CHICAGO: The Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago (PCS) hosted its fifteenth annual “Punjabi Youth Graduation and Scholarships Awards Night” on Sunday, June 14 at Viceroy of India Banquets in Lombard, a south west suburb of Chicago. It was attended by more than 250 members, guests and invitees.
Professor Sanjay Mehrotra of Northwestern University was the keynote speaker. The guests of honor were Class of 2015 graduates from the Punjabi community.
The celebration included keynote address, recognition awards, scholarship, cake cutting ceremony, DJ music, dancing, socializing, networking, and sharing delicious dinner.
Prof. Mehrotra spoke from the heart with his own personal life story and humble beginnings. “I was never at the top of my class, but belief and persistence helped me get to where I am today.
To be successful you must have the courage to say no to the distractions that will come your way,” said Prof. Mehrotra, “You must be good and do good, and stay out of trouble. It is not rocket science,” he added.
Gurpreet Kaur Dhaliwal of William Fremd High School Palatine won the $1000 PCS Scholarship for her scholastic accomplishments, cultural programs participation, and community service. All Punjabi class of 2015 graduates were honored with PCS Certificates of Achievement. The participants of “Rangla Punjab 2015,” a PCS Annual Vaisakhi cultural program held in April, also received their appreciation awards.
The scholarship and the graduation night dinner event was co-sponsored by sisters Karamjeet Kaur, Diljeet Kaur, and Ranjeet Kaur Singh in fond memory of their father Dr Pritam Singh, a scholar, freedom fighter and an educationist with deep love for his community.
The scholarship event was co-sponsored by Mohina Ahluwalia in memory of her husband Diljit Singh Ahluwalia, Harinder Pal Singh , Dr Surjit Singh Patheja, Raj Dhaliwal, Power Petroleum, Amritpal Singh Sangha, and Lakhvir Singh Sahota.
Prof. Sanjay Mehrotra, Mona Ahluwalia and Harinder Pal Singh were honored with plaques by PCS officials. Surinder Jain of Vice Roy was also given a plaque for his support.
Mahijit Singh Virdi, Mandeep Singh and Avtar Singh Multani entertained the gathering with Punjabi songs. Twin Beatz D.J. provided Bhangra music for the party.
PCS President Vick Singh welcomed the guests and PCS Chairman Amritpal Singh Sangha congratulated the graduates and complimented them as the stars of the evening.
PCS’ next event is Sports Festival on Sunday August 2 at Falcon Park Recreation Center, 2195 N. Hicks Road in Palatine Illinois.
Rajinder Singh Mago
