Suresh Bodiwala
CHICAGO: Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson in collaboration with Indian American Business Council hosted a Grand Diwali Celebration at City Hall Chicago on November 6, 2023. The attendance of Consul General of India Somnath Ghosh, elected officials and many prominent community leaders were present.
The distinguished guests who graced the event were Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Irvin, Alderwoman Shweta Baid, Alderman Deborah Silverstein, Alderman Walter Burnett, Alderman David Moore, AldLamont Robinson, Ald Pat Dowell, Ald Jason Irvin, Judge Sanjay Tailor, Judge Rena Vantine, Dr. Bharat Barai and Dr. Sreenivas Reddy.
The ceremony started with singing of national anthems, devotional songs along with invocation lamp lighting. Ajeet Singh, President IABC welcomed everyone and thanked Mayor Brandon for celebrating Diwali with one Indian American Community. Mayor Johnson extended his heartfelt gratitude to the entire Indian American community for their contribution towards the development and progress of the city of Chicago.  Keeping the beautiful Diwali tradition alive, Mayor Johnson distributed sweets amongst the attendees.
Consul General Somnath Ghosh talked about how the festival of Diwali, similar to Yoga Day, has become a global celebration all over the world. In his remarks Ghosh added that India is an example of tolerance, coexistence and diversity of language, religions and ethnicities living peacefully and pursuing individual and national dreams, respecting democracy, respecting human rights, and universal brotherhood. He added that Indians and people of Indian origin strongly stand with the City of Chicago, and all other elected authorities in the greater Chicagoland for peace, for development and for the prosperity of the city and its beautiful suburban regions.
Dr. Barai wished Mayor Johnson, and everyone present a happy and prosperous Diwali and talked about how the festival brings back the same joy and memories that everyone experienced when Lord Ram came back to Ayodhya from exile.
Dr. Sreenivas Reddy mentioned that beautiful celebrations like these are a reminder of how important it is to work together to fight the challenges the world is facing today whether it is mental health or violence. The dignitaries congratulated the entire IABC for putting a beautiful event together signifying the victory of light over darkness and good over evil through this grand spectacle of Indian cultural heritage at the City Hall.
The ceremony closed with a vote of thanks by Keerthi Kumar Ravoori. He explained how IABC envisions to keep working in building a better and stronger community by hosting such impactful events.
Also Read:Â Gujarati Samaj Of Chicago Celebrating Diwali Gala Banquet
