Skip to main content

I-Day in US: Indian Muslim diaspora march in tribute to legacy of freedom fighters

IAMC joins Indian Independence Day parade in New Jersey; celebrates alongside fellow Indian Americans: An Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) note: 

***
Members of the Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) participated in an annual Indian Independence Day parade in Edison, New Jersey alongside fellow Indian Americans of diverse backgrounds.
Dressed in traditional clothing and waving several Indian flags, members from IAMC’s New Jersey chapter - including children and families - joined the NJ diaspora community in celebration of India’s 76th year of independence. IAMC members also marched in tribute to the rich legacy of India's 200 million Muslims, who played a pivotal role in India’s freedom struggle and continue to contribute to Indian culture, entertainment, society and defense of democracy.
IAMC was introduced by the parade’s MCs as an advocacy group “guided by a passionate commitment to justice, civil rights, and harmony,” and members were invited onto the stage for a photo opportunity. Other Indian diaspora groups also joined the parade, including Indian Christians, Dalits, and members of Hindus for Human Rights.
The parade was organized by the Indian Business Association, which this year took precautions to avoid divisive symbolism and maintain harmony throughout the event after a bulldozer, representing the demolition of Muslim-owned homes in India, was included in last year’s parade.
“Last year, we saw this same event divided by hateful imagery,” said Tazeem Ansari, a member of IAMC’s NJ chapter. “This year, we joined the parade to pay tribute to the real values of India: peace, tolerance, and love for the diversity that makes the nation so beautiful.”
“Our heartfelt thanks goes out to Mayor John McCormac and the police departments of Edison IAMC joins Indian Independence Day parade in New Jersey; celebrates alongside fellow Indian Americans
Members of the Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) participated in an annual Indian Independence Day parade in Edison, New Jersey alongside fellow Indian Americans of diverse backgrounds.
Dressed in traditional clothing and waving several Indian flags, members from IAMC’s New Jersey chapter - including children and families - joined the NJ diaspora community in celebration of India’s 76th year of independence. IAMC members also marched in tribute to the rich legacy of India's 200 million Muslims, who played a pivotal role in India’s freedom struggle and continue to contribute to Indian culture, entertainment, society and defense of democracy.
IAMC was introduced by the parade’s MCs as an advocacy group “guided by a passionate commitment to justice, civil rights, and harmony,” and members were invited onto the stage for a photo opportunity. Other Indian diaspora groups also joined the parade, including Indian Christians, Dalits, and members of Hindus for Human Rights.
The parade was organized by the Indian Business Association, which this year took precautions to avoid divisive symbolism and maintain harmony throughout the event after a bulldozer, representing the demolition of Muslim-owned homes in India, was included in last year’s parade.
“Last year, we saw this same event divided by hateful imagery,” said Tazeem Ansari, a member of IAMC’s NJ chapter. “This year, we joined the parade to pay tribute to the real values of India: peace, tolerance, and love for the diversity that makes the nation so beautiful.”
“Our heartfelt thanks goes out to Mayor John McCormac and the police departments of Edison and Woodbridge for listening to their communities and ensuring that the parade remained a safe space for all,” Ansari added. “We also appreciate the support we received from spectators of the parade.”
“We’re far from deterred by the efforts of certain people, both in India and in the US, who are trying to erase the rich legacy of Indian Muslims and other minorities. We’re proud of who we are. We’re not going anywhere,” said Mohammed Jawad, a New Jersey resident and President of IAMC National. Woodbridge for listening to their communities and ensuring that the parade remained a safe space for all,” Ansari added. “We also appreciate the support we received from spectators of the parade.”
“We’re far from deterred by the efforts of certain people, both in India and in the US, who are trying to erase the rich legacy of Indian Muslims and other minorities. We’re proud of who we are. We’re not going anywhere,” said Mohammed Jawad, a New Jersey resident and President of IAMC National.

Comments

TRENDING

Neville Cardus: The man who turned cricket writing into poetry

By Harsh Thakor*  Neville Cardus was one of the most remarkable literary figures of the twentieth century. A prolific English writer and critic, he achieved distinction in two vastly different fields: cricket and classical music. Entirely self-taught, Cardus rose from humble beginnings to become both the cricket correspondent and chief music critic of The Manchester Guardian . His achievements in these contrasting disciplines earned him widespread acclaim and established him as one of the foremost critics of his generation. In February 2025, the cricketing and literary world marked the fiftieth anniversary of his death, which occurred in February 1975.

​Ideological shifts and structural realities within India's left-wing insurgency

​By Harsh Thakor*  The Maoist insurgency in India is arguably at its weakest point since the formation of the Communist Party of India (Maoist) in 2004. Years of sustained counterinsurgency operations, leadership losses, shrinking territorial influence, declining recruitment, and growing technological advantages enjoyed by the state have significantly eroded the movement's operational capabilities. 

The Dalit body on screen: Stereotypes, sacrifice, and subjugation in Hindi films

By Dr. Prem Singh*  Despite centuries of reformist efforts, from Gandhi and Ambedkar to contemporary activists, the caste system remains deeply embedded in the Indian psyche. One of the primary reasons for this persistence is the religious sanction provided by Brahminical scriptures, which have shaped not only social structures but also cultural and artistic expressions.