Apparently, the eager crowds attending the India Day Parade on Aug 19 broke through the barricades and the governor of New York City got jostled in the process. 

"That's true. As soon as I come out on the road people broke the barrier. The cops had to form a cordon around me, and this angered the Indians. In the jostle that followed the governor got pushed. 

"There were about 120,000 people there. Apparently, there had never been a turnout like this at the parade before. There was such jubilation because of 60 years of our independence. Their excitement was inspiring. I don't mind reaching out to fans, as long as they remain civil." 

After the parade there was a banquet to honour Priyanka. She also spent time with her best friend who lives in New York.

Priyanka to lead India Day Parade in New York

Flags waved, drums rolled and Madison Avenue in Manhattan was awash in Indian colours as more than 25,000 people took part in the annual India Day Parade in New York. 
Actor Priyanka Chopra served as the Grand Marshall and India born US astronaut Sunita Williams too graced the occasion. 
A humbled Sunita who was thankful for the opportunity to be present at the event said, "It's I think the biggest population of Indian Americans, so it's just wonderful to be here. Thank you very much. Though the Earth is pretty heavy, it was nice to be able to float around." 
"We're in Madison Avenue, we're with everyone, all the Indians in New York, and I think that feels fantastic. There's so much love, so much patriotism in the air," said a visibly excited Priyanka. 

This was the twenty seventh year of the parade and the theme adopted for it was Women Power or 'Shakti' in honour of the role of Indian women in the fight of Indepdence. 

One of the spectators who shared her name with Priyanka made a very pertinent comment. "People perceive Inida differently now. People don't ask questions like -- Oh, you guys have vehicles in India? You speak English? and other sterotypes that existed such as those. Now, people realise that it is a very developed country." 

"People used to come here for jobs, now more people are going back there, because everything like technology is improving. So more people are going back there to get jobs," observed another spectator Sakhjinder Sandhu. 

Most like Priyanka and Sakhjinder have been the participants of the parade in New York for many years and on the day when they proudly walked in the honour of their country, their enthusiasm and patriotism only seemed to grow stronger. 
 

NEW YORK: Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra and NASA astronaut Sunita Williams are going to be the star attractions at this year's India Day Parade to commemorate India's 60th Independence Day, in New York City on August 19. 

At a press conference hosted by Globosat Entertainment at their studios in Long Island City for the Federation of Indian Associations (FIS) on July 31, the FIA revealed its grand plans to go above and beyond previous years to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of India's Independence. This year's parade -- the 27th consecutive parade in New York City - will have over 35 floats and more than 40 booths at the mela, according to FIA President Shobhna Patel. 

"All these floats and booths were sold out in just one week," she said. "We are thrilled to see such support and excitement for this year's parade." FIA Publicity Chair, Sudhir Vaishnav announced that along with Grand Marshall Priyanka Chopra and Chief Guest Johnny Lever, NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams has joined the list of Guests of Honor that are attending. Additionally, Reena Kapoor, who plays Pari in the Sahara One hit drama Woh Rehne Wali Mehlon Ki, will also be marching the parade, he announced. 

Chairpersons for the Float, Parade, Banquet and Reception all shared new and exciting plans for the parade. Special Events Chair Albert Jasani revealed that the Gala Banquet Dinner at Royal Albert Palace on August 20 will be done in a different and special manner this year with a sit down dinner for all guests. Reena Kapoor will be the master of ceremonies. 

The parade event sponsors were recognized and thanked by Vaishnav. FIA of the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut is one of the largest umbrella organizations in the Indian community. Representing over 300,000 Asian-Indians who provide significant grass root support, the organization has become a leader of its kind in the community. 

The annual India Day Parade that marches down Madison Avenue in NYC is the largest such parade outside India, and is FIA's most prestigious event of the year. Beyond hosting the Parade, FIA is involved throughout the year in activities that build cultural awareness, honor war veterans, and provide the needful services for children and senior citizens. 

The annual parade, which will be held Aug 19, is organised in Manhattan by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) and attracts thousands of people every year. It is considered the biggest such event outside India. 

Announcing details of the parade at the Indian Consulate here Wednesday, FIA president Shobhana Patel said comedian Johny Lever would be the chief guest. The theme of the parade would be "Women's Shakti" (power), Patel said. 

Music composer A.R. Rahman, who is on a concert tour of the US, was present at the function. He was Grand Marshal for the 2006 parade.