CHICAGO: Intermittent rain on Saturday (5 Aug.) morning did not deter Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) and Indian community members for joining India Independence Day celebration on Devon Avenue.
The Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson joined the celebration and flagged traditional India Day Parade. Brandon congratulated Indian American community for the 77th anniversary of India Independence. Iftekhar Shareef, FIA senior trustee and first overseas citizen of India and Smita Shah, president sister city Chicago Delhi relations welcomed and thanked Mayor Brandson.
Bollywood star and singer Kanishka Soni marched as Grand Marshal holding a large Indian flag. All FIA trustees senior members marched along with others. The Parade started as usual from the corner of Devon and Western Avenue moved past the stage from where FIA members thanked and briefly introduced each passing float.
Both pedestrian sides of Devon Avenue were decorated with colorful balloons and small Indian flag. Dr Rashmi Patel, FIA president, Bhai Lal Patel, Rajput Sher Mohamad, Sohan Joshi, Sanhita Agnihotri, Iftekhar Shareef and others were seen greetings the passing floats and Indian community members.
The India Independence Day Parade on Saturday August 5th also reflected the great Indian culture of ‘unity in diversity’ as spectators watched Hindu Temple float followed by Chicago Christians float and a senior Indian American Muslim couple waving Indian flag. Truly, as said in a Bollywood number, “Aisa Deshhaimera” (My country is like this).
FIA Sources said : Kanishka Soni is thrilled to share this delightful announcement. The privilege of being invited to Chicago, USA, as a CELEBRITY guest and GRAND MARSHAL fills her heart with gratitude and thankfulness. The overwhelming responses she has received have truly touched her.
The warm invitation from FIA Chicago (Estd. 1980) to join in the celebration of India’s Independence Day is a cause of absolute delight for Kanishka. President Dr. Rashami Patel, along with the Executive Committee Members and Trustees, including Trustee Iftikhar Sharif, had extended this invitation not only to her but also to her friends and family. It is truly an honor to be part of such a momentous occasion and festivities.
The highlight of the celebration undoubtedly was India’s Independence Day Parade, with the starting point at Western Ave. & Devon Ave., Chicago.
AMERICAN MULTI ETHNIC COALITION (AMEC)
Many Congratulations to the entire FIA 1980 CHICAGO Team led by its President DR. RASHMI PATEL for a successful INDIA DAY PARADE with over 15 Floats along with the presence of community leaders like DR. BHARAT BARAI , President Indo- U. S. Friendship Council, IFTEKHAR SHAREEF, First OCI Card Recipient and others along with SOMNATH GHOSH, India’s Consul General.
The presence of Chicago’s Mayor BRANDON JOHNSON at the kick off of the parade, was truly remarkable. It is the first time in Over 30 YEARS that a Chicago Mayor personally attended the Parade .
Kanishka Soni in a special message
I am thrilled to share some exciting news with you all. On August 5th, 2023, I will have the privilege of being in Chicago, USA, as a CELEBRITY guest and GRAND MARSHAL. This opportunity fills my heart with gratitude and thankfulness, and I must say, I am truly overwhelmed by the responses I’ve received!
I am absolutely delighted to have received a warm invitation from FIA Chicago (Estd. 1980) to be a part of their celebration of India’s 77th Independence, President, Dr. Rashami Patel, Executive Committee Members, and Trustees, including Trustee Iftikhar Sharif, have 
extended this heartfelt invitation not only to me but also to my friends and family. It’s an honor to join in the festivities and commemorate this momentous occasion.
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