The National Council of Asian Indian Associations (NCAIA) commemorated India’s 77th Republic Day and hosted a welcome reception for India’s Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) to the United States, Ambassador Namgya Khampa, on February 15, 2026, at the Magnoliya Grand Conference and Event Center in Manassas, Virginia.

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Khampa, who also serves as Charge d’Affaires, described Republic Day as a “very sacred day for all of us.” She praised NCAIA and its partner organizations for uniting the community to celebrate the occasion and for welcoming her in her capacity as DCM.

“On January 26, 1950, we adopted our constitution that turned us into a republic,” she said, adding, “I think it’s always instructive to remember the context in which we did this, and that context was really an India that was emerging from the crippling exploitation of colonialism, newly independent from the trauma of partition, and with the GDP of just $30 billion.”

She noted that at the time of independence, India had a population of approximately 350 million and an average life expectancy of 31 years. Despite those conditions, she said, the founders made the “brave, bold, and wise” decision to adopt democracy through the Constitution. She emphasized that “justice, liberty, equality and fraternity,” form the foundation of the Indian Constitution.

Nearly eight decades later, she said, India stands as the world’s fourth-largest economy and is projected to become the third largest by GDP in the coming years. With a population exceeding 1.4 billion, nearly half under the age of 30, the country is filled with “creativity, ingenuity, ambition, and dreams.”

She attributed India’s progress to its uninterrupted democratic trajectory, marked by “regular elections, peaceful transfer of power, independent judiciary, vibrant civil society, vibrant federalism,” which she said has strengthened national unity over time.

Over the past two decades, she added, India has undergone a “remarkable” transformation, a source of “great pride.” Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she said, the country is working toward achieving the Viksit Bharat vision by 2047.

“We are striving and taking decisive steps to get to a developed, inclusive, and forward-looking nation,” she said, emphasizing that every Indian and member of the diaspora has a vital role to play in that journey.

She also referenced the India Impact AI Summit, which began in New Delhi, bringing together more than two dozen heads of state, ministers, and delegations from over 100 countries to discuss the implications of artificial intelligence for India and the Global South.

According to her remarks, more than 1,700 delegates from the United States are participating in the Summit, representing government, business, academia, research institutions, and students. The discussions aim to examine AI’s impact on ordinary Indians and citizens across developing nations.

Recognizing the contributions of Indian diaspora members in the DMV region, Ambassador Khampa stated, “Your partnership makes a difference. Your role in deepening the strategic relations between India and the United States in embodying the best facets of what our civilization represents, makes us proud every day.”

Jag Mohan, Minister (Community Affairs) at the Indian Embassy, who is concluding his tenure in Washington, D.C., described India’s goal of achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047 as “very ambitious,” adding that the country is progressing “very solidly” toward that objective. 

“There is no doubt under the leadership of the Prime Minister Modi, we would achieve that. And in this journey, the members of Indian diaspora in this country, are not just spectators, but are active partners. So please keep extending your support to India, and pretty soon, we will achieve it,” he said.

Commemorative messages from lawmakers were also shared during the program.

“With the ties that bind the United States and India together, Virginians welcome the opportunity to celebrate the anniversary of India’s Constitution taking effect in 1950. The core strength of this relationship exists in the deep people-to-people bonds between our nations and the richness of our diaspora,” stated U.S. Senator Mark Warner in a message.

“I am pleased to commend the National Council of Asian Indian associations for organizing the 77th Republic Day celebration of India. The significant occasion celebrates India’s cultural richness and democratic foundations, while showcasing the key partnership between the United States and the Indian American community,” said Congressman Suhas Subramanyam.

“I’m delighted to celebrate the vibrant culture and contributions of Indian Americans across our Commonwealth. This celebration highlights the significant and invaluable presence of the Indian American community in Virginia and across the United States, in diverse fields such as business, education, medicine, government, the arts, science, technology,” said Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, Ghazala Hashmi. She also noted that as the first Indian American woman elected to executive-level leadership in Virginia, she was “personally delighted” to share the message at the celebration.

“It is a profound honor to extend my warmest greetings to the National Council of Asian Indian Associations, its member organizations and the vibrant Indian American community across the Commonwealth celebrate India’s Republic Day,” stated Virginia State Senator Kannan Srinivasan in a message read by NCAIA President Srinivas Tatipamula.

Loudoun County Delegate JJ Singh, who attended in person, observed that this year marks nearly eight decades since India became a republic and 250 years since the United States embraced democracy.

“They share so much together, and the contributions of those from our community are immeasurable,” he said, citing the CEOs of Google and Microsoft and the Dean of Harvard Business School as being of Indian origin. He also highlighted the work of Indian American leaders from Virginia, including U.S. Rep. Suhas Subramanyam and State Senator Srinivasan.

“I am now the only Indian American to serve in the House of Delegates. And I carry with me the values that I was brought up with from my Indian American parents…” he added.

President of the Hindu University of America, Kalyan Viswanathan, reflected on his association with the late Pujya Swami Dayananda Saraswati, founder of the Arsha Vidya Gurukulam, for more than two decades. Through that association, he said, he has undertaken the responsibility of “rejuvenating, restructuring,” and ensuring that HUA remains a resource for all, particularly younger generations.

During his remarks, he posed questions about whether children and grandchildren raised in the United States would continue to practice Hindu traditions and whether institutions established here are sufficient to transmit Sanatana Dharma across generations.

“We need to study. We need to learn. We need to take responsibility for the preservation, protection, and transmission of this dharma. It’s every one of our responsibilities,” he said.

President of Overseas Friends of BJP-USA, Adapa Prasad, extended greetings on Mahashivratri and Republic Day, stating that after a challenging year, U.S.–India relations are “on track.” He said the diaspora has significant responsibilities in the months ahead.

President of the American Telugu Association, Jay Challa, noted that the 35-year-old organization operates in all 50 states and represents a 1.5 million-strong Telugu American community. He invited attendees to the ATA Conference and Youth Convention scheduled for July 31 to August 2 at the Baltimore Convention Center.

Representatives of the Mana American Telugu Association announced that their second convention will be held June 19–20, 2026, at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center.

During the event, NCAIA presented leadership awards to Jag Mohan of the Indian Embassy, media professional Nilima Mehra, and former Indian Naval officer Satish Kapoor. The program also featured cultural performances by various groups.

NCAIA Trustee Co-Chair Kripa Singh delivered the vote of thanks. NCAIA’s Republic Day Coordinator Jayasri Telukuntla introduced Ambassador Khampa, Alok Srivastava introduced Jag Mohan, and Sashi Agarwal introduced JJ Singh. 

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