The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA-O), the largest umbrella organization serving Indian community since 1980, hosted a gala banquet dinner on Saturday, January 26 at Meadow’s Club to celebrate India’s Republic Day.
The dinner was hosted on the same day that Republic Day was celebrated in India and everywhere else by Indians. The attendance was packed to the Banquet hall and comprised eminent Indian-American community members and other dignitaries. FIA members, trustees and office bearers were seen mingling with the guests. Dr Bharat Barai, Iftekhar Shareef, Bhailal Patel, Babu Patel, Sohan Joshi, Kanti Patel, Harish Bhatt were seen among the FIA front rank.
Keerthi Ravoori, Zehra Quadri and Minhaj Akhtar, Ajay Agnihotri, were from the host committee for the event. Vandana Jhingan, TV Asia anchor inaugurated the event and Keerthi Ravoori emceed it. A cultural musical program representing India’s diverse ethnicity was presented in the beginning, followed by a lamp lighting ritual that reflected Indian tradition for inaugural.
The 50th ward Alderman Debra Silverstein and Senator Ira Silverstein were among the special guests. Both congratulated Indian Americans on India’s Republic Day. Chicago’s Indian Consul General Office was represented by Consul N. J Gangte. Air India presence added glory to the spirit of celebrations as Chicago Manager Rishikant Singh and Sales Manager Katherine Thorat joined the event. Rishikant Singh has recently taken over the office of Air India Chicago. Known for his community participation spirit, Rishikant said he enjoyed joining the event and felt that all Indians must come together for such events.
Iftekhar Shareef, past president and trustee thanked all supporters, sponsors, media persons and guests for joining the event. Referring to dissidents in Chicago Indian American community, he remarked that democracy permits everybody to exercise their choice and make their own group or organization but why to copy the same name as FIA? Keeping the same name is not only illegal but misleading too. The real FIA is the registered umbrella organization since 1980 and enjoys the support of all diverse Indian organizations. Presence of heads of all such organizations within FIA reflect the approval of community.
A comedy show by Indian American Standup comedian Azhar Usman was the main presentation of the event. Azhar created laughter among the audience as he imitated typical “Desi” style in his own ABCD style. His satire was comic and lively initially but dragged on too far. It could have been short and sweet.
FIA you made it again was the quip by Vandana Jhingan as she announced end of event.
A.Q. Siddiqui
India Post News Service
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