Himani Sanagaram
CHICAGO: The 72nd Gala of India’s Independence Day was celebrated with gaiety and pomp by the Federation of Indian Associations Chicago with pomp and fervor at the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Schaumburg on August 4.
Chief Guest Consul General Neeta Bhushan said, “Thank you all FIA members for coming. My heartiest greetings on India’s 72nd Independence Day. Let us bow our heads to show respect to the soldiers who fought for the freedom of our country. India is now one of the fastest growing economies of the world. India is ahead in many ways be it IT, culture, university and diversity – in every way possible, it has shown to the world.”
The event started with the American and Indian national anthem and included a Goan Koli folk dance by the fisherman community and other patriotic dances. There was also a Bride Show that presented bridal clothes from different states of India.
“It’s truly exciting to celebrate the country’s 72nd Independence Day. I am honored and feel humbled… I’m thankful for the real support of FIA Board. It is a day to reflect upon the glories of our freedom fighters that fought for the freedom we are enjoying today,” said Founder President of FIA Sunil Shah even as he announced that he would run for Mayor of Schaumburg.
“Last month we celebrated American Independence Day and this month India’s Independence Day, in the world’s oldest and largest democracies,” Shah said. Stating that the city of Schaumburg had a lot of problems like high property taxes, Shah said that he planned to run for Mayor of Schaumburg.
“FIA is completing a decade and produces leaders,” FIA president Neil Khot said. “I wish Mr Shah all the success. Jai Hind and God Bless America,” he added.
Among those present was Willie Wilson, candidate running for mayor of Chicago against Rahm Emanuel in 2019. He also ran for president in 2016. Wilson has given $44 million to the needy people in Chicago and wants to work against gun violence, ending political corruption and promoting economic development.
RaeesYawer, the first Hyderabadi lady to be an elected government official in the US, was also present. The Vice President of the Board of Commissioners for Streamwood Park District, Yawer has been associated with Compassionate Care Network for the last four years in fundraising and hosting their Annual Gala. Others present were Syed Hussaini from Wintrust Bank and Jitendra Diganvker, Republican Congressional candidate in Illinos’ 8th district,
Guests of Honor included Deepak Kant Vyas who specially came from St Louis MO, Dr Dhaval Patel , Dr Sreenivas Reddy (President IAMA), Michelle Mussman, Democratic Party candidate for Illinois State Representative in the 56th District, William McCleod, Mayor of Hoffman Estates, Dr Suresh Reddy (AAPI Vice-President) and
Brij Sharma, CEO of Power Volt.
Dr Reddy said that IAMA, which consists of 7,000 physicians of Indian origin, wants to involve FIA in a pilot project to overcome gun violence and opiod crisis at the University of Chicago. IAMA will be hosting a gala for this on Nov 17. He said that several prominent Indian American doctors are willing to organize charitable projects and partner with FIA. “We are willing to organize free medical camps,” Reddy said.
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