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Houston's Indian diaspora marked India's 80th Independence Day with flag-hoisting, songs and exhibits at the consulate. The large turnout underscored the community's enduring ties to India and the Viksit Bharat vision.
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Houston,UPDATED: Aug 16, 2026 11:30 IST
The Indian diaspora in Houston celebrated India’s 80th Independence Day on Saturday at an event organised by the consulate, with a flag-hoisting ceremony, cultural programmes and an exhibition. The celebrations drew a large turnout from the community, with many members saying the ceremony deepened their bond with India despite being thousands of miles from home.
Consul General D C Manjunath hoisted the tricolour and read out President Droupadi Murmu’s address to the nation. He thanked those present for their steadfast commitment to India and urged them to actively engage in the journey towards the national goal of ‘Viksit Bharat’.
Held at the Chancery premises, the event began with the singing of the national song, followed by the unfurling of the tricolour amid a shower of flower petals and a mass rendition of the national anthem. Despite the Houston heat, the diaspora thronged the consulate. The commemorative programme also featured patriotic songs, an exhibition of specially commissioned paintings on the ‘Viksit Bharat’ theme, and the felicitation of winners of the ‘Bharat Ko Janiye’ Quiz.
A prominent delegation of elected officials and civic leaders attended the event to present proclamations and extend greetings. Among them were University of Houston Chancellor Renu Khator, Fort Bend County Judge Daniel Wong, Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones, and Fort Bend Commissioners Dexter McCoy and Andy Myers.
After the Chancery programme, Manjunath joined community leaders and diaspora members at the O P Jindal Centre at India House Houston for an outdoor ceremony featuring a four-flag-hoisting sequence — the Indian tricolour, the US flag, the Texas state flag and the India House banner. The day ended with patriotic songs, cultural presentations, community speeches and a reception, rounding off the Independence Day celebrations across the Houston Indian-American community.
With PTI Inputs
- Ends
Published By:
India Today Web Desk
Published On:
Aug 16, 2026 11:30 IST
