Farmingdale Senator Takes Part In Indian Independence Day Celebration

FARMINGDALE, NY — State Sen. Kevin Thomas of Nassau County was among the several elected officials on Tuesday who celebrated Indian Independence Day, which was hosted by Gov. Kathy Hochul at the Queens Museum at Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

Nearly 400,000 Indian Americans call the Empire State home, according to the governor who called Aug. 15, 2022 Indian Independence Day in New York.

“We're here to celebrate Indian Independence Day,” Hochul said on the day after the 75th anniversary of India gaining independence from the United Kingdom. “We're so lucky here in New York to have so many Indian Americans representing our levels of government. There are many firsts, and to the community that was long underrepresented in our society, that those barriers have been broken. And so they're making incredible contributions to our civic life.”

Thomas, who represents parts or all of Farmingdale, Garden City, Uniondale, East Meadows, Bethpage and Massapequa, said he is the first Indian American to serve in the State Senate.

“As we gather to honor those who made great sacrifices for freedom, I am proud to be a strong voice in Albany for this growing and vibrant community throughout our State," Thomas told Patch. "I look forward to continuing to support our colorful and diverse culture that touches the lives of all New Yorkers through contributions in a multitude of fields including public service, education, health, technology, food and more.”

During the event, performers played traditional Indian drum and string instruments and the Consulate General of India, Randhir Jaiswal, received a proclamation from the governor.

“India’s success as a Democratic nation is an inspiration for all freedom loving people around the world,” said Jaiswal at the celebration. “In the decades and years past, walking on the path of freedom shown by your founding leaders, and one Mahatma Gandhi, our country has made tremendous progress and we hold our head high. A sense of pride cloaks us.”

Asian Americans account for 3.4 percent of Suffolk County’s population and 8.4 percent of Nassau County residents, according to U.S. Census statistics from the World Population Review, an organization that tracks demographic data.