Pakistani music at India Fest sparks outrage on Independence Day
“Playing Sayonee (Pakistani-origin pop music) on Independence Day is a travesty—a shameful distortion of what this day stands for. It insults the Indian diaspora, ignores our patriotic heritage, and reduces a solemn commemoration into casual entertainment.”
A travesty at India Fest
Yet that is precisely what the India Association of Minnesota (IAM) did at its “India Fest” on August 16. How can an organization celebrating Bharat’s (that is India) 79th Independence Day feature Pakistani-origin pop music, ignoring its unmatched treasure trove of patriotic songs? Even one is too many on August 15, the sacred “Swatantrata Diwas.” It signifies not merely political freedom, but Bharat’s ability to practice its indigenous way of life—conscious of its history, geography, ecology, culture, and more. It honors the sacrifices of millions of freedom fighters and embodies the nation’s pride with Swarajya (self-rule). It should not be reduced to a casual concert, including Sayonee, for entertainment, as was done at India Fest.
Patriotic songs ignored
India’s music heritage is rich with songs that inspire unity, pride, and remembrance. Does IAM leadership need to be reminded of songs like Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon, immortalizing our martyrs; Maa Tujhe Salaam, rallying generations in patriotic fervor; classics like Vande Mataram and Sare Jahan Se Achha; alongside contemporary gems like Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera, stirring our hearts for decades? IAM chose Sayonee—an act that is reckless, disrespectful, and deeply insulting.
A pattern of disrespect
Sadly, this is not the first time such lapses have occurred at IAM[1]. It appears that the IAM leadership is slow to learn from past experiences, as certain recurring patterns risk diminishing the very identity of India that they seek to honor and celebrate. Diaspora organizations are Bharat’s ambassadors in the communities. They carry the undisputable responsibility of representing Bharat’s dignity, culture, and heritage abroad. When they falter, they wound community pride and turn solemn observances into hollow spectacles.
Culture and connections betrayed
Two of IAM’s three-prong missions include culture and connections. The former is aimed at hosting events like India Fest, which promote cultural understanding and heritage. Yet, the use of Sayonee during Independence Day is nothing but an attempt to erase and ignore Bharat’s culture and heritage. The other refers to connecting India with Minnesotans as it is today politically, culturally, and economically. There is no place for South Asia, including Pakistan, in any context. In the present context, it is truly shameful for IAM to give the impression to Minnesotans that Bharat lacks its proud music and songs to commemorate Independence Day.
India or South Asia? IAM must decide
Diaspora organizations, particularly those with India/ Bharat in their title, have a sacred duty to stand with India and honor its culture, heritage, and identity[2]. Featuring Pakistani music on Independence Day is neither secular nor neutral—it is a betrayal of the very nation they claim to represent. Bharat is a proud, sovereign nation. Its culture and heritage cannot be erased, diluted, or treated as interchangeable with any other country or geographical construct.
If IAM wishes to pursue a broader South Asian agenda, which it professes to do lately, I for one welcome it. However, it should rename itself without using India. How about SAAM or just SAM? Until then, it must reflect Bharat’s Swatantrata and emerging new Bharat authentically in words, actions, and spirit. India deserves more than IAM has given to the nation they claim to celebrate.
From Red Fort to Pahalgam: The contrast
The IAM pattern is clear. Past events sidelined Hindu cultural imagery in favor of Islamic visuals, corrected only after community outcry. For example, its India Fest poster created controversy[1]. Now, while Prime Minister Modi reiterated from the Red Fort that Operation Sindoor continues against Pakistan-backed terror networks, IAM plays Pakistani pop. Does IAM leadership have a short memory of the Pahalgam attack? Is it ignorance or deliberate erasure of their memory to please those who don’t stand with Bharat? This is not merely insensitive; it borders on being unpatriotic.
A call for apology and accountability
IAM leadership owes the community an apology, accountability, and a firm commitment to ensure future celebrations are rooted in Bharat’s patriotic traditions. Independence Day is not a casual concert—it is a sacred remembrance. Anything less diminishes the sacrifices of those who fought for Bharat’s freedom and those who continue defending Bharat’s sovereignty. Bharat’s culture, heritage, and pride are equally sacred and must not be minimized by IAM or any organization.
Note:
1. Text in Blue points to additional data on the topic.
2. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of PGurus.
3. The author acknowledges the use of ChatGPT in researching topics and the meaningful improvement of content.
Reference:
[1] India Fest in Minnesota: IAM’s Erasure of Hindu Heritage – Jun 05, 2025, New India Abroad
[2] The Indian diaspora and India Association of Minnesota: A duty to stand with India, not against it – Jun 08, 2025, PGurus.com
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Formerly, a researcher in Italy, Japan, and France, he has widely travelled and came to the US in 1978. He was a faculty and academic administrator in several different universities in PA, TX, NJ, MN, WI, and NY, and an Executive Fellow in the White House S&T Policy during the Clinton administration.
