IAS Celebrating Indian Independence Day: A Historic Gathering in Greater Sacramento

On August 16, 2025, over 3,000 Indian Americans from the Greater Sacramento area and beyond came together to celebrate Indian Independence Day, organized by the Indian Association of Sacramento (IAS). The festivities took place at Jessup University in Rocklin, California, starting at 10 AM. The event was marked by the presence of regional leaders, distinguished guests, and vibrant cultural representations, adding to the significance of the occasion.

“This year’s Independence Day marks a new chapter in IAS’s history, as we host the 20th anniversary of IAS in an in-person cultural celebration at Jessup University Theater for the fourth consecutive year since the pandemic,” said the organizers. Mr. Shivesh Sinha, Chairman of the IAS Board of Trustees, highlighted the importance of the event, noting the display of the tricolor flag that symbolized unity and pride.

A striking tricolor mega flag welcomed attendees at the entrance, drawing attention and excitement. Many participants donned traditional Indian attire, creating a colorful and festive atmosphere. The crowd enthusiastically waved both Indian and American flags, chanting slogans like “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” “Vande Mataram,” and “Jai Hind.” The celebration included a heartfelt rendition of both the Indian and American national anthems.
Ms. Selvi Janardhan, President of IAS, emphasized the historic significance of the event, stating, “The display of the mega tricolor flag at Jessup University Theater is a proud moment for our community. As India turns 79, we must move beyond partisan divides and strive for a unified community.”

Mr. Jay Srivasthava, IAS Vice President, added, “Today is a day to celebrate our remarkable achievements and the sacrifices made by our leaders during our freedom struggle. It’s also a time to chart our future course together.”

Congressman Kevin Kiley officially inaugurated the new ISA flag during a ceremony on the dais, attended by numerous guests. The event not only celebrated India’s independence but also reinforced the bonds within the Indian American community, fostering a spirit of unity and pride.

Harish Karbadna, Consul from the San Francisco Indian Consulate, attended the event. The guests of honour for this year’s IAS India Day include Kevin Kiley – US Congress; Patrick Henning – CA Chief Deputy Treasurer; Stephanie Nguyen – CA Assembly Member; Selvi Stainislaus – CA FTB CEO; Khydeeja Alam – Executive Director – Commissioner of Asian & Pacific Islander American Affairs; Shanti Landon – District 2 Placer County Supervisor, Suzanne Jones – District 4 Placer County Supervisor, Siri Pulipati – Rancho Cordova City Mayor, Jill Gayaldo – Rocklin City Mayor, Sarah Aquino – Folsom City Mayor, Barbara Leary – Folsom City Councilmember, Bill Halldin – Rocklin City Councilmember, Bruce Houdesheldt – Roseville City Councilmember, Pauline Roccucci – Roseville City Councilmember, YK Chalamcherla FCUSD Board Member, Jaya Badiga – Judge in the Sacramento County Superior Court, Landon Wolf representing Placer County Supervisor Bonnie Gore’s office, Sumiti Mehta – Natomas Unified School District Trustee, and Chris Clark – President FCUSD.

In addition to cultural activities, the IAS Sports Committee organized a variety of indoor and outdoor sports, including chess, badminton, table tennis, carrom, painting, volleyball, and throwball. Led by Shekhar Tiwari and Bhavik Vyas, the committee awarded trophies to all winners and runners-up. IAS also invited everyone to participate in the upcoming IAS T10 Cricket Tournament, set to commence on August 30th.
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Representatives from IAS participating organizations took part in the India Day Parade, celebrating the iconic leaders of India’s freedom struggle. The parade featured Indian flags and vibrant costumes that highlighted the rich culture and traditions of India. During this 20th anniversary celebration, IAS invited all past presidents to the dais, honoring their contributions and recognizing the vital role they played in the organization’s success to date.

For the year 2025, IAS announced that HART of Folsom and Anaikkum Karangal will receive the charity funds. HART of Folsom (https://www.hartoffolsom.org)—a Sacramento-based charity that helps those experiencing homelessness in Folsom move toward self-sufficiency and lasting independence. Anaikkum Karangal (https://anaikkumkarangal.org/) makes a difference in society by working for the holistic development of poorer communities, focusing on care for elderly, destitute women, and underprivileged children.

Ms. Janardhan thanked all IAS leaders, including Executive Committee Members, Vice President Mr. Jay Shrivastava, Secretary Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy Yachavarapu, Treasurer Mr. Magesh Babu, Joint Secretary Mrs. Anu Nandagopal, IAS Board of Trustees: Mr. Shivesh Sinha, Ms. Vandna Sharma, Mr. Gobi Ramasamy, and Mr. Bhaskar Vempati, IAS Committee Leads: Charity – Hrisikesh Shende, Rumya Sudhir, Culturals – John Britto, Vinayak Patil, Meet & Greet – Gobi Ramasamy, Sangita Biswas, PR – Anupriya Ramraj, Paresh Sinha, 5K Run – Prashant Joshi, Nirupa Naresh, Vendor – Syam Yeleti, Amitabh Saikh, Venue – Siva Prasath, Bhaskar Jonnalagadda, Sports – Shekhar Tiwari, Bhavik Vyas, Cricket – Manish, Vijay Parvatikar, Seminars – Dr. Bhavin Parikh, Nikki Lakhwinder Kaur, ARI – Bhaskar Vempati, Pushpa Venkateshan, Marketing & Social Media: Rajesh Yakkali, Venu Malleswara, Venkat Nagam, Parade – Rajanish Donthi, Asha Konda, Youth Committee – Ilan Shankar, Rithika Medari, IAS Board of Advisors: Mrs. Anupriya Ramraj, Mr. Satheesh Nagaraj, Mr. Venugopal Acharya, Mr. Vijay Bhaskar Jonnalagadda, Dr. Bhavin Parikh, Mr. Ramraj Thandapandian, Mr. Ajit Natu, Mr. Vinod Balakrishna, and Mr. Venkat Michineni, and all of IAS volunteers for their tireless and selfless efforts, and for working round the clock to ensure the success of all the planned events for the IAS India Day 2025 event.

Founded in 2005 as a non-profit organization in California, the Indian Association of Sacramento (IAS) serves as a vital platform dedicated to preserving the rich cultural heritage of India. Our mission is to share and showcase the beauty of Indian culture with fellow citizens in the Greater Sacramento area, ensuring that this vibrant heritage is kept alive for future generations. At IAS, we collaborate with various Indian cultural organizations to achieve our goals. Throughout the year, we host numerous events, with a special emphasis on India Day, which commemorates Indian Independence on August 15, 1947. IAS warmly invites everyone to join our events that celebrate humanity and culture and to embark on this enriching journey with us. To learn more about the Indian Association of Sacramento, please visit our website: https://iassac.org or follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndianAssociationSacramento .

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