Amid loud cheers and applause, chief guest at the event Baba Ramdev, said the world today recognises India’s strength and its tremendous contribution to health, education, political and spiritual system. Express photo by Jaipal SinghThousands of Indians in traditional finery celebrated India’s 70th Independence Day at one of the largest parades outside the country with the iconic Empire State Building lighting up in Indian tricolour. Amid loud cheers and applause, Ramdev, speaking in Hindi, said the world today recognises India’s strength and its tremendous contribution to health, education, political and spiritual system. Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan, the Grand Marshal of the parade, said it felt “wonderful” to be the part of India’s Independence Day celebrations in New York. The senior Bachchan had participated in the 50th anniversary of India’s Independence Day 19 years ago.

Source: Indian Express August 22, 2016 02:48 UTC