FIA launches own website

Launching of FIA website. Seen in the picture Chief Guest Khan Lateef, FIA President Dr. Hyder Mohammed, former Presidents Babu Patel. Sohan Joshi and Iftekhar Shareef, Secretary Sunil Shah and Ms Amee

CHICAGO: There could be many surprises for Indian community in Chicago this year as the Federation of Indian Association (FIA) headed by yet another budding young man Dr Hyder Mohammed has vowed to make it different from his predecessors.

The first pleasant move by Dr Hyder is the launch of first ever official website for FIA Chicago. The FIA official website www.fiachicago.us was declared open in a traditional inaugural ceremony on Sunday afternoon at North shore Banquet on Devon Ave. Many prominent Indian community leaders, FIA members and chief guest Khan Lateef Khan joined the launch event.

In a formal opening address, Iftekhar Shareef former FIA president hailed Dr Hyder for coming out with new ideas as the young leader of Indian community. Iftekhar Shareef remarked for Dr Hyder, the website will remain a "feather in his cap" for years to come in Chicago. It is informative, it is useful and it will bring the Indian community together, he remarked.

Addressing the gathering, chief guest Khan Lateef Khan, a well known Indian journalist recalled earlier days of immigration in United States when it was difficult to see Indian faces in Chicago. He reminded Indian immigrant community about the cultural heritage they belonged to and advised that this great cultural attributes be reflected in all spheres of immigrant's life in the adopted country.

While European immigrants discard their cultural habits, Indian immigrants keep the great traditions and reflect in daily life. He said recent elections in India proved that Indian democracy stands an example for the world.

"Race and religion has no barrier in democracy", he remarked and recalled Dr Martin Luther King who followed many of Mahatma Gandhi's principles in public life.

FIA president, Dr Mohammed Hyder detailed the concept and working of FIA website. He said it is just a beginning and much is to come out yet. He requested community members to come forward for making it more useful and informative for the Chicago Indian community. The website will not only serve as a source for information but will get the community together.

The Rediff has allowed using current news from India on daily basis for the website. Indian community businesses will have an opportunity to advertise for free under "yellow pages" tab. Dr Hyder said FIA activities are not to confine for the India Independence Day Parade or celebrations only, FIA needs to play an important role shaping Chicago Indian community life. It could promote their business and social life as well.

Giving details of India Parade and Independence Day Celebrations (highlights at website), he said all efforts will be mobilized to make the Parade memorable. Bollywood actors are welcomed and honored for their participation on a "patriotic spirit" basis, but no monetary rewards will be offered. Bollywood actors should proudly join the celebration with fellow Indians, he said. 

Earlier, Sunil Shah welcomed the guests for the event. Babu Patel, Sohan Joshi, Kanti Patel, Rajput Sher Mohammed also made brief speeches. Rajput Sher Mohammed informed that popular Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan is visiting Chicago for a commercial event on 15August. He should be cajoled to join the India Parade on Devon as a lead Marshal.

The suggestion was applauded by all. The actor, known for his patriotic passion could well make a history with Indians abroad. But will he do it for free? That will be a real history, someone remarked.

FIA vice president Omkar Singh Sangha proposed a vote of thanks. Secretary Sunil Shah emceed the entire event with grace and elegance.

-India Post News Service