Twelve Gate President, Frank Kaufmann at Asian American Pacific Islander Cultural and Heritage Parade

On Sunday, May 15 New York celebrated its first ever Asian American Pacific Islander Cultural and Heritage Parade.  According to New York Mayor, Eric Adams,

The parade comes as New Yorkers celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May, as well as New York City’s being home to the second-largest Asian American and Pacific Islander population in the United States. AAPI Heritage Month pays tribute to the generations of Asian American and Pacific Islanders who have enriched New York’s history for generations.

The Indian float at the parade especially offered a presence of Malayalam culture (from Kerala and environs). New York State Senator, Kevin Thomas from 6th district in the New York State Senate came came to visit the Indian delegation. Kevin is the first South Asian and the first Indian-American to serve in the New York State Senate. In classical tradition a conch is blown at the start of auspicious moments and occasions. Here is Guru Dileepkuma Thankappan as the parade is just about to get rolling.

The day was a bright glorious Spring day in New York. The event was colorful, festive, and joyous. Here are pictures, (click here)