Guiness World Record created in New Jersey / Handout/ FIA NY-NJ-CT-NE

The Indian-American community in New Jersey made history by setting the Guinness World Record for the “Largest Flagpole Number” as part of celebrations commemorating India's 80th Independence Day and America's 250th  independence anniversary.

The record was achieved by displaying 1,383 U.S. flags arranged on flagpoles to form a massive number "250," encircled by Indian tricolors. The attempt was organized by the Consulate General of India in New York in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), with support from Zoho, a major global technology company.

The celebration brought together community members, elected officials and leaders to showcase the strength of the Indian-American community and the enduring friendship between the two countries.

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“Guinness World Record @GWR for the “Largest Flagpole Number” in a Special Celebration of India@80 & America@250!” the Consulate General of India in New York posted on X.

New Jersey Lt. Governor Dale G. Caldwell, U.S. Congresswoman Analilia Mejia, Consul General of India in New York  Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, Parsippany Mayor Pulkit Desai and other elected leaders joined members of the Indian-American community at the celebration.

 

 

 

Guinness World Record @GWR for the “Largest Flagpole Number” in a Special Celebration of India@80 & America@250!

The Consulate General of India, New York joined hands with the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA)@FIANYNJCTNE , with the support of @Zoho , as the… pic.twitter.com/UezghNHvsN

— India in New York (@IndiainNewYork) August 16, 2026

Addressing the audience, Parsippany Mayor Pulkit Desai highlighted the deep alignment of values between the two nations: "India and the United States share a fundamental, common goal to decide our own fate and build our own future."

Recognizing the massive effort behind the setup, New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Dr. Dale G. Caldwell commended the civic spirit on display, strongly encouraging continued volunteerism across community and cultural initiatives.

FIA president Sreekant Akkapalli added, "This record belongs to every volunteer, partner, and supporter who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make history. This record-breaking display of flagpoles stands as a symbol of our collective strength, patriotism, and global unity."

Immediate pastpresident Saurin Parikh remarked, "Reaching a world-record benchmark reflects years of building strong foundations, teamwork, and continuity. It is deeply gratifying to watch our organizational legacy grow and set global records that inspire future generations."

Reflecting on the organization's legacy, FIA chairman Ankur Vaidya also noted FIA’s history of ambitious endeavors: "Over the years, FIA has undertaken several Guinness World Record attempts. While each brought its own set of challenges, seeing the final outcome bring our community together makes every bit of the struggle entirely worth it."

The achievement formed part of a broader series of events highlighting the close people-to-people ties between India and the United States as both countries approach major national milestones — India's 80th Independence anniversary and America's 250th anniversary.

America celebrated its 250th independence anniversary—known as the Semiquincentennial or America250—on July 4, 2026.

The record-setting celebration added another symbolic milestone to the growing relationship between India and the United States, with the Indian-American community playing a central role in bringing the two nations' shared history, culture and friendship to the forefront.

Earlier, Consul General Pradhan unfurled the Tricolour at the Consulate General of India in New York. New York State Senator Jeremy Cooney, members of the Indian-American community and friends of India joined the celebrations, reflecting the pride and patriotic spirit of the occasion.

 

Guiness World Record created in New Jersey / Handout

Immediate past president Saurin Parikh remarked, "Reaching a world-record benchmark reflects years of building strong foundations, teamwork, and continuity. It is deeply gratifying to watch our organizational legacy grow and set global records that inspire future generations."

Reflecting on the organization's legacy, FIA chairman Ankur Vaidya also noted FIA’s history of ambitious endeavors: "Over the years, FIA has undertaken several Guinness World Record attempts. While each brought its own set of challenges, seeing the final outcome bring our community together makes every bit of the struggle entirely worth it."

The achievement formed part of a broader series of events highlighting the close people-to-people ties between India and the United States as both countries approach major national milestones — India's 80th Independence anniversary and America's 250th anniversary.

America celebrated its 250th independence anniversary—known as the Semiquincentennial or America250—on July 4, 2026.

The record-setting celebration added another symbolic milestone to the growing relationship between India and the United States, with the Indian-American community playing a central role in bringing the two nations' shared history, culture and friendship to the forefront.

Earlier, Consul General Pradhan unfurled the Tricolour at the Consulate General of India in New York. New York State Senator Jeremy Cooney, members of the Indian-American community and friends of India joined the celebrations, reflecting the pride and patriotic spirit of the occasion.

The day was celebrated across New York as iconic landmarks, including the Empire State Building, Grand Central Terminal, Niagara Falls and Bloomberg’s New York headquarters, were illuminated in the colours of the Indian Tricolour.

Discover more at New India Abroad.