Iftekhar Shareef addressing the meet to support Ald Bernie Stone
CHICAGO: In a gesture to show solidarity with 50th ward Alderman Bernie Stone, prominent Indian and Pakistani community members of Chicago met together at a fundraiser event at Northshore Banquet on Devon Avenue in Chicago.
The event hosted by Iftekhar Shareef and other trustees of Federation of Indian Associations(FIA) on Tuesday February 8, strongly sought to net support from members of Indian and Pakistani community for re-electing Ald. Stone who for years has been a source of help to the community with for all its needs on Devon Avenue.
Other speakers shared similar views. Rajput Sher Mohammed recalled 30 years at Devon Avenue and remarked he had seen all those days when Indian and Pakistani businesses flourished in the area and Ald Stone stood by “our communities in times.”
Sohan Joshi remarked that had it not been for the strong leadership of Ald. Stone, the 50th Ward would have languished. “I would have contested as Alderman if Ald Bernie had not been in the race,” he said. Anil Pillai hailed Ald Stone as a leader with a record of service in the area for years, an accessible elected leader always ready to address the concerns of community.
Obviously overwhelmed by the joint support of Indian and Pakistani community, Ald. Stone thanked all and made a touching speech himself. He said at the age of 83 he carries the same working spirit. Experience matters most in life. He cited an example that if you need a life saving surgery you look out for an experienced surgeon and would not go to an intern.
The same rules apply in other fields of life. An experienced and trusted leader for community is needed in these challenging times.
A new Mayor will soon be taking over from Mayor Richard Daley and he would need guidance and expertise to exercise the new responsibility for the Chicago community. As a Vice Mayor since 1998, Ald Stone has an insight for finances and pulse of the City of Chicago. He will be there to guide the new Mayor.
Later, Iftekhar Shareef requested Sohan Joshi, Babu Patel, Raja Razzaq and Abdul Wahed Butt to present Alderman the colors of India and Pakistan.
Together, Ald. Stone was honored with colors representing the national flags of India and Pakistan.
AQ Siddiqui
India Post News Service
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