CHICAGO: Hindi Lovers Club proudly celebrated ‘Hindi Divas’ on Sunday, October 7 at the Indo American Center, Chicago. The program included Musical Welcome by VNS Arts Group. Attendees were served snacks and dinner during the event.
Prominent community members who attended this event were Naren Patel, CEO, Medstar Lab, Santosh Kumar, Executive Director Metropolitan Asian Family Services, Dr. Subhash Pandey from UIC, Vandana Jhingan-TV Asia, Iftekhar Shareef, Chairman FIA, V. K. Kohli Managing Director VNS Arts Group, Sher Mohammad Rajput, Founding Trustee of Indo-American Center, Bina Patel, Dr. Munish Raizada, Jodhsingh Rawat, Ranjana Bhargav, Apna Ghar, Prafull Rami and others.
Vinita Gulabani served as Master of Ceremony for the evening and welcomed everyone with her delightful Hindi speech and couplets. Invited guests and Advisory Board members were called for the lamp lighting ceremony, when Mantra was recited by a young kid Lakshya, while Rohit Joshi of Northeastern Illinois University chanted holy mantras. It was followed by the rendition of National Anthem of both the countries by Shanu Sinha and kids of Balodyan and the audience present.
Vinita Gulabani introduced the dignitaries. Gurbachan Kaur Neelam, President of Hindi Lovers Club, in her address strongly pitched for supporting the Club mission. She explained the reason why it has been named Hindi Lovers Club. She said it would be convenient for the new generation to understand and attract foreigners who wish to learn Hindi. Usha Kamaria, co-founder of the Club, explained the importance of this organization in this foreign land.
All the speakers advocated the promotion of Hindi. It was pointed out that Bollywood produces the largest number of films in the world. It also attracts highest number of viewers in the world, which itself is a proof of Hindi’s popularity and importance. We should nurture this and let our children know that Hindi is our National Language and try to promote its acceptance and training.
Mrs. Santosh Kumar in her short yet spirited speech emphasized the importance of Hindi. She pointed out that within our country there are still some regions which do not support our National Language and it is our responsibility to promote and spread it full heartedly. She stated that first generation of Indians gave up their language and culture to adapt to the western culture. She urged the need to introduce this language in every household.
Iftekhar Shareef advocated a wider application of Hindi. Sohan Joshi as chairman of NFIA and also committee member of Hindi Lovers Club underlined the need to promote Hindi among our kids. Vandana Jhingan of TV Asia said, “Remember two things – pride and self-respect. Pride or arrogance never lets anyone move forward and self-respect never lets anyone down.” She urged everyone to learn Hindi.
There was entertainment by Lakshya and his father, prayer and dance by Balodyan kids, poetry by Rashmi Kheira, Kamal Gupta and Shanu Sinha, dances by Ayra, Aashman, Kavya, Astha, Ishita, Deepika and Santok Sing Bains, songs by V.K. Kohli and VNS Arts Group, Neeru Singh and many such performances.
Vandana Jhingan handled the inauguration of Hindi Patrika. Every one present enjoyed dinner with music by J. K. Kohli and VNS Arts Group. Vote of thanks was given by Gurbachan Kaur. Overall it was a beautifully colorful evening leaving a good message for the Indian community.
Hindi Lovers Club Hindi Lovers Club was officially formed as a Not-For-Profit Social Welfare Organization on September 24, 2010 by three Hindi enthusiasts: Gurbachan Shewakramani, Usha Kamaria and Manjit Gill. Their main goal is to promote Hindi in simple ways like day to day talking and writing our thoughts in Hindi.
