NYC’s One World Trade Center to be lit up in Indian tricolours on August 15

The One World Trade Center, America’s
tallest building, along with other iconic buildings in New York City will commemorate
India’s 75th Independence Day on August 15 by displaying the colours
of the Indian flag. The South Asian Engagement Foundation (SAEF) confirmed its plans
to light up the One World Trade Centre’s 408-feet-tall, 758-tonne spire as well
as its podium in the coloiurs of the Indian flag on August 15.

“This initiative commemorates the world’s
largest democracy – India entering its 75th year of Independence,” PTI quoted
the SAEF, which is working along with The Durst Organisation for the project,
as saying.

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Other Durst skyscrapers in Midtown Manhattan,
such as One Bryant Park and One Five One, will also be lit up in the Indian
tricolours as part of the celebrations. The lighting will be turned on at sunset
and remain lit until 2:00 am.

New York’s Empire State Building is
traditionally lit up in the Indian tricolours to commemorate the country’s Independence
Day.

Meanwhile, an organisation representing the
Indian diaspora in the US will hoist the biggest tricolour at the iconic Times
Square. The Federation of Indian Associations has said that the flag will be
unfurled by the consul general of India in New York, Randhir Jaiswal.

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Mark Domino of The Durst Organisation, who
oversees Spireworks, said in the statement that his company is proud to partner
with the South Asian Engagement Foundation as it celebrates India entering its
75th year of Independence.

Rahul Walia, the founding trustee of SAEF,
described the event as a “historic moment commemorating India’s Independence
and most importantly the expression of love between the US and India.

“We hope to continue the tradition and
enhance the experience for everyone with more imagery on the podium,” he said.

Also Read | India’s Olympic contingent to brighten up 75th Independence Day celebrations

The South Asian Engagement Foundation is a
non-profit organisation based in New Jersey with a mission to increase
leadership potential in Indian-American communities by providing incentives
using educational initiatives and civic engagements. Amongst its initiatives,
SAEF supports programs like the South Asian Spelling Bee and the Cricket Bee.

The Durst Organisation, founded in 1915 by
Joseph Durst, is the owner, manager and builder of 13 million square feet of
premiere Manhattan office towers and over three million square feet of
residential rental properties with 2,500 rental apartments built, and over
3,500 in the pipeline.