CHICAGO: It was one of the best shows of its kind – the celebration of India’s Republic Day in Chicago land by the Federation of Indian Association (new) at India House in Schaumburg on Friday, January 25.
The highlight was the presence of a large number of City, State and Federal elected officials – US Rep Tammy Duckworth, State Senators Michael Noland, Fred Craspo, State Rep Marty Moylan, Hoffman Mayor Bill McCloud, Hanover Park Mayor Rodney Craig and Indian Consul General Ms Mukta Tomar. Leading Indian American businessmen and Chicago elite were present too.
The start was with the traditional lighting of the lamp and singing of national anthems of India and America by local artists. FIA President Rita Singh was delighted welcoming 350 plus guests and members besides top officials and Indian CG Mukta Tomar. She 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. “We specifically decided to celebrate the event on January 25 since this would coincide with the celebration on January 26 in India. We are happy that we are part of this great celebration,” she observed. She pitched for unity among all Indian Americans here and thanked the FIA members and executive committee officials for their support in bringing this event to fruition.
Indian CG Mukta Tomar recounted the importance of Republic Day and briefed those present about the huge stride that India has taken in fields of science, technology and education over the past sixty years and more importantly in recent decades.
She congratulated Indian Americans for their initiatives in cementing India-US ties. She was happy that the Indian community here has been celebrating the Indian Republic Day and added that this signified their special feel for the land of their origin.
State and Federal officials too congratulated Indian Americans on the Indian nation becoming Republic on this day. A large number of young Indian Americans were present and this suggested a larger participation in mainstream politics too. A beautiful cultural presentation by local artists turned out to be a great attraction.
Judge Ketki Stiffen administered the oath of office to newly elect FIA executive team members. A sumptuous dinner was enjoyed by all those present.
Suresh Shah
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