News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/18th August 2024
New York City Mayor Eric Adams found himself at the center of controversy after making an embarrassing gaffe during an Indian Independence Day celebration in Queens. While addressing the crowd at the 9th India Day Parade, Mayor Adams repeatedly referred to India as “Pakistan,” sparking confusion and disappointment among the attendees.
The event, a vibrant celebration of India’s Independence Day, was held in Queens and drew a large gathering from the Indian-American community. The stage was adorned with the Indian tricolor, colorful balloons, and banners proudly displaying the words, “Mayor Adams Celebrates the Indian Community.” Despite the clear visual cues and the presence of the Indian flag, Mayor Adams mistakenly referred to India as Pakistan not once, but three times during his speech.
Holding both the Indian tricolor and the American flag, and surrounded by members of the Indian diaspora dressed in tricolor-themed attire, Adams began his remarks by acknowledging the contributions of the South Asian community to the city. However, his speech quickly took an awkward turn when he mentioned the “Pakistani officers” in New York City’s law enforcement, instead of Indian officers. He said, “We raised the flag earlier this week at Bowling Green…And I think no greater symbol of what you offer to this community than the men and women who are part of the law enforcement community, who are here, the Pakistani officers, who are continuing to grow in their numbers and ranks as they continue to show that public safety is the prerequisite to our prosperity.”
As he continued, Adams made another reference to Pakistan, stating, “So I thank you for allowing me to come here. I’ve known this community for so long, from little Pakistan and Queens, little Pakistan and Brooklyn, you are a major foundation of our entire city. So let’s continue to celebrate your independence.” His repeated misstatements led to a member of the audience shouting, “India,” to correct the mayor’s blunder.
The timing of the mistake was particularly unfortunate, as Mayor Adams had just participated in flag-raising ceremonies at Bowling Green Park in lower Manhattan earlier in the week. On August 14, he attended an event commemorating Pakistan’s Independence Day, and on August 15, he was present for India’s Independence Day flag-raising. Despite these recent events, Adams still managed to confuse the two nations during the India Day Parade.
The incident has garnered attention and criticism, with many expressing disappointment over the mayor’s error, especially during such a significant celebration for the Indian community. The Indian diaspora in New York City, one of the largest and most active immigrant communities, plays a vital role in the city’s cultural and economic fabric. Mayor Adams’ mix-up, therefore, struck a chord with many who felt that it overshadowed the purpose of the celebration.
As Mayor Adams continues his tenure, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural sensitivity and awareness, particularly in a city as diverse as New York. While the mistake may have been unintentional, it highlights the need for public officials to be more mindful and informed when addressing different communities, especially on occasions of cultural and national significance.
