[radikal]

Hindi film star Saif Ali Khan will lead the India Day parade considered to be the largest of its kind outside the country, organizers said.

They were speaking at a kickoff meeting in connection with the event.

The meeting, held at the Consulate General of India, was addressed among others by Kanubhai Chauhan, president of the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA).

Consul General Prabhu Dayal said, 'In my view it is the largest of its kind not just outside India,' adding that noting that the New York event, scheduled this year for August 19, is a parade which walks past--with local and Indian dignitaries included--more than 10 blocks. It is witnessed by about 1,00,000 Indian-origin people and others.

Mr Dayal added, 'This is a very fascinating show of celebrtion of India's Independence in the world.' Mr Chauhan said the Empire State Building, among the tallest buildings in the world, will be as usual lit in India's tricolors. The Nasdaq bell-ringing ceremony will also be held by the Indian Consulate on this occasion.
The film star will be present at the ceremony, he added.

Media and Publicity in-charge of FIA, the tristate area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, Ankur Vaidya was among those who spoke at the meeting.
'We are in the process of finalising the program details,' he said adding, 'We are expecting at least 1,00,000 attendees.' On August 20, a day after the parade, a gala dinner will be organised for the leader of the parade, known as Grand Marshal (Saif Ali Khan) and other VIPs. Noted Ghazal singer Anup Jalota will enthrall the guests at the dinner meeting to be held at Royal Albert's Palace in Fords, New Jersey.

A cultural programme, consisting of a dance, was also held at the kickoff meeting.