Indian Flag Raised over State Capital

COLUMBUS - On Friday, August 15, pedestrians traversing through the state capital square were shocked to see the flag of a foreign nation flying above the capital grounds. The activity was to commemorate the independence of India, however many online are wondering why a foreign nation's independence is being celebrated at the Ohio capital .

On Friday, The Federation of Indian Associations allegedly received permission to conduct a flag raising ceremony of a foreign government. The FIA is a non-profit organization that engages in lobbying for Indian interests across the northeast. The event entailed representatives of the organization lowering the national flag from the capital grounds and raising that of India in its place. There is no indication from the images shared that this event was conducted in proper ceremony to respect flag etiquette. No local authorities were observed at the scene to monitor the activity.

Residents passing by the the capital were shocked to witness the event, describing it as 'alarming.' Many in attendance for the event then spread throughout the steps of the capital to wave the Indian national flag.

Some have considered the FIA to be a foreign lobbying group operating within the country. Some in attendance took umbrage with the organization doing, what they considered, engaging in political activity on capital grounds.