Indian American Long Islanders talk about their heritage and what they wish more people knew about the community

It was time to celebrate India's 80th Independence Day on Sunday... — It was time to celebrate India's 80th Independence Day on Sunday in Hicksville with a parade and festival. Credit: Rick Kopstein

By Peter Gillpeter.gill@newsday.comUpdated August 24, 2026 7:19 am

Green, white and saffron flags streamed through central Hicksville on Sunday as the Indian American community celebrated India's 80th Independence Day with a parade featuring film and music stars from the country, floats carrying temples and deities, and a good dose of joy.

India, the world’s most populous democracy, and where student-led protests rocked the capital Delhi earlier this summer, gained independence from British colonial rule at the stroke of midnight on Aug. 15, 1947.

In lulls between Bollywood tunes and bhangra beats that blared from the parade's sound systems, Newsday asked attendees what they were most proud of about their Indian heritage, and what they wished more Long Islanders understood about their community. Here are some of their answers.

Sashi Vridachalam, Jericho

Sashi Vridhachalam, of Jericho, smiles while attending the Indian Independence Day... — Sashi Vridhachalam, of Jericho, smiles while attending the Indian Independence Day Parade in Hicksville. Credit: Rick Kopstein

“Unity in diversity is something I learned from India. With so many states, speaking different languages, eating different food, wearing different clothes, and they all come together. I'm very proud of that.”

Harbinder Singh, 57, East End

Harbinger Singh, 57, spoke about his heritage while attending the... — Harbinger Singh, 57, spoke about his heritage while attending the parade. Credit: Rick Kopstein

"I was born in India, but I was raised here all my life. We're not just doctors, we're not just taxi drivers — we represent every facet of America across every job market. We just want people to understand who we are. We're not a threat. We're just fun-loving people, and we enjoy what we do."

Sophia Kaur, 13, North Babylon

Sophia Kaur, 13, of North Babylon, poses for a photo... — Sophia Kaur, 13, of North Babylon, poses for a photo at the parade. Credit: Rick Kopstein

“I'm just proud to be Punjabi. I love bhangra. I've been dancing bhangra for eight years. I just love performing and making people smile.”

Grince Singh, 27, East Meadow

Grince Singh, 27, of East Meadow, speaks with Newsday at... — Grince Singh, 27, of East Meadow, speaks with Newsday at the Indian Independence Day Parade in Hicksville. Credit: Rick Kopstein

"I'm just proud of ... how our parents grew up and were able to, you know, overcome any adversity and come to a country like this and build a life here," said Singh, a bhangra dance instructor. "I'm trying to spread the culture with the youth and really teach them about their roots and heritage."

Nazeeha Vargas, 17, Bellmore

Nazeeha Vargas, 17, of Bellmore, discussed what she wished more... — Nazeeha Vargas, 17, of Bellmore, discussed what she wished more Long Islanders knew about her culture. Credit: Rick Kopstein

"I wish more [Long Islanders] knew about why we dress up and the different holidays that we have. ... I'm Puerto Rican and Indian American. There's not a lot of people that are half Hispanic and half Indian. So it's really nice to represent our culture, especially coming from a bunch of different backgrounds."

Madhu Sharma, Centereach

Sudha Malhotra, left and Madhu Sharma at the Indian Independence... — Sudha Malhotra, left and Madhu Sharma at the Indian Independence Day Parade in Hicksville Sunday. Credit: Rick Kopstein

"What's one thing I'm proud of about my heritage? Not one thing — everything! We want the entire world to be like one family. We might have difference of opinions, but ultimately our goal should be one, and that is to be living peacefully, coexist peacefully."

Arshdeep Kaur, 15, East Meadow

Tejinder Kaur, left, of East Meadow, and her daughter, National... — Tejinder Kaur, left, of East Meadow, and her daughter, National American Miss New York Arshdeep Kaur. Credit: Rick Kopstein

"August 15th last week was a very good day for me because it was not only the day that I was crowned, it's also the day of India's Independence Day."

Raj Ratan, 51, Hicksville

Deepmala, left, and Raj Ratan, of Hicksville, hold India's national... — Deepmala, left, and Raj Ratan, of Hicksville, hold India's national flag during the celebration. Credit: Rick Kopstein

"[I'm proud of] the culture we bring here, which respects every society, every religion — and we propagate that. ... [Long Islanders] understand our festivals, like Diwali, which is celebrated inside schools. They do give holiday for that day and others."

Surinder Rametra, 86, Commack

Surinder Rametra, 86, of Commack, poses for a photo at... — Surinder Rametra, 86, of Commack, poses for a photo at the parade. Credit: Rick Kopstein

"I believe that the whole world is one family. We feel that the whole world is our home."

When he arrived in America in 1970, "I would have hardly found one Indian over here," Rametra said. "Now I'm proud that at least 100,000 people are all in this area."