CHICAGO: The Federation of the Indian Associations Chicago that espoused the maxim for over three decades – ‘United We Stand’, sought to get that translated in practice last week when it held its Indian Republic Day banquet at Shalimar Banquet in Addison (a northwest Chicago suburb).
The FIA, now headed by young Minhaj Akhtar, took the first step in getting the community united by inviting top brass of rival FIA to come to this Indian national event. The happier turn of events was that the rival FIA, now headed by Dhitu Bhagwakar and tended by founder President Sunil Shah, readily obliged by attending the celebrations which turned out to be grand with the presence of 750 plus guests and members.
The presence of over 750 persons at the celebrations, despite the freezing cold, was a testimony of not only their sense of patriotism but also a subtle desire to have a unified approach to national causes and celebrating national festival. “The Republic Day event inspired me to create unity within the community during my tenure as President of FIA,” Minhaj Akhtar observed
The singing of the National Anthem of India was followed by the traditional lighting of lamp by the FIA Executive Committee, Trustees, and the dignitaries.
Dr Ausaf Sayeed, Consul General of India in Chicago, who was the Chief Guest, said that India has emerged as the country with the fastest economic growth and, about two decades later, it will have the world’s largest economy. He added that India’s triumphs will bring in their wake multiple benefits not only for India but also for the entire world.
Dr Sayeed stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visits to different countries will be greatly instrumental in taking them along and making a collective effort for bringing about peace, progress, and prosperity, across the globe. “His recent historic stop over at Lahore was a big leap forward in achieving this cherished goal which received huge admiration by world leaders and statesmen alike”, he added.
Dr Sayeed said that the 3.2 million-strong Indian-Americans, who are one of the wealthiest and best-educated communities in the US, have made a phenomenal contribution to the economy of the US.
Debra’s husband, Ira Silverstein, Democratic member of the Illinois Senate, representing the 8th district, thanked the Indian-Americans for their wholehearted support.
Minhaj Akhtar, President, said that the top priority of the newly-elected Executive Committee of the FIA, Chicago would be to achieve the twin-objectives of not only empowering the Indian-Americans to realize their American dream but also to preserve their unique culture and heritage.
Akhtar said that the event had a human dimension too in the way the donations made by people will be used to support the victims of the recent torrential rains and massive flooding which devastated Chennai and surrounding areas in the State of Tamil Nadu.
Syed Hussaini, Vice President, Wintrust Community Bank, who was the Chair of the Gala Banquet, said that his Bank has been sponsoring the events of the FIA, considering the fact that it represents the true face of Indian-Americans.
An award was presented to Wintrust Community Bank as the Best Financial Institution, which was received by Syed Hussaini. An award was presented to Gulam Mustafa known as Faheem for being one of the best community supporters. He is the owner of Shalimar Banquet, Hollywood Trendz and Eyebrows Designer 21. He took care of the cost for banquet.
Nakul Chand of Air India, one of the sponsors of the event, said that in 1990 the Indian Government airlifted over 1,70,000 Indians from Kuwait with help of 488 flights in just 59 days, which is considered to be the largest air evacuation in the history of mankind. “Air India, thus, entered into Guinness Book of World Records for the civil airline that had evacuated the most people till date. This daredevil mission has been effectively showcased in the recently-released Bollywood blockbuster, Airlif,” he added.
Judge Anthony E. Simpkins said that India’s unity in diversity should be a source of inspiration for different countries, across the globe, in their search for the ways and means for peaceful coexistence.
Niranjan Shah, an FIA Trustee and the Guest of Honor, called upon people to shun their pessimistic and negative attitude and advised them, instead, to look at the skyrocketing growth made by India since gaining independence in 1947.
Bharat Barai, Trustee and Past FIA President said that under the enlightened stewardship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is emerging as one of the world super powers.
FIA Trustee Iftekhar Shareef in his short speech congratulated the newly elected team and pitched for carrying out the FIA unity motto. He then introduced Raja Krishnamurthy who is seeking Congressional Seat from 8th Congressional district in Illinois. He said that Raja enlisted support of 150 powerful Democrats including Nancy Pelosi and Sen Dic Durbin. Shareef said that he has the best chance to get elected and represent interests of Indian Americans and mainstream Americans at large.
A multifaceted entertainment program, presented by trained professionals, was one of the highlights of the event. Mudra Dance Academy presented two dance items, “Pushpanjali” by Suzan Abraham and “Thilana” by Pooja Thakkar. The dancers and their mentor, Krishnama Shah, were given a huge round of applause by the audience.
Sunny Gabhawala proposed a vote of thanks. He specially thanked Vinod Patel for his services as the banquet co-chair, Moneydart for their generous donation for Chennai, and representatives of the media. The vote of thanks was followed by sumptuous dinner.
FIA Executive Committee: Minhaj Akhtar-President, Kantibhai N. Patel-Executive Vice President, Sanhita Agnihotri- Secretary, Girish Patel, Sathisan Nair, and Sher Muhammad Rajput-Vice Presidents, Vijay Ranjan-Joint Secretary, Ajit Singh-Treasurer, and Hemant Trivedi- Joint Treasurer.
FIA Trustees: Iftekhar Shareef, Niranjan Shah, Dr Bharat Barai, Kanti S. Patel, Babu Patel, Sohan Joshi, Satish Gabhawala, Harish Bhatt, Bhailal Patel, Anil Pillai, Sitaram Patel, Ajay Agnihotri, HinaTrivedi, Keerthi Ravoori, Hyder Mohammed and Hetal Patel.
Harish Rao & Asian Media USA
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