CHICAGO: It was a ritualistic ‘kick-off’ event of the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) announcing the three days of crowded program celebrating Indian Independence Day mid-August. It could have passed on without much luster but the newly elect president Hina Trivedi and an old guard Trustee Babubhai Patel stole the show with their out of turn speeches.
The event was held on Sunday May 5 at North shore Banquet Hall on Devon Avenue in Chicago. It was off to the start with Alderwoman Debra Silverstein [50th ward], State Senator Ira Silverstein, Hina Trivedi, Iftekhar Shareef and a host of FIA Trustees joining to light the ceremonial lamp that would herald grand-scale India Day celebrations that consisting of Independence Day Parade, Gala Banquet and Flag-hoisting ceremony in Chicago downtown.
Keerthi Kumar Ravoori, FIA’s Executive Vice President welcomed the guests and led the opening festivities. He reminded the guests of the rich historical traditions of FIA in hosting major events besides honoring India’s Independence.
But it was Babubhai who underlined the real “celebration” and was lustily cheered when he asserted in a very emphatic voice that “no celebration would be worth its name if we do not wake up to the recent Chinese incursion across our borders.” For any country in the world safety and sanctity of its borders should be of paramount importance and India cannot be an exception, he said
He urged Indian Americans here to wake up and educate the mainstream American society about such periodic nightmares that the country has been suffering since 1962 and wanted FIA to take lead in staging demonstrations across the country highlighting the plight of a non-violent nation.
Hina Trivedi is the second woman President leading this umbrella organization here and besides talking about the celebrations, she touched upon the need to help young ones getting better skills thru education and training. She pitched for initiating steps that would induce students to go to school and not get dropped out and recalled her school days when those enlightened in the society helped kids going to school.
Iftekhar Shareef, the head of the FIA Trustee Board, was in his elements as usual and made one wonder how would FIA function efficiently and effectively if it does not have a leader of his caliber. He welcomed everybody including the Chief Guests Ald Debra Silverstein and State Senator Ira Silverstein, and acknowledged their help in ensuring the success of FIA program and implementation of its agenda.
Ald Debra Silverstein was all positive in offering all possible help to the FIA Board and members while holding Parade and other festivities in Rogers Park area. She also urged all those present to bring to her attention any concern or problem in the 50th Ward that she represents. Senator Silverstein was brief and yet quite positive in his speech.
Keerthi Ravoori of FIA adds:
In her remarks Alderwoman Debra Silverstein said “Indian Americans are an important part of the City’s 50th ward and I commend you for bringing such vibrant richness and diversity to the ward.” She further said that Indian Americans have helped to bring flourishing business establishments on Devon Ave and pledged that she would work with the community to foster growth and development of adding more businesses in the sprawling India Town in her ward.
Ald. Debra Silverstein thanked the kids for presenting beautiful dances and said steering children in such traditions will help build healthy communities. State Senator and Committeemen Ira Silverstein echoing the sentiments commended FIA for hosting events that highlight the spirit of Indian Independence.
FIA President Hina Trivedi speaking on the occasion thanked the executive board and trustees for their collective efforts in making FIA a vibrant umbrella community organization. She paid tributes to the spirit of volunteerism that is hallmark of FIA and thanked FIA for its deep-rooted commitment to the community.
Iftekhar Shareef, FIA Trustee Chair who presided over the event, thanked the host of trustees and board members for their unstinted support. He especially acknowledged help from the Media, Ankur Chaudari for spearheading new website for FIA and Harish Kolasani for providing valuable assistance in hosting the kick-off program. He also gave historical information about FIA and its steadfast growth.
To show FIA’s appreciation for chief guests, he then invited Hina Trivedi to honor Ald. Debra Silverstein with a colorful shawl followed by Vandana Walia, FIA Secretary putting a golden shawl on State Senator Ira Silverstein amidst applause.
Later, Iftekhar Shareef announced three major events to be hosted for India Day: (1) Grand Day Parade Saturday, August 17; (2) Gala Banquet Friday August 16; (3) and Indian Flag-Hoisting Thursday, August 15, downtown Chicago. He then recognized the 2013 executive board comprising Keerthi Ravoori, Executive Vice President, Ravi Harsoor, Vice President, Veenod Patel, Vice President, Amar Upadhya, Vice President, Vandana Walia, Secretary, Minhaj Akhtar Treasurer, Kalyan Anandula Reddy, Joint Treasurer and Chris Christian, Joint Secretary.
Young children in colorful costumes presented three beautiful folk dances which depicted the traditions and rich culture of some of the Indian states. Vandana Walia, FIA Secretary proposed a vote of thanks. Among the prominent attendees were Dr Ashish Sen, President IADO, Dr. Basanti Bannerji, President, IAC and Chandresh Brahmbhatt, AAHOA’s Upper Midwest Regional Director.
Some of the FIA Trustees present were Babu Marsha Patel, Anil Pillai, Bhailal Patel, Prahlad Patil and Ranjit Ganguly. The event concluded with lunch hosted by FIA.
Ramesh Soparawala
India Post News Service
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