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Thousands Join Congressman Sherman and Ambassador Nirupama Rao at Indian Independence Day Celebration

August 20, 2013

GRANADA HILLS, CA – Congressman Brad Sherman joined Indian Ambassador Nirupama Rao this past weekend at a festival in Granada Hills celebrating the 66th anniversary of India's Independence. Thousands of Valley residents participated in the celebration at Granada Hills High School.

Congressman Sherman invited Ambassador Rao to the San Fernando Valley and hosted her over the weekend at a number of events.

"I was deeply honored to welcome Ambassador Rao to the San Fernando Valley," Congressman Sherman said following the event. "At this weekend's celebration, Ambassador Rao and I discussed the importance of the U.S.-India relationship and the substantial role of the Indian-American community in strengthening this partnership."

Addressing the gathering at Granada Hills, Ambassador Rao spoke of the shared values and interests between the two great democracies of India and the United States, and praised the role played by the Indian-American community in strengthening and transforming the relationship between the two countries. She thanked Congressman Sherman for his leadership and personal commitment to the promotion of India-U.S. strategic partnership.

Congressman Sherman, an active member of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans, has met with a wide range of Indian leaders over the years. Earlier this year he welcomed Ambassador Rao to his Washington, D.C. office, where they explored ways to enhance economic and cultural ties between India and the U.S. and to expand cooperation on counterterrorism, homeland security, and defense.