CHICAGO: Metropolitan Asian Family Services (MAFS) presented a vibrant 64th India Republic Day Gala that showcased heightened patriotic fervor on January 24, at its Chicago location.
The celebration started with the rendition of the Indian Nation Anthem by Chicago staff. The celebration was set in motion with a string of colorful patriotic, Bollywood, drama and dance presentations by MAFS seniors and staff members from Niles, Chicago, Carol Stream and Naperville locations.
Chief Guest Ald Ameya Pawar in his remark extended warm India Republic Day greeting to MAFS seniors and staff members. He praised leadership of Santosh Kumar, Executive Director MAFS for uniting and bonding community together with such colorful and cultural extravaganzas. Pawar spoke on India’s achievement and its contribution to world. He praised Indian Constituent Assembly for drafting the world’s lengthiest and among the best constitutions. He urged everyone to be proud of their culture and heritage.
Sudkasha Kapoor, ranking member of Hindi Loversa Club, spoke eloquently on the importance and significance of the day. Sher Rajput, Board member of Indo-Democratic Organization also commended the service of MAFS to community at large.
Mrs. Kumar thanked invited guests, and MAFS staff and seniors clients for attending the event. Speaking on the significance of the day she said that though India achieved independence on August 15, 1947 it didn’t have a permanent constitution of its own till 1949. The system of government it was functioning under was the laws enacted and implemented by the British. The Constitution was approved and accepted on November 26, 1949 and it came into force in a full-fledged fashion from on 26 January, 1950. Thus, Republic Day celebration is the moment to remember the coming of the Constitution into effect.
The patriotic fervor was witnessed not only in the inspirational Republic Day remarks but also in cultural programs presented by the senior clients. They had taken extra measures to make the day remarkable through their exuberant performances. Seniors enacted sacrifices made by our great freedom fighters through their dramatic representations.
From Pandit Nehru to Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhai Patel to Netaji Bose they gave life to every role they depicted. Shantilal Thakkral acted as Gandhiji, Girijashankar Bhatt acted as Jawaharlal Nehru, Govind Desai as Lal Bahadur Shastri, Prafful Chandra Shah as Maulana Azad, Babubhai Modi as Subhash Chandra Base, Gurubachan Singh as Bhagat Singh, Burra Sreenivas as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Manju Checker acted as Bharat Mata.
‘Aye mere watan ke logo’ song was sung by Carol Stream seniors. Gurubachan Singh, MAFS senior client, talked on the meaning and significance of the Indian national flag. ‘I love my India’ dance was presented by Naperville clients and staff members. Hina Mehta, MAFS Naperville Adult Day Care program coordinator tickled everyone with her hilarious gags. Suryakant Patel, MAFS senior client, presented a talk on the importance of the day
Proposing a vote of thanks, Nalini Goyal, MAFS Board member, appreciated everyone for paying tribute to Indian democracy with their amazing presentations.
Over 150 prominent MAFS/Universal Asian Family Service members attended this program. It was compeered by Himali Bharucha, MAFS Media Coordinator.
Harish Rao
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