Suresh Bodiwala
CHICAGO: Songs, skits, music and moves in the upbeat soul of Christmas at the ‘Carols by Candlelight’ occasion facilitated by the United Telugu Christian Community of Chicago [UTCC] at Croatian Cultural Center drew a large group of Telugu Christians for celebration of Christmas.
The Carols night commenced with the lighting of the approach flame lights together by Bishop J.J. Agepog, Rev Shadrach Katari, Mrs. Subadra Viparthi, Mrs. G. John and others with the night immersed in singing, moves, music and festivities.
The gospel speaker of the night Sister Divya Vani (Telugu actress) said ‘India is my nation and Chicago is my homeland.” She deplored the expanding commercialization of Christmas. She asked the devotees to recognize and hold on to Christ as the best endowment of humankind.
Vijender Doma honored India Consul D.B. Bhatti with Indian traditional shawl and Shethal Panchel with flowers. Raju Pasumarthi introduced Guest speaker Sister Divya Vani who was honored by Joyce Domaith with shawl and flowers.
The features of the flame light occasion were move introductions by Mrs Gauri (Indian Dance School) who performed all around, arranging solo move exhibitions with mind blowing beauty and balance.
The primary component of the night was the singing of the delightful tunes driven by a large group of vocalists from all the churches. Ramesh Goneh gave a slide presentation exhibiting the occasions facilitated by the United Telugu Church people group of Chicago.
Dr. Vijay Prabhakar (Founder President of Multi-Ethnic Task Force-Chicago) gave the special greetings at the event. Ministers from a few houses of worship who took an interest in the program included Rev. Dr. David Vidyasagar, Rev. Rajamani Gonu, Rev. Paul Gorre, and Rev. Omega Varma. Vijender Doma gave UTCC-Report-Vision and Edward Maddela gave the vote of thanks.
Christmas greetings were received earlier from Illinois State Senator Ram Villivalam. Later in the program Shree Goswami and Dr. Sonty were present long after the association supper with singing and dancing proceeding late into the night.
