NEW YORK:  Invoking the memory of Mahatma Gandhi, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio applauded the “extraordinary” contributions made by the Indian community to the U.S. city’s economic, cultural and educational fabric.

“The contributions of the Indian community to New York City are extraordinary…There are hundreds of thousands of South Asian Indians in New York City and the New York area, increasingly part of the strength of our economy, our culture, our education system. You do so much,” he said in his remarks to the community on the occasion of India’s Independence Day.

He lauded India’s contributions to the world, noting that the messages of Gandhi resonate across the world.

“We know that India has contributed so much to the world – some of the greatest speakers and some of the greatest consciences – of course, including Mahatma Gandhi, who we honor in all we do,” he said to a crowd of several hundred Indians who had gathered in Manhattan for the annual India Day Parade 2014 organized on August 17 by the Federation of Indian Associations.

He noted that Indians have contributed to the city’s education, culture, cuisine, look and life “in so many ways”.

“No community is more devoted to education than the Indian American community. And that is part of its strength,” he said.

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Source: PTI