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Rockville, Maryland: The National Council of Asian Indian Associations (NCAIA), in partnership with Sikhs of America and Global Haryana, hosted “Great Democracies: India 80 and America 250” on October 10, 2026, bringing together community leaders, elected officials and diplomats to celebrate the two nations’ independence milestones and recognize community contributions.
Organization President Vikram Singh highlighted its 20-year history of promoting Indian culture and strengthening India-U.S. relations.
“We come together not only to celebrate two great nations, but also to honor our heritage, embrace our cultures, and strengthen the friendship between the world’s largest and oldest democracies, India and the United States,” he said.
Vikram also thanked the co-hosting organizations and sponsors for their support.
Representing the Embassy of India, Karan Singh Bangari, first secretary in the Community and Personnel Affairs Wing, conveyed greetings from Ambassador Vinay Kwatra to the organization and the Indian American community.
Bangari highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 25 years of public service and his “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision of making India a developed nation. He also emphasized the breadth of India-U.S. cooperation in technology, healthcare, space and education.
In his keynote address, Anil Sharma, CEO of 22nd Century Technologies, reflected on his journey from arriving in the United States with limited financial resources to leading a business with thousands of employees worldwide.
Sharma said his company has created thousands of jobs, supported education and contributed to the community.
“I strongly believe when someone gives you an opportunity, it’s our deep responsibility to give back,” he said, explaining that the opportunities he received in the United States inspired his commitment to serving the country and its communities.
He outlined three priorities for Indian Americans: passing Indian values on to future generations, fostering unity across regional backgrounds and strengthening India-U.S. ties through civic participation, including voting. He encouraged community members to use their success to create opportunities for others.
Sharma received an award from the organization and a citation from Maryland Governor Wes Moore recognizing his community service and promotion of shared democratic values.
Sikhs of America Chairman Jesse Singh commended Mor, Chairperson Anjana Bordoloi and the organizing team.
“I’ve been affiliated with this organization for a very, very long time, and every year you raise the bar,” he said.
Jesse also congratulated Sharma and shared a teaching from Guru Nanak about bringing sweetness to society without causing disruption. Expressing concern about hostility toward South Asians, he called on community members to remain united and support one another.
Congressman Suhas Subramanyam recalled a conversation two weeks earlier with his parents, who immigrated to the United States in the 1970s.
“They said that they’ve never felt more like outsiders than they do right now because they’ve started to see an increase in ways that they’ve never seen it before and heard it before,” he said.
Subramanyam expressed concern that anti-immigrant comments were becoming more common online and in everyday settings, including grocery stores. He emphasized the importance of India-U.S. relations and urged Indian Americans to support and protect one another.
Reflecting on his children’s future, he noted that both he and his children were born in the United States and that they would carry the Subramanyam name.
“I want to make sure that they are not feeling like they’re ever at a disadvantage in this country, and that they are a part of this country, that they are true Americans too, just like we all are tonight,” he said.
Maryland Department of General Services Secretary Atif Chaudhry also emphasized the relationship between India and the United States and recognized South Asian Americans’ contributions across Maryland’s economic and civic sectors.
At the event, Community Service and Business Leadership awards were presented to Anil Sharma, Pavan Bezwada, Keerthi Swamy, Kanti Singh and Balinder Kundu.
T. Vishnudatta Jayaraman of South Asian Herald, Sukhpal Dhanoa of Panjab Post and New India Abroad, and Varinder Singh of CNC News received Excellence in Journalism and Media in the South Asian Community awards. Public Service recognition went to Suhas Subramanyam, Karan Bangari and Atif Chaudhry.
Other speakers included Global Haryana Chairman Balinder Kundu from New Jersey and Sujit Singh, a Democratic candidate for New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District.
The event also recognized Baljinder “Shammi” Singh of the Center of Social Change and Sikhs of America; Balinder Kundu of Global Haryana, Vikram Kansal of Wine & Spirit Group; Shruti Aggarwal, an IUL and retirement planning expert; and Keerthi Swamy, CEO of East Coast Metals as major sponsors.
Cultural performances included Kuchipudi by Kalanidhi Dance, Ganesh Vandana by Raya Dance Academy, Bhangra by D.C. Metro Punjabi Academy, Bharatanatyam by Natyabhoomi School of Dance and Bollywood fusion by Yuva Dance Academy.
Rama Sharma, Lakshmi Darbha, Gurpreet Kaur, Jasvinder Singh and Vikram Singh sang the Indian national anthem. Sreeyan Nampally performed the U.S. national anthem.
President of OFBJP-USA, Adapa Prasad from Maryland along with several community leaders including Gulshan Chhabra, Sandeep Mittan, Rakesh Golan, and Rajeev Chaudhry from New York and New Jersey areas were also present to express their support to this event.
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