CHICAGO: There was an added incentive to celebrate the Indian Republic Day on a grander scale this year and it was because of the presence of US President Barack Obama as the Chief Gust at the Republic Day parade in New Delhi. Members of the Indian community could not outdo that but in their own way they tried to do one better than what they did last year.
The Indian Consulate kept up its years long tradition of celebrating India’s Republic Day at its Chicago facility in Downtown this year too with hosting a somber but warm event on Monday, January 26 marking the 66th Indian Republic Day celebrations. Leading Chicago-land elites and citizens had gathered to honor the sacrifices of India’s Founding Fathers, for giving the country a decent constitutional set up where the dignity and individual freedom are fully assured.
CG Dr Ausaf Sayeed extended his warmest greetings to all across the country and also to those living abroad saluting the Indian Flag as he held the rope to mark “Dhhwaj Vandan.” This was followed by singing of Indian National Anthem. He read out the speech of Indian President, Pranab Kumar Mukherji, made on the eve of Republic Day on 25th January, in India.
While addressing the countrymen, the President also notably recognized the contribution of the Indians living abroad. He covered every aspect of India and Indians who are actively engaged in the progress of the country, their achievements, their gains and shortcomings.
Underlining the importance of Republic Day in the Indian life, Mukherjee said that democracy has become the cornerstone of India’s efforts for peace in general and its economic regeneration from the swamp of poverty created by centuries of colonial rule. “From within the spacious provisions of our Constitution, India has grown into a beautiful, vibrant, and sometimes noisy democracy. For us, the democracy is not a gift, but the fundamental right of every citizen; for those in power democracy is a sacred trust. Those who violate this trust commit sacrilege against the nation,” he observed.
Dr Ausaf Sayeed radiated with hospitality, courtesy and humbleness along with the entire Consulate team. Concluding the reading of the President’s address, the Consul General thanked all the attendees for participating in the Republic Day celebration.
President Obama became the first American leader to be chief guest at India’s grand Republic Day celebrations Monday January 26, 2015, an honor that underscored the growing warmth between the two countries. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Obama watched the military displays, musicians and decorated camels from inside a protective glass enclosure. Obama and first lady Michelle Obama received loud cheers as they took their places on the parade route at Rajpath, New Delhi’s ceremonial boulevard. Thousands came out despite the inclement weather to see the festivities.
Delicious snack items were served during the celebration, on behalf of the Consulate General. The attendance could have been much better but for the snow storm warning and very cold weather. The nearly an hour and half event in the morning was still quite enjoyable.
Ramesh Soparawala & Asian Media USA
Bill Foster joins FIA celebration of Republic Day
The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), the largest umbrella organization of Indian Americans in Chicago, celebrated India’s Republic Day at Meadows Club on Friday January 23 in the evening.
The event was combined with dinner and variety of Indian cultural programs. The largest Banquet Hall at Meadows Club was packed to full capacity with guests, prominent Indian-American community members and other dignitaries. Senior FIA members and trustees greeted the guests. FIA president Keerthi Kumar Ravoori, Babu Patel, Sohan Joshi, Dr Indrajit Patel,
Ajeet Singh, Syed Hussaini, Rajput Sher Mohammed, Minhaj Akhter, Vandana Valia, Hetal Patel, Babu Verma, Dr Harjinder Khaira and others participated for the event. Dr Ram Gajjela presided over the event.
Congressman Bill Foster was the chief guest for the event. He was invited to the podium for the traditional inaugural lamp lighting ceremony. Dr Ram Gajjela, Keerthi Kumar and the newly elect president Dr Indrajit Patel joined him for the ritual. Singing of the Indian and American national anthems followed.
Dr Indrajit Patel, the newly elect FIA president, in his acceptance speech outlined the program for the current year under his stewardship and pitched for veering away a bit from the traditional activities.
He said that the FIA would host a health fair probably for the first time this year as health was one of the major issue of concern to Indian immigrants. He also mentioned that as part of overall fitness and mental well beig, the FIA would also be hosting a picnic in summer and a kite flying festival, so popular in India. Dr Patel wanted to get more involved with mainstream society and hinted that FIA would consider celebrating American Independence Day July 4 just as it is celebrating India Day on August 15.
He also fervently appealed for unity among all and indirectly pitched for the return of those who masquerade as FIA. Congressman Bill Foster was honored by Dr Patel with the presentation of a shawl. Bill Foster expressed his deep sense of gratitude for being honored h this way and praised the efforts of FIA in promoting community oriented activities. He touched upon the present visit of President Barack Obama to India and observed that this visit will bring both the countries still closer.
Congressman Bill Foster congratulated Indian community for the 66th anniversary of India’s Republic day that symbolized the great Indian democracy.
Air India Chicago Manager Nakul Singh Chand and his wife were requested to present a welcome bouquet to the Congressman Bill Foster. Nakul Singh Chand has recently taken over Air India Chicago office. He was introduced to Indian American community members through the social hour.
FIA president Keerthi Kumar Ravoori invited newly elected president Dr Indrajit Patel to announce his elected team for the year 2015-2016. Dr Indrajit Patel thanked the community and FIA board of trustees for giving him an opportunity to serve the Indian community in Chicago. He read the names of all FIA elected members for 2015 and emphasized that all will work for the welfare of Chicago Indian community.
A variety entertainment program was presented by Trupti Patel of Payaliya Dance Studio. The music and dance entertainment program showcased the diverse ethnicity of Indian culture. Keerthi thanked all for joining the event. He also thanked sponsors Air India, Iftekhar Shareef, Syed Hussain and others.
Abdul Siddiqui and Suresh Shah add:
Lt. Governor Sanguinetti opens FIA’s dazzling event
The Federation of Indian Associations, led by President Onkar Sangha and FIA founding president Sunil Shah, presented a memorable India’s Republic Day events in the presence of Lt. Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti and several elected officials, scores of distinguished community leaders, a band of talented performers, singers, cheerful audience, and not to mention the dazzling and talented beauty pageant contestants, who were directed by the famous Jewel of India team.
Addressing the 300 guests, Lt. Governor Sanguinetti applauded the Indian community’s contributions and pledged the full support of the new gubernatorial team. Thanking the Indian community leaders for supporting the FIA activities, FIA president urged the community to join the FIA in large numbers because it intends to organize several mega programs in coming months.
The next ambitious program will be a Holi Mela on March 21at DuPage Fairgrounds in Wheaton at an indoor facility that can accommodate more than 1,000 people. “Come on and enjoy the Holi festival as you did back home,” FIA Vice President Moon Khan, who is organizing the event, said.
In his welcome speech, Sunil Shah, stressed the importance of growing ties between the USA and India and noted that the visit of President Barack Obama to attend the Republic Day event in India is a historic moment.
Banquet Chairman Brij Sharma, President of PowerVolt, stole the heart of the audience when he said that Indian Americans have two mothers: India and the United States of America. Among the elected officials who attended the Republic Day event were Schaumburg Mayor Al Larson Hanover Park Village President Rodney Craig, Hoffman Estates Village President Bill McLeod, State Representative Michelle Mussmann, State Representative Fred Crespo, Water Reclamation District Commissioner Frank Avila, and many others.
The traditional lamp lighting ceremony was performed with the help of all the present elected officials, representatives of the Indian associations, and FIA board members. On the stage, representing about numerous organizations were Bihar & Jharkand Cultural Association’s President Satyendra Kumar, Gujarati Samaj of Chicago President Urvarshi Patel, Minority Leadership Alliance Vice President Khaja Moinuddin, GOPIO president Gladston Verghese, MEDSTAR President Nilesh Patel, Punjabi Cultural Society President Vick Singh, Rajasthan Association President Ram Saini, Sher-e Punjab Sports and Cultural Club of Ohio President Surjit Singh Mavi, Director of Hindi Lovers Club Rita Shah, and Delhi Association of North America President Ravi Kapoor,
The following singers entertained the audience: Mahijit Virdi, Ashika Sachdev, Manmeet Kaur, Nipa Shah, Raju Bankapur, Pratibha Jairath, Sana Khan, Mona Bhalla with Manpreet Bhalla, Kiran Bhalla, and Simran Bhalla. The opening dance number titled “Pushpanjali” was performed by Mudra Dance Academy artists: Nirali Thakker and Neha Thakker; choreographed by Kshama Patel.
Anila Sinha Foundation artists Medha Bhargaw, Puja Saha, Serena Daon, Shiwali Varshney, and Kam Gupta performed two mesmerizing Kathak dances, choreographed by Kiran Chouhan. Dr. Birendra Sinha, founder of the academy was also present in the audience.
Equally mesmerizing performance was given by artists from Ye Cheeze Entertainment. Noman Khan, Tanya Sharma, Madhura Patil, Rahul Singh, Anand Bhatt, Anup Kilani, Suhana Syed, and Sweta Bhagwakar stole the show. Shalini Saxena and Mona Bhalla successfully and professionally emceed the program.
Based on the East Coast, Miss Jewel of India choreographed presented the dazzling beauty pageant in three categories: Miss Teen Jewel of India (age group between 13-18), Ms. Jewel of India (age group between 19-29), and Mrs. Jewel of India. The president of the Miss Jewel of India pageantry company Dr. Juhi Jagiasi was also present with her team members.
In the Miss Teen category, Simran Bhalla, Jigna Sheith, Ritika Rawat, Manpreet Bhalla, and Madhura Patil participated. The Miss Illinois contestants were Sonia Modi and Tanya Sharma. Mona Bhalla, Rajie Modi, and Poonam Jha participated in the Mrs. Illinois category. Winners were: Miss Teen: Jigna Sheith, Miss Illinois: Tanya Sharma, and Mrs. Illinois: Mona Bhalla. (Note: There was a tie in the Miss Teen category; another winner was Simran Bhalla).
Makeup artists who poured their hearts in preparing the contestants were from Dimple Salon by Dimple Gandhi. Outfits for the contestants were provided by Dilli Darzi by Shilpi Srivastava.
In the middle of the program, a moment of silence was also kept in the memory of the Late Naren Patel, a great community leader of our time. He passed away recently.
Moon Khan adds:
