As the enduring Times Square brimmed with hues of the Indian tricolour and fervour in commemoration of India’s 77th independence day, a 1,800 kg ‘Chakra’ sculpture, a reproduction of the famed Konark wheel, was unveiled right here to mark the big day.
Members of the Indian-American and diaspora neighborhood turned out in massive numbers on the fashionable New York City landmark to have a good time India’s Independence Day on Tuesday.
Consul General of India in New York Randhir Jaiswal unfurled the Indian tricolour at Times Square amid chants of ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’, ‘Vande Matram’ and ‘Jai Hind’ and patriotic songs as these gathered on the event waved the Indian and American flags.
The flag hoisting ceremony was organised by main Indian diaspora organisation Federation of Indian Associations – NY NJ CT NE (FIA) and attended by Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Michelin star chef, filmmaker, restaurateur and entrepreneur Vikas Khanna, FIA Chairman Ankur Vaidya, FIA President Kenny Desai and different FIA officers in addition to Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC) Board Members Anil Bansal and Rajeev Kaul in addition to Vice Chairman Rakesh Kaul.
On the event, Khanna unveiled an especially-made Chakra Sculpture. The Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC), in collaboration with The Consulate General of India in New York and The City of New York, held the Inauguration Ceremony of The Indian Independence Exhibition, showcasing “the awe-inspiring Chakra Sculpture, a symbol of India’s rich cultural heritage and shared values between the two nations.”
“We are honoured to convey the Konark Chakra to the guts of New York City to have a good time India’s 77th Independence Day. The Chakra or wheel stands as a shining image of India’s heritage, thought and timeless knowledge. Through the show of Chakra at Times Square, we not solely have a good time the wealthy tradition of India but in addition the enduring friendship that binds our two nations – United States and India,” Jaiswal mentioned.
“This sculpture, a faithful replica of one of the twenty-four Chakras that adorn the Konark Temple dedicated to Surya or the Sun God, carries with it the essence of India’s history, resilience, and unity. It also symbolizes our deep reverence for nature, for the sun,” he mentioned.
Khanna, who had been engaged on bringing the Chakra sculpture to New York City for almost 5 years, advised PTI that it’s a “dream come true” and emotional second for him to have the sculpture unveiled at Times Square, particularly on the event of India’s independence day.
“It is amazing to bring this kind of art, such a strong heritage” to New York City and to showcase to the world the “power of Indian arts.”
The Chakra undertaking was began earlier than the COVID-19 pandemic and artisans have labored with perseverance to finish the undertaking.
“This was made by gods,” Khanna mentioned, standing in entrance of the large Chakra as he highlighted the intricate work on the sculpture.
The sculpture will probably be moved to Khanna’s upcoming restaurant in New York City.
“For the diaspora, for the younger generations, they will get a reference of seeing something from India – so pure and majestic at the same time,” Khanna mentioned.
“I’m so proud to be representing India on August 15 to showcase the artisans and history and culture in this piece of stone which represents the wheel of time. I think this day is gifted to us by ancestors, their sacrifices, their resilience, and the determination that the children will grow up in a free country where they can choose to be anything they want,” Khanna mentioned, including that “Today, on August 15, we salute all those who stood up for this power and also gave us the vision of future of India.”
Rajeev Kaul mentioned the Chakra Sculpture’s presence within the coronary heart of Times Square is a “testament to the enduring friendship and shared values that unite our two nations.”
The Chakra Sculpture, with dimensions of 8 toes x 6 toes and an approximate weight of 1800 kilograms (4,000 kilos), stands as a testomony to the exceptional craftsmanship and inventive ingenuity.
It is a devoted duplicate of the Konark Chakra, a revered emblem from the Sun Temple in Konark, Odisha.
The authentic Konark Chakra is a meticulously carved stone wheel, considered one of 24 such wheels adorning the Konark Sun Temple.
Built within the thirteenth century, the Konark Sun Temple endured challenges all through historical past reminiscent of invasions and pure calamities, but its resilient spirit persevered, the IAAC mentioned.
“The intricate carvings and symbolic representation of the Konark Chakra continue to captivate visitors, serving as a poignant reminder of India’s architectural and cultural legacy.
Despite facing adversity, the Chakra embodies the enduring power and movement of the Sun, a source of sustenance and life, underscoring the same values as embodied by the city of New York,” the IAAC added.
The sculpture will probably be on show at Times Square for per week, enabling guests and vacationers “to engage with the captivating history and symbolism that the Chakra represents.”
The Indian independence day was celebrated with fervour because the Consulate General of India in New York and the Permanent Mission of India to the UN hosted flag-hoisting ceremonies and particular receptions to mark the event.
The Empire State Building was additionally lit within the hues of the Indian tricolour to have a good time the 77th independence day of India.
Edited By:
Rishabh Sharma
Published On:
Aug 16, 2023
