FIA-Chicago elects new executive board

FIA TEAM-webCHICAGO: The Federation of Indian Associations-Chicago [FIA], an umbrella organization of Indian Americans in Illinois, elected its new governing executive board for the year 2014-2015 with Keerthi Kumar Ravoori as its president at its general body meeting held on Sunday December 1 at North Shore Banquets, Devon Ave, in Chicago.

Keerthi Kumar Ravoori, known for his grass-roots association with the community, has been elected unanimously to lead this august organization during the next critical year. NFIA President Sohan Joshi from India congratulated the newly elected body of FIA-Chicago and pledged full support to the team.

After meticulously screening the membership and nomination forms with adherence to the by-laws, the Election Committee comprising of Anil Pillai [Chair] Ajai Agnihotri and Sitaram Patel declared the following members of the Executive Board for 2014-2015:

Chandresh Brahmbhatt, Executive Vice President; Sanhita Agnihotri, Secretary; Dr. Indrajit Patel, Vice President; Minhaj Akhtar, Vice President; Sateeshan Nair, Vice President; Harish Kolasani, Joint Secretary; Ankur Chaudhary, Treasurer; Ajeet Singh, Joint Treasurer. Veenod Patel has been chosen as Executive Director.

President-elect Keerthi Kumar Ravoori expressed thanks to the FIA Executive Board, Trustees and Directors for bestowing their faith and confidence in him to take up the reins of FIA leadership. He pledged to take a new, bold fresh approach in presiding over FIA with a commitment to its shared goals and core values effectively forging team spirit, unity and camaraderie.

Iftekhar Shareef, Trustee Chair on behalf of FIA trustees pledged support to the newly elected FIA board to ensure the year 2014 would mark a new beginning and will help guide FIA to a new glorious chapter.

Shareef and other members considered resuming the Independence Day Mela festivities which encompass music, singing, dance, food and entertainment on Devon Ave following the parade on Saturday August 16, 2014.

FIA- Chicago will be forming a “Disciplinary Committee” to serve as a “watchdog” of the federation activities and to ensure it is in compliance with all applicable Federal, State and local laws and within their boundaries. Among those who attended the general body meeting included many members of FIA along with a special guest from India, Dr Prem Raj Yadav.

The newly elected executive board will be sworn-in at the 65th India Republic Day Banquet to be held on January 26, 2014 at the Meadows Club in Rolling Meadows, Illinois.

Surendra Ullal