Chicago team performing Gidha
CHICAGO: The Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago (PCS) held its annual event “Rangla Punjab 2011″ to celebrate Vaisakhi festival on Saturday April 23 at Copernicus Theater in Chicago. It was attended by more than 1500 guests.
Over 250 performers rendered nearly 40 delightful acts in a five-hour show. Dr & Mrs Bhupinder Singh Saini of Pain Management Clinics in Wisconsin were the Chief Guests. The immediate past PCS chairperson Mohina Ahluwalia and President Rajinder Singh Mago were honored with plaques for their services.
The program included Bhangra, Gidha, Punjabi songs and music, a short play, recognition of sponsors, guests and the PCS officials. There was also an announcement of the 2011 board of directors.
Bhangra and Gidha performers of all ages ranging from talented young boys and girls to exceptionally entertaining adult artists in a variety of colorful Punjabi costumes from Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Iowa performed their best on stage.
College Bhangra teams from the University of Chicago “Balle Bhangra,” Illinois Institute of Technology “Tech De Fateh,” and University of Iowa “Hawkeye Bhangra” were a delight to watch. The Gidha dance moves by the colorfully dressed ladies from “Milwaukee Da Gidha” Team, and “Shaunkna Chicago Diyan,” the Chicago Gidha team, won the hearts of the audience.
PCS vice president Parminder Singh Ghotra welcomed the audience. The program opened with singing of a prayer (“shabad”) by a group of young children.
Dan Rutherford, the Illinois State Treasurer, graced the event as a special Guest of Honor. In his brief address he said “It is my 6th time at this PCS event. I have also attended PCS sports festivals. I came to you during my campaign and now that I have been elected I must come back to thank you – my friends and supporters. I really enjoy your shows and someday would love to learn Bhangra.”
The program divided in four segments was emceed by Mona Bhalla, Dilraj Singh Sekhon, Pardeep Singh Deol, Manjit Singh Gill, Baljit Singh Sidhu and Surinder Singh Sangha. A short play “Batwara” (Partition) with a message of unity was well received. A group of talented singers sang melodious Punjabi songs with the accompaniment of professional musicians Hitesh Master, Ajay and Suresh.
The 2011 president of Sikh Religious Society Palatine Harkirat Singh Sandhu made an appearance and conveyed Vaisakhi greetings to the audience and said that one should be true to his or her own faith no matter what their faith is. PCS also recognized its permanent Board of Governors and Board of Advisors.
Vaisakhi festival is the celebration of ending of harvest season, and beginning of a new year. It’s a symbol of renewal. Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago (PCS) has been organizing this traditional Punjabi cultural program “Rangla Punjab” for more than two decades.
PCS Board of Directors for 2011 as announced are Dr Amarjit Singh (Hon. Chairman), Balwinder Singh Girn (President), Baljit Singh Sidhu (Sr. V.P.), Parminder Singh Ghotra (V.P.), Surinder Singh Sangha (Exec. Secretary), Pardeep Singh Deol (Finance Secretary), Arvinder Singh Gakhal (Sports Director), Jatinderpal Singh Sangha (Youth Director), Gurmit Singh Dhillon (Inter-community Director).
PCS officials honored the Chief guests Dr & Mrs Bhupinder Singh Saini with a plaque for his support to PCS. Dr Saini appreciated the work of PCS and its dedicated board members. Dr Amarjit Singh pledged his support to PCS for the next ten years.
“Mere fact that more than 250 children were involved in showcasing their Punjabi culture is in itself a great achievement by PCS Chicago,” said Balwinder Singh, PCS president.
The next PCS participation programs are: “Passport to the World – India” at Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier on May 15 and “Asian American Festival” at Daley Plaza Chicago May 16 to 20.
Surendra Ullal
