published Atlantic Highlands Herald 10 August 2006

press release

EDISON, NJ — The Indian Business Association supported by dozens of New Jersey based community organizations from throughout the state will celebrate Indian Independence day with a parade and cultural activities on August 13th, 2006. The festivities will begin at 3 PM and continue to 5 PM. Following the parade a cultural show will take place between 5 PM and 7 PM and will include dances and music representative of the Indian Culture. The first major Independence day parade to be scheduled in the Tri-State area, this grand event will take place in the center of Indo-America, on Oak Tree Road. Thousands of Indian Americans from across the state, and even from neighboring NY, CT, and PA are expected to attend.

The leaders of the event are proud to announce the special Grand Marshall will be Bipasha Basu, one of Bollywood’s most recognized and glamorous stars.. “We are truly lucky to have Bipasha at this year’s celebration,” said Mahesh Shah, President of the IBA. He added, “I’m not sure that there is an Indian who has not seen her pictures.”

According to recent census figures New Jersey boasts the third most popular state with 169,180 Indo-Americans in 2000, up 113% from 79,440 in 1990. About 2% of New Jersey's 8.4 million residents are Indians, up from 1% in 1990 and the highest percentage of Indians in any state.

The Parade, which will run on Oak Tree Road, will begin in Edison and travel to neighboring Woodbridge in Middlesex county. It will include over 20 floats, marching bands, costumed characters, ethnic dancers, representation of the over 50 participating Indo-American organizations, as well as other entertainment. Many governmental leaders from across the state, including the Office of the Governor and US Senate Candidates, have also been invited.