First Indian Immigrants Greenville: Honoring India Day Experiences

GREENVILLE, S.C.

Surendra and Neelima Jain, who migrated from India about six decades ago, have been active participants in celebrating India’s Independence Day in Greenville. The Jains have bravely shared their story of struggle and survival since they were the first Indian immigrants to a virtually foreign land where nobody spoke their language.

The Initial Challenges

“The biggest challenge for me was we couldn’t get any Indian food, there were no Indian restaurants, I didn’t know how to cook, we had to get our groceries from New York and then slowly and slowly more Indians moved in,” shared Neelima Jain. But despite the hurdles, the Jains kept their faith and determination steady, slowly acclimating to their new environment.

India Day Celebrations

India gained independence on August 15, 1947. To mark this historic event, India Day is now celebrated, featuring a vibrant parade, gripping live performances, savory food, and a host of other activities aimed to showcase the richness of Indian culture to locals and visitors alike.

“India is a diverse place filled with many different religions, different dialects, so we want to share with this community the things that make India special,” expresses Rohit Kale, who spearheads the India Day programme.

The India Association of Greenville (IAG), a premier organization representing the Indian community, hosts this annual celebration of Indian independence in downtown Greenville.

Recognition and Unity

The event is more than just a cultural showcase – it is a testament to unity. It is an affirmation that despite the differences in culture, beliefs, and traditions, everyone can be united in celebrating freedom and diversity. Mayor Knox White symbolically joined the IAG in raising the national flags of both countries, accompanied by renditions of both national anthems, a move that illustrates deep respect and understanding between two cultures.