Enthralling showcase of Punjabi Culture by PCS

A plaque of honor was presented to Chief Guest Ashok Kumar Attri by PCS president and chairman. Children Bhangra at Rangala Punjab show

CHICAGO: More than 1500 community members and over 200 participants, program coordinators, and volunteers of all ages from metropolitan Chicago and surrounding States packed Lane Tech High School Auditorium and its hallways in a gathering to celebrate Vaisakhi festival last week. Ashok Kumar Attri, Indian Consul General and wife Usha Kiran Attri were the chief guests.

In his brief address, Attri said "I would like to share our joy at commemoration of the anniversary of the birth of the Khalsa and a very happy Baisakhi to all members of the Punjabi community of Chicagoland. I am also pleased at the impressive turnout and would like to congratulate the executive committee of PCS (Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago) led by Chairman Harinder Pal Singh and President  Ronny Kular for impressive arrangements for the Rangla Punjab 2009.

Usha Kiran Attri conveyed appreciation to PCS for presenting beautiful facets of traditional Punjabi culture, especially of the participation of young members of the Punjabi community and also the wonderful quality of Bhangra dance presented by the University of Chicago "Balle Bhangra" team.

"Our performance at Rangla Punjab was met with so much enthusiasm, praise, recognition, and support," said Sophia Akbar. "It reaffirmed why we love Bhangra!" added Erin Matson. Sophia and Erin both are part of University of Chicago "Balle Bhangra" a multi-national students team who presented an unforgettable finale to the program that mesmerized the audience.

The variety show titled "Rangla Punjab" is the flagship event of PCS and it is the single largest annual Punjabi community cultural event in Chicago area. It is designed to teach and promote Punjabi performing arts Bhangra, Gidha, songs, drama and music to the next generation of the local Punjabi American community and provide an opportunity to showcase their talent.

"Rangla Punjab 2009 was a huge success in providing a platform to families in the entire Midwest to connect with their roots in Punjab," said Harinder Pal Singh PCS Chairman. "One of the aspects I appreciate about PCS events is the sense of joy that participants and spectators have, I try not to miss any PCS event," said Alice Dungey community outreach coordinator for Devry University who attended the show with her young grandson Alex.

"I loved the whole show and was impressed that PCS attracted so many people to the event," said Geeta Banker, Branch Manager National City Bank, her first time at this Punjabi show.

Universally popular Punjabi dance Bhangra, Gidha, Punjabi music and songs, comedy skits, and many other items were presented at this stage show. Music was provided by "Tohfa" group of musicians. Miltown Wisconsin Bhangra team, "Gidhey Deeyan Raaniya" the Chicago Gidha team, and many other performers including from Northwest Indiana organized by Jasbir Singh Palia entertained the audience with excellent acts and dance moves.

A comedy skit "Amliyaan Diyaan Khariyaan" coordinated by Gurmukh Bhullar along with Jassi Parmar and Charandeep Singh, of Desi Junction a popular radio program, was a hilarious satire on uselessness of drug addicts, and sprouting new community organizations.

Bhinder Singh Pamma past president of PCS Chicago welcomed the audience. The program was emceed by Rajinder Singh Mago, Manjit Singh Gill, Balwinder Singh Girn, Raman Kaur Sekhon, and Navraaz Kaur Basati.

Ronny Singh Kular, PCS president thanked the audience, sponsors and volunteers and congratulated his PCS organizing team. A plaque of honor was presented to the chief guest Honorable Ambassador Attri by the PCS president and the chairman on behalf of the PCS officials.

All the Rangla Punjab participants will be honored at "Punjabi Youth Graduation Night 2009," an event on June 14, where "Class of 2009" graduates will be honored.
PCS will also award $1000 and $750 scholarships to qualified High School Seniors Punjabi students and encourage them to go to college. Last date to apply for the scholarship is May 17."  

It will arrange to take bus loads of community members at no cost to them on Sunday May 17, to Navy Pier to participate in a cultural procession at Navy Pier and also the "Passport to the World - India" cultural program at Chicago Children's Museum, where Bhangra lessons and turban tying demonstrations will be given. 

P.C.S. will participate in organization of week long Asian American Festival and present cultural performances at Daley Center Plaza in Chicago the week of May 18 -22. Its performers will participate in the Asian American Heritage month reception by Secretary of State of Illinois Jesse White on May 18.

The Basketball tournament and the P.C.S. Sports Festival are in July/August.
 It was announced that PCS will be hosting its 8th annual "International Bhangra and Gidha Competition." and dinner banquet at "PCS Night 2009" in October/November 2009.