CHICAGO: It was a somewhat unique celebration of Indian Republic Day by the Federation of Indian Association (FIA-new) – held on Saturday January 25 at Meadows Club, Rolling Meadows, a northwest suburb of Chicago – in more than one way.
It was free for all those coming to the event but it was by invitation. Secondly, it was a well planned affair highlighted by Indian songs, dances, delicious food, a Hindi-play “Dastak” and meeting with invited dignitaries.
The program started with the traditional lighting of the lamp in the presence of a large number of City, State and Federal elected officials and well-known Community leaders. Indian national anthem was sung by the versatile singer Shreelakha Mohanty and the American national anthem was sung by Ashika Sachdev who has been an American Idol contestant. A beautiful group dance was performed by Mudra Dance Academy on the music of the famous song Vande Matram by A.R. Rehman.
FIA President Onkar Sangha welcomed the community guests, invited dignitaries and the Indian Consul General Ausaf Sayeed who was the Chief Guest. He observed that Indian Republic Day is celebrated not only in India but even abroad by people of Indian origin and Chicago cannot be an exception. Welcome remarks were also made by Sunil Shah, Founder & Former President while introducing the Chief Guest.
Consul General Ausaf Sayeed recounted the importance of Republic Day and briefed those present about the huge strides that India has taken in fields of science, technology and education over the past sixty years and more importantly in recent decades. He congratulated Indian Americans for their initiatives in cementing India-US ties.
P.C.S. Past President Rajinder Singh Mago introduced the elected officials, political candidates and special guests.
Mago introduced the Keynote Address Speaker Dan Rutherford, Illinois State Treasurer, as a true supporter of Indian Community. State Treasurer Rutherford, a Republican is running for the Governor of Illinois seat in the upcoming elections. Dan Rutherford wished happy Republic Day to Indians, the largest democratic nation on globe. He reminded all about the important role Indians are playing in the US economy and assured of his support.
Rutherford thanked FIA for arranging this event and inviting him.
Steve Kim, candidate for Lieutenant Governor also wished Happy Republic Day and emphasized the importance of Asian Americans and appealed to all to unite in representing the interests of Asian Americans.
US Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth of 8th District was represented by her district scheduler Trisha Chokshi. Illinois State Senator Michael Noland of 22nd district, Illinois state representative Michelle Mussman of 56th district, Deputy Mayor of Hanover Park Rick Roberts, Hanover Township Trustee Steve Caramelli, Commissioners of Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago Frank Avila and Mariyana Spyropoulos, Naren Patel of Medstar Laboratories graced the event and delivered befitting congratulatory speeches.
A Republic Day Proclamation was presented to Onkar Sangha & Sunil Shah by State Senator Michael Noland. William McLeod, Mayor of Hoffman Estates also attended the Republic Day celebrations and addressed the audience.
Laddi K. Singh, a female Sikh Indian American, a Democratic Party candidate, for Illinois State Representative for 54th district which covers Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Inverness, Barrington etc, also spoke to the audience. She is unopposed in the primaries and will face the incumbent Republican in general elections in November.
Nimesh Jani, an Indian American Trustee of Schaumburg Township also addressed the audience. Air India Manager, Rishikant Singh also wished Happy Republic Day to all and congratulated FIA for celebrating this day and arranging such a beautiful function. He spoke about the achievements of Air India globally and also assured of continued excellence in its services
A large number of young Indian Americans’ presence suggested an increased participation in mainstream politics.
A beautiful cultural presentation by local artists turned out to be a great entertainment. UIC Bhangra dance was a great hit. Pravasi Kala Manch and Washington Hindustani Theater presented “Dastak” A Gentle Knock on Collective Conscience – a gripping insightful Hindi Play highlighting a girl’s life.
FIA’s New Board for 2014 was declared as President: Onkar Singh Sangha; Executive Vice President: Dhitu Bhagwakar; Vice Presidents: Bharti Desai, Rita Shah, Surinder Kalra, Mukesh Shah, Ravi Kapoor; General Secretary: Neil Khot; Jt. Secretary: Sam Azeemuddin; Treasurer: Surinder Palia; Jt Treasurer: Raju Shah, Directors: Shital Daftari, Amit Desai.
General Secretary Neil Khot proposed the Vote of Thanks. The Master of Ceremony was Gaurav Arora who handled the entire event very nicely.
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