SCHAUMBURG: In the presence of 5,000 people, Bollywood musician and singing legend Bappi Lahiri, actor Sarfaraz Khan, dozens of distinguished community leaders, sponsors, a dozen top ranking elected officers, entertaining emcees and committed FIA officers and volunteers, the Federation of Indian Associations presented a signature event celebrating the 69th Indian Independence Day in Schaumburg, with a finale of high octane fireworks.
Bappi was delighted to see the thousands of cheering crowd. “I am spellbound. I want to come here again, and again,” the rock star said. “It was certainly magical and enchanting and no exaggeration to say that this event topped all the celebratory events held for India Day,” said Sunil Shah FIA Founder President. For his exemplary works in successfully organizing the celebrations, he was honored with a Life Time Achievement Award.
While acknowledging cheers and accepting a community service award from the FIA, Lt. Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti applauded the extraordinary efforts of Asian Indians. “The Indian community is creating its positive narrative and life size imprints everywhere,” she said.
In his welcoming speech, FIA President Onkar Sangha was ebullient on the turnout of the huge crowd. “I am simply speechless to witness the community’s response,” he added. The FIA team felicitated him with an Outstanding Leadership Award.
FIA Vice President Neil Khot dedicated his last few months in interacting with the Village of Schaumburg and Boomers Stadium ensuring the event’s smooth operation according to the legal codes. Khot was recognized with a “Rising Star” award honoring his industrious work. FIA Vice President Moon Khan thanked the Indian news media, mainstream newspapers, and social media for the success of the program that began with a solemn flag hoisting ceremony performed by FIA officers before noon.
Opening the event, dancers trained at Nrutya Kalashree Dance Academy, Chicago Bollywood Dance School, and Junoon Dance Group elevated the heartbeats of the audience. Displaying similar enthusiasm, FIA Secretary Mona Bhalla, and singers Sana Khan, Sarang Sane, and Mahijit Singh enthralled the cheering crowd with their melodious songs. In solo appearances, young singers Sa Re Ga Ma Little Champ Pritesh and Zee TV Contestant Ashley Singh enthused the crowd as well. Ashley Singh, Sana Khan, and Rita Shah performed duet songs with Bappida.
One of the main attractions of the colorful event was a parade of all the available dignitaries, sponsors, FIA officers and artists led by a Bagpiper band and a look alike Gandhi Jee portrayed by Mohammad Wajihuddin. While the parade was encircling the stadium, Rita Shah recited the Indian national anthem in her sonorous voice. Mira Chotalia sang American National Anthem.
To keep the audience’s eyes glued to the main stage, Swapnil Shah, Gaurav Arora, and Shaan Khan masterfully engaged the audience with their eloquence and oratory. While Sahaj Shah, also known as Mr Shaw, showed his professional talent in deejaying the broadcast.
Admiring the efforts made by FIA in strengthening and popularizing the Indian culture in suburbs, India’s Consul General posted in Chicago, Dr Ausaf Sayeed, expressed his appreciation and satisfaction.
The program went one notch up when Fashion Show was introduced by FIA Vice President Shalini Saxena with about a dozen exquisite models. Mehar Dance models were managed by Gopi Engineer and Dilli Darzi presenters were coordinated by Noman Khan.
While everybody was watching the glittering programs, FIA officers, Dhitu Bhagwakar, Mukesh Shah, Payal Shah, Hitesh Gandhi, Khaja Moinuddin, Ali Khan, Shital Daftari, Sunny Kular, Ninad Daftari, Manjeet Bhalla were devoting their energies on coordinating with ticket sales, taking care of all the money related problems, vendor placement, deliverance of food and beverages, organizing rides for children, placing numerous banners, lining up artists, directing volunteers, welcoming dignitaries, managing parking lot issues and guiding technicians to present a successful firework show.
The traditional Lamp Lighting ceremony brought another focal point in the program, which was attended by State Senator Michael Noland and candidate for US Congress, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Illinois State Representative Fred Crespo, Illinois State Representative Michelle Mussman, Illinois State Representative Jim Dirken and Hoffman Estates Mayor William McLeod.
FIA decided to honor a few elected officials on this occasion with an award. Awardees were Schaumburg Village President Al Larson, Oak Brook Village President Gopal Lalmalani, Hoffman Estates Village President William McCloud, US Congressional candidate Raja Krishnamoorthy and State Representative Fred Crespo. Radio Spice Box and Desi Junction served as media partners of FIA
On this occasion, prominent sponsors were felicitated. FIA also honored its star stalwarts Payal Shah, Dhitu Bhagwakar, and Toral Chaudhari of Nrutya Kalashree Dance Academy. A new kind of energy spiked up in the audience when winners of Air India roundtrip tickets were announced by Air India Chicago Manager Nakul Chand. A lucky draw was also taken out for the shows of Asha Bhosle as well as Talat Aziz, and Arijit Singh.
Moon Khan
