Mary Millben, a prominent African-American Hollywood actress and singer,  on Saturday greeted Indians on the occasion of the country's 74th Independence Day and joined the virtual global celebration with a melodious rendering of the National Anthem. Millben,38 is a Helen Hayes Award nominee

Source: ThePrint

"Today marks an important day in India for the Indian-Americans and Indians all over the world—India's Independence Day. I want to send my warmth to President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu and to all of India as you celebrate this 74th Independence Day,” Millben said.

Part 1: A joy to perform India’s National Anthem on this 74th #IndiaIndependenceDay.

My congratulations to His Excellency @rashtrapatibhvn, His Excellency @PMOIndia @narendramodi, and His Excellency @SandhuTaranjitS.

Blessings to #India, Indian Americans, and Indians globally. pic.twitter.com/MAw8bHbLmk — Mary Millben (@MaryMillben) August 15, 2020

The US-India Strategic and Partnership Forum has hailed Millben's performance of India's National anthem for the Nudge Forum.

"Excellent rendition of Jana Gana Mana by Mary Millben on the occasion of India's Independence Day," the USISPF said in a tweet.

The inaugural forum is a 24-hour non-stop global platform featuring world leaders and stakeholders coming together for India's development and in celebration of India Independence Day."Since we are unable to celebrate together today, our hearts can all unite virtually in the spirit of freedom. America and India, the world's two largest democracies, share the value of freedom," said Millben, who spent the past several months learning Hindi and preparing for the National Anthem from an Indian teacher.

Millben has performed for three consecutive US Presidents-- George W Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump -- and featured at the White House, the United States Congress among others.