CHICAGO: It was a seven years’ dream for many an activist associated with the Alliance of Midwest Indian Associations to hold a grand celebration of India Day in the suburb of Naperville and the fructification of the dream or the “itch” came good this time. The triggering can be sourced to a hugely successful democratic election in India last May that saw the end of “dynasty rule” that had overshadowed directly or remotely Indian politics for decades.
The celebration this year was superbly organized by the executive team led by founding President Prem Lalvani and Secretary Dave Vasudevan. In more than one way, it proved unique. There was a large attendance from Indians and non-Indians with the event graced by the Mayors of Naperville and Oakbrook – Mayor A George Pradel and Dr Gopal Lalmalani, besides other elites of the area.
The Bolingbrook Mayor Roger C Carr, a good friend of India and Indians was not there but he was honored by the Association team at the Council Hall with a turban, a pearl necklace and a shawl specially brought from India. This literally crowned him as Maharaja. The Mayor presented a Proclamation that declared August 15 as India Day in Bolingbrook Village. Those present on the occasion were Prem Lalvani, Krishna Bansal, a Republican candidate for State Legislature and Subhash Sharma, a community activist
The Mayor of Naperville A. Pradel was honored by Dave Vasudevan with a Pearl Necklace during the near five hours of celebrations. He also declared August 15 as India Day in his town. Dr Gopal Lalmalani, the Mayor of Oakbrook, was present during the festivities and he had the proclamation read out that declared August 15 as India Day in Oakbrook.
The festivities at the Naperville Central Park started early with vendors – about 20 – beginning to set up their booths for their products ranging from boutique, jewelry, school preparation, organic food to Indian cuisine. By 11 am, Naperville Mayor A George Padrel unfurled the flag of the Naperville Central Park and Dave Vasudevan thanked the Mayor for all his support and honored him with Pearl Necklace.
Dignitaries attending the event were Indian Consulate officials, Consul Gamte, Vasavi Chakka, Mayor George A Pradel of Naperville, Mayor of Oakbrook Dr Gopal Lalmalani, Darlene Senger (Running for Congress), Tom Cross (Running for State Treasurer), Krishna Bansal and others. The Mela and the festivities ran through late afternoon and the attendance easily crossed 1000 mark, a record for relatively thin population of Indian Americans.
The joy and spirit however, knew no bound and Rahul Saigal owner of Cuisine of India, served all the food free. He said, “I sell for 364 days and one day I can do it free for our country.” For the past five years, Sanjeev Pandey of Indian Harvest restaurant has been distributing free sweet packets, water and mango juice to all the attendees and spectators of the event.
Dave Vasudevan, the publicity and booth vendor coordinator, said the cultural programs were coordinated and organized by Usha Pariti, Shree Gurusamy and Seeni Gurusami. Vendor booth participants this year were Ashok Lakshmanan of PMSI (Mortgage Specialist), Dakshin Restaurant, Cuisine of India, Meera Fast Foods, Isha Foundation, Mehar Couture, 24 Mantra Organic Products, Alli Dhanaraj of Eye Level, Alankrit Jewels, ISCKON, Dakshaini Anand of John Greene Realtor, Sangeetha Kapoor of Coldwell Banker, Beautiful Ideas, Coool Creations, Rubha Yagnik of Mary Kay, Natural Path Meditation, College Prep, Saprama Boutique and Zahra Fancy Jewels.
The team that oversaw the entire event comprised Chairman of Board Prem Lalvani, Treasurer M. Bhaskaran, Dave Vasudevan, Suresh Khattar, Prasad Garkhedkar, Board Members Archana Ocani and Gobind Kanal and volunteers Santana Todatry, Anukool Vasudevan, Surya Todatry, Vasavi Chakka, Saily Joshi, Krishna Bansal, Vandana Jhingan (often described as Jhansi Ki Raani of Chicago) and Surya Rao (official photographer for the event).
Ramesh Soparawala
India Post News Service
