The lamp lighting ceremony in the presence of FIA Team
CHICAGO: Federation of Indian Associations, Chicago, successfully hosted 63rd Indian Republic Day celebration and banquet dinner at Waterford Banquet in Elmhurst, IL on January 29.
This colorful event was attended by around 400 people including prominent state representative and community leaders. The prominent personalities who attended the event were Illinois State Treasurer Dan Rutherford, State Senator Kirk Dillard, candidate for State Representative Michelle Mussman, Candidate for U.S. Congress Raja Krishnamoorthy, Judge Ketki Steffen, Elmhurst Mayor Peter DiCianni, Hanover Park Mayor Rodney Craig, Dupage County Circuit Court Clerk Chris Kachiroubas, Candidate for U.S. Congress Farah Baqai, Judge Aurelia Pucinski and Candidate for State Representative William R Adams.
Emcee for the gala event was Sanjeev Singh. The evening began with American national anthem sung by one and only American Idol contestant from the community Ashika Sachdev, followed by Indian national anthem by Shreelekha Mohanty.
In continuation of long cherished tradition, the program formally began with lamp lighting ceremony. The entire board of FIA was present during the lamp lighting to show solidarity and support for FIA. Among the prominent community leaders present on the stage were Narenbhai Patel, President AIA and Vishwa Gujarati Samaj of USA, Suryakant Patel of Gujarati Samaj of Chicago, Dilip Patel of Six Gaam Patidar Samaj, Ram Saini of Rajasthan Association, PCS President Baljit Singh Sidhu, Babu Verma president of Indian Christian federation of Midwest, Ramanbhai Patel president of Senior Parivar Usha Kumaria President Indian community of Niles Town ship , Brij Sharma President of Hari Om Mandir, Nand Kapoor Past President of AIA , Mr. John Miller attorney representing Indonesian community and Counsel to AACC and Chief Guest Harinder Singh.
After lamp lighting ceremony, FIA President Sunil Shah, in his welcome address said that last year FIA had organized a number of events, celebrated festivals of India and supported several candidates who are now elected officials. Deep gratitude was expressed towards sponsors and media people as they were the true backbone in organizing such an event. He invited the FIA 2012 Executive board members on stage.
As per constitution of FIA, office bearers are elected every year for the tenure of one year. Based on the election held in Dec. 2011, new office bearers have been elected by FIA to lead FIA in 2012. To administer the Oath and Pledge of office, Judge Ketki Steffan was formally invited on the stage. Judge Ketki Steffan administered the Oath and Pledge of office to new board including President Onkar Singh Sangha, Executive Vice President Rita Singh, Vice President Monty Syed, Vice President Dhitu Bhagwakar, Vice President JB Singha, Secretary Shahid Razvi, Jt. Secretary Sam Azeem and Jt. Treasurer Bharti Desai.
Rajinderbir S. Mago introduced all the dignitaries and described cultural items. This was followed by speeches from prominent guests. The evening was filled with patriotic songs and colorful dance performances. The patriotic dance “Saare Jahan Se Achha” and Des Rangila was performed by Aunsha Amin, Anisha Bhansi, Shivani Darji, Sonia Gupta, Kruti Kadiwala, Ritaka Rawat which was choreographed by Pika Munshi.
After new President of FIA Onkar Singh Sangha’s welcome speech, a scintillating kids’ dance was performed on Badrinath. The evening program also included Bhangra dance: “Sardar Amrit Saab”, Garba by Bharti Desai Team, Tina Jacob and Mira Patel. Prominent singers of Chicago Shreelekha Mohanty, Rinki Talati and Bhupender Singh, mesmerized the audience with their melodious voice and popular sound tracks. Executive Vice President Rita Singh proposed a vote by thanks followed by dinner. With vast experience in entertainment and show business both Rita Singh and Monty Syed, who are the pillars of FIA, have shown that when it comes to organizing events, FIA, Chicago is second to none.
Surendra Ullal
