Hundreds of community members, veterans, elected officials, and families gathered in Northborough, Massachusetts, on Saturday, June 27, 2026, for the Foundation of lndian Americans (FIA) New England’s celebration honoring the 250th anniversary of American independence. Organizers described it as an “unforgettable” day where patriotism, culture, and civic service merged.
The highlight of the celebration was the launch of FIA New England’s “250 Fruit-Bearing Trees Initiative,” a symbolic environmental legacy project in which each tree represents one year of the nation’s independence. The first tree was planted by 95-year-old Frank Brown, a World War II U.S. Navy veteran, longtime Northborough businessman, and original owner of Brown’s TV.
The U.S. National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Preanshi Charnalia kickstarted the event. Emcees Jyoti Singh and Irena King guided the celebration through a full afternoon of tributes, performances, and ceremony.
Tributes were paid to the community’s veterans. Frank Brown, who also attended last year’s celebration, was honored for both his wartime service and decades of civic contribution. Also recognized were Max Strickland, a U.S. Navy veteran serving as Adjutant of American Legion Post 234 and Senior Vice Commander for District 4, and veteran Richard B. Nieber.
“I fought for this country many years ago, and it is a blessing to see this July 4th celebration today,” Brown said. “Planting these trees is not just about honoring the past -it is about giving something alive and lasting to the future generation.”
Organizers also thanked the Northborough Police Department, including Lieutenant Steve, for its role in ensuring the safety and smooth coordination of the large public gathering.
In one of the day’s most photographed moments, children released 250 silver foil balloons into the sky-one for every year of American independence. The stage featured a vibrant lineup of performers, including the Ekta, Lana & Padmani Dance Group, and a musical concert by Arun Verma and Priti alongside acclaimed singer Arun Rashtogi, whose patriotic numbers drew a standing ovation from the crowd.
A community meal, prepared and served by Chef Hardayal Singh Ji, added a final note of hospitality to the festivities.
Among the community leaders and dignitaries present were Massachusetts State Representative Kate Donaghue, who served as chief guest, along with Dr. Anahita Dua, Bhrugu Pange, Ram Gupta, Subu Kota and Vicky Kota, Sandeep Asija, and Ravi Sarin and Sudha Sarin. The Office of Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey presented Citations of Special Recognition to Lana Israel and Kadian A.James for their outstanding community service and leadership.
FIA New England President Abhishek Singh said, “America’s 250th Independence Day is not just a milestone -it is a reminder of our responsibility to serve, to give back, and to build a stronger future. The 250 trees we plant today are a living legacy for generations to come.”
Others quoted in the press release include community leader Subu Kota who said this was “what true patriotism looks like -honoring veterans, engaging youth, celebrating culture, and giving back to the environment.”
Dr. Anahita Dua, a vascular surgeon and Director of the Peripheral Artery Disease Center at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, added, “The Indian American community is proud to contribute to America’s progress through service, innovation, and civic engagement. Today’s celebration, including the planting of 250 fruit bearing trees, is a meaningful symbol of our commitment to giving back and building a stronger future together.”
The Foundation of Indian Americans (FIA New England) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to civic engagement and community service across New England. Among its initiatives are blood donation drives with the American Red Cross, Adopt-a-Highway cleanup programs, food donation support for regional food banks, free health and vision screening camps with Restoring Vision and Jatan Foundation, volunteer service at the Boston Marathon, 9/11 remembrance events, Veterans Day and Memorial Day commemorations, the India Day Parade, consular camps for the community, and efforts to strengthen U.S.-India relations through cultural exchange and public diplomacy.
Parikh Worldwide Media is the largest Indian-American publishing group in the United States. The group publishes five periodicals – “News India Times,” a national weekly newspaper; “Desi Talk in New York,” a weekly newspaper serving the New York-New Jersey-Connecticut region; and “Desi Talk in Chicago,” a weekly newspaper serving the Greater Chicago area and the Midwestern states; and “The Indian American,” a national online quarterly feature magazine, and the Gujarat Times, a Gujarati language weekly. The combined circulation and readership of these publications make the media group the most influential in the ethnic Indian market.
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