for organizing this important event in the United States Senate. I am very proud to serve as the co-chair of the bipartisan India caucus, which is one of the largest country caucuses in Congress the United States,” adding “India partnership is underlined by shared strategic interests ranging from economic to security, maritime space and emerging technology, education and healthcare…”

Harold Payne, representing Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, read a message recognizing India’s historic milestone. It said, “Seventy-nine years ago today, British rule ended in India with the passage of the Indian Independence Bill. As you celebrate this historic milestone, I am honored to join you in commemorating your rich history, community, and culture…”

Second Secretary (Visa), from the Embassy of India in Washington, D.C., Rajiv Ahuja, conveyed greetings from Indian Ambassador to the United States Vinay Kwatra and praised NCAIA’s efforts. 

The event also included recognition of community leaders and organizations. Honorees included Rep. Subramanyam, Gopinath Durgaiyanaidu, Shashi Agarwal, Lalik Jha, Somi Reddy Law Firm, and the Shweta Mishra Dance Group.

Incoming NCAIA Chairman, Nayna Desai, incoming President Srinivas Tatipamula, NCAIA Coordinator Avni Tatipamula, Durgaiyanaidu, Dr. Roja Vemula and others also spoke at the event. NCAIA Trustee Chair Singh, and President Yogendra Gupta, formally welcomed both incoming President and Chair of NCAIA. 

The celebration witnessed several cultural performances, with Meenal Singh, NCAIA’s Cultural Chair, serving as the master of ceremonies.

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