DAVE VASUDEVAN
CHICAGO: Thought It was essentially Diwali get-together in the wake of the Ram Janambhoomi verdict of Indian Supreme court, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America )(VHPA) Chicago Chapter decided to have its first ever fundraiser.
The event was held at the Ashyana Banquet hall in Downers Grove, a south side suburb of Chicago and it turned out to be a huge success judging from the enthusiastic response from members and VHPA supporters. The nearly three-hour event was graced by Dr Sambit Patra , spokesperson of the BJP, who enlivened the meet with his eloquence and a near perforce elucidation of the BJP’s program and activities.
VHPA president Nirav K. Patel spoke about his organization rendering yeomen services to the community at large and the development program planned for the near future He indicated that in order to capture the basic value that VHPA is striving for, there is a proposal to set up a Hindu community center in the Chicago area.
This center will include a language school, a home for cultural activities and the local Sewa supporting the community at large. Already a VHPA Bal Vihar, that is a Board-certified Hindi school, offers value-based Hindi language teachings, he said
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Dr Patra addressed the gathering and observed that Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi has been hugely successful in creating a new political era in India.
“Inaugurated and participated as the Chief Guest in the Diwali Celebrations organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parisad of America in Chicago and also .addressed the Indian Diaspora on this great occasion on “Narendra Modi-The Man who ushered in the Golden Era in Indian Politics’,” Dr Patra later tweeted.
Indian Consul General in Chicago Sudhaker Dalela, who was the guest of honor, underlined the importance of the relationship between India and the US and observed that the these two democracies were never this closer.
The other highlight of the event was the recognition of VHPA activists who have contributed a lot for taking the organization to its present level. Among those recognized and honored were Dr Bharat Barati, Dr Shamkant Sheth, Raja Babu, Harendra Manghrola and Vandana Jhingan.
In a cultural program, Gauri Jog sang the Ganesh Vandana while Indrani Joshi rendered classical songs.
The emcees of the event were Mohita Murali and Nimisha Patel.
