Kolkata NRIs in Houston Celebrate India's Historic T20 World Cup Victory
Scores of Indian fans, with a significant number hailing from Kolkata and various parts of Bengal, witnessed and then exuberantly celebrated India's historic T20 World Cup triumph in Houston, United States, on a memorable Sunday. These enthusiastic supporters had risen early in the morning, assembling at cricket screening parties scattered across the Greater Houston area to follow the crucial match.
Post-Match Festivities at Houston Durga Bari
Following the game's conclusion, the celebrations shifted to the Houston Durga Bari, where a vibrant party unfolded. Attendees played and danced to a medley of patriotic anthems, including Vande Mataram, Chak De India, and Sab Se Aagey Hongey Hindusthani. Notably, even the Kolkata Knight Riders' theme song, Korbo Lorbo Jitbo Re, echoed through the venue, adding a local touch to the festivities.
Voices from the Celebration
Partha Sarathi Chatterjee, a technology executive in the energy sector originally from Entally, Kolkata, expressed immense pride in India's stellar performance throughout the tournament. He recounted the joyous atmosphere filled with music and dance.
Nirmalya Roy, an IT professional, highlighted the sense of history repeating itself at Durgabari. He recalled that the same venue had hosted celebrations for India's ODI World Cup victory in 2011 and the T20 World Cup win two years prior, making this event a cherished tradition for the community.
Dhruba Ghose, a naval architect and leader in the American shipping industry from Lake Gardens in Kolkata, described himself as a devoted sports enthusiast. In addition to following US sports, he passionately tracks cricket and supports India in every tournament they participate in.
Community Spirit and Enthusiasm
Rajiv Saha, who manned the DJ console, is an engineer by profession who takes delight in energizing the community with music. Jit Biswas, a software leader, appreciated the opportunity to gather and watch sports in a communal setting, reminiscent of older times spent at home with friends and family.
Abhijit Bhattacharya, a financial software expert, emphasized the high level of enthusiasm among Non-Resident Indian (NRI) fans for the Indian cricket team. He noted that they follow the game with religious dedication, stating, "In short, half a world away, we live and breathe the Indian team, and always support the Men In Blue."
This celebration in Houston underscores the deep connection and unwavering support that the Indian diaspora, particularly those from Kolkata and Bengal, maintains with their homeland's cricketing successes, fostering a strong sense of community and national pride abroad.
