AMCHAM India organized a virtual American Independence Day celebration on the 4th of July that brought together representatives of U.S. companies, Americans in India, the U.S. Mission and Government of India officials. Ms. Ranjana Khanna, Director General CEO, AMCHAM gave an encouraging welcome on the joyous occasion. She launched the American League — AMCHAM’s new exclusive segment for American citizens to network with leadership of U.S. companies in India. She acknowledged Mr. Sanjay Koul, Vice Chairman, AMCHAM, Ms. Kaku Nakhate, Vice Chairperson, AMCHAM, Mr. Atul Dhawan, Honorary Secretary & Treasurer, AMCHAM, Ms. Aileen Nandi, Hononary National Executive Board Member, AMCHAM and Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs, U.S. Embassy and National Executive Board Members. Participants competed for prizes in a 4th of July trivia game. There was a cooking demonstration with Mr. Sandeep Pande, Executive Chef, JW Marriott New Delhi, which featured an Indian twist on some American favorites.

Ms. Ranjana Khanna moderated a panel discussion on 4th of July memories with Consul General Robert Burgess, U.S. Consulate General Chennai, Consul General Joel Reifman, U.S. Consulate General Hyderabad, Consul General Patti Hoffman, U.S. Consulate General Kolkata and Consul General David Ranz, U.S. Consulate General Mumbai. The Consuls General shared some memories of Independence Day abroad and favorite experiences in India. This was followed by stand-up comedy with Mr. Michael Harrington, Managing Director, Mintz Group and a live jazz guitar performance of Duke Ellington by Mr. Matt Ingeneri, U.S. Embassy. The U.S. National Anthem was performed by Ms. Grace Witham, U.S. Embassy followed by an address from U.S. Ambassador Kenneth I. Juster. The celebration culminated with a virtual fireworks display courtesy of BOTVFX. The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Ms. Valerie Swope, Program Coordinator, AMCHAM. The event was attended by more than 150 people and only possible with the support from partners Bausch & Lomb, Boeing India, Pepsico India, Progress Rail and S&P Global along with gift sponsors Andaz Delhi, Conrad Bengaluru, Hyatt Regency, New Delhi, ITC Hotels – The Luxury Collection and Marriott International.