CHICAGO: A leading community activist and FIA Trustee Iftekhar Shareef hosted, along with a group of other activists, a Ghazal Nite reception dinner for Indian Consul General Chicago Dr Ausaf Sayeed at Monty’s Banquet on Saturday Nov 30.
Indian Classical and Ghazal singer Sandip Bhattacharjee was the star performer for the event. Syed Raziuddin, the event coordinator welcomed the guests and emceed the program in a lively manner.
Looking at the large gathering of ghazal lovers for the event, Iftekhar Shareef remarked that the presence of diverse ethnic groups from all Indian regions such as Telugu, Bengali, Tamil, Kannada, Gujarati and North Indian symbolized the very essence of India. He also spoke about singer Sandip Bhattacharjee and event coordinator Syed Raziuddin. Iftekhar Shareef also thanked Madhu Patel, the founding president of NRI Press Club, in Chicago for his contribution for the event.
Shareef welcomed CG Dr Ausaf Sayeed and his wife observing that though the CG had recently taken over the charge of Chicago office, he was already well known in Chicago community hub. “The beautiful couple is seen in almost all Indian community events”, he said.
In the first half of the program Sandip Bhattacharjee enchanted the audience with classical ragas. An interval was announced for the dinner. Monty Banquet’s special Hyderabadi biryani was part of dinner menu and enjoyed by all. A formal reception ceremony was initiated soon after the dinner. Iftekhar Shareef and Syed Raziuddin honored Consul General Dr Ausaf Sayeed with a tricolor Khandwa. A flower bouquet was presented to singer Sandip Bhattacharjee.
In the second half of the program, Sandip sang a few very popular ghazals. Madhu Patel in his brief address highlighted the fact that music knows no borders – geographic or religious, and underlined its importance for brining diverse ethnic communities together not only in India but also in this country. It was his efforts that classical music and Ghazal lovers got a chance to hear one of India’s upcoming stars in music world.
All those present were impressed with Sandip’s performance and that they pitched for his repeat concerts. Sandip has been frequenting between India and USA and can be easily reached thru Madhu Patel.
Many prominent Indian and Pakistani community members were present at the event. Prof. Ghanshyam Pande, President Association of Indian Americans, FIA Vice President Keerthi Kumar Ravoori, Sadat Ali Khan and Ms Usha Kamaria were seen among the guests.
A.Q. Siddiqui
India Post News Service
