CHICAGO: If Mayor Richard Daley wants to be Mayor for life time, he could easily be one, judging from his popularity among Chicagoans. He enjoys immense popularity among all ethnic communities and this could ensure that the Mayoral gaddi could be his so long as he wants to be.

Indian Americans and Pakistanis held rallies extending their support to the Mayor. Other ethnic communities also participated in this display of support. This reporter asked one of the Indian participants, what makes the Mayor so popular. His reply was Daley's emphasis on education and family values- two traits that Indians hold high in their priorities.

Mayor Daley was accorded a grand welcome at Croatian center last week at two rallies- one was done by Indians and other ethnic groups while the other was organized by Pakistanis. Mayor Daley in his address laid special emphasis on education and observed that "education changed the United States and education change the entire world." He declared amidst applause that he has asked for opening of 25 new public schools and is ardently advocating skilled teachers for Math and Science from across the world.

He pitched for Federal support in his bid for the spread of education and vocational training in the City.

Niranjan Shah, a front ranking Indian community activist, was prominent in organizing the rally for the Mayor. Present on the occasion were a good number of community leaders - Iftekhar Shareef, Dr Ram Gajella, Hasan Merchant, Motia Agarwal, Joe Anthony, Banker Chacko, Balwinder Singh, Babu Patel, Kanti Patel, Keerthi Ravoori, Rohit Maniar, Nick Patel, Kirtiker Thakker, Nand Kapoor among others.

Smita Shah emceed the event. Cultural presentations - Bharat Natyam and Bhangra- was the other highlight of the three-hour program.

Muslims from across Chicago and neighboring suburbs turned up in large number at Croatian Cultural Center at Devon Ave to pledge support for Mayor Richard M Daley seeking re-election. The fundraiser and welcome event for Mayor Daley was jointly hosted by Asian American Muslims for Progress (AAMP) and Pak-American Business Association (PABA), the leading ethnic business representative organization in Chicago land. Addressing a packed gathering, Mayor Richard M Daley emphasized that Chicago is a city for immigrants and his administration cares for all communities irrespective of its religious or ethnicity identity. "You cannot build borders, you cannot build walls, America is all about people and to provide a better way of life", he said.

Also, an Appreciation Day for Chicago ethnic media persons and a public meeting in support of Alderman Bernard Stone was combined as one event on Western Ave on Saturday evening. A community dinner and campaign meeting in honor of 50th ward Alderman Bernard Stone was hosted by supporters. Community activist and Democratic Party Aide Engineer Mujeeb Osman welcomed members of South Asian community for the event. FIA president Iftekhar Shareef was requested to say introductory remarks about Stone. Mujeeb Osman, builder Tariq Siddiqui and members of ethnic media were among other dignitaries present for the event. Alderman Bernard Stone was requested to present the Appreciation awards to media persons. Tariq Khawaja, Bureau Chief Urdu Times, AQ Siddiqui, correspondent Indian Post-Urdu Times, Dr Mujahid Ghazi of Asia Broadcasting Network, Ifti Nassim of Pakistan News and Jatinder Bedi of Indian Reporter were among the media persons honored for their untiring reporting spirit and continued presence for all community events.