former FIA president Hina Trivedi
CHICAGO: One of the oldest ethnic Indian organizations, Federation of Indian Associations-Chicago [FIA] gave a big kick off to its ‘Kick-off’ event on Sunday, May 3 at Maharaja Restaurant in Rosemont to announce hosting of India Independence Day celebrations coming August in a big way.
A number of Indian community leaders were present enjoying the company of a glamorous Bollywood star Hrishita Bhatt. It was for the first time that the FIA Trustees headed by Iftekhar Shareef thought of adding some spice to an otherwise just informative event. Indian Consul O.P. Meena was the guest of honor. He extended warm greetings and best wishes to FIA board for its well chalked out program and joined in lighting the lamp.
FIA Trustee and Board members got off to a start with the lighting of traditional ceremonial lamp and immediately there after Dr Indrajit Patel , FIA Chief, announced hosting of a series of grand events heightening Indian Independence celebrations encompassing four major events (1) Parade, (2) Mela, (3)Banquet and (4) Flag-hoisting ceremony. He then solemnly pledged that “this year will mark a new chapter in the history of FIA as we will attempt to showcase the grand cultural traditions of India that would get colorfully reflected in the India Day events.”
FIA will host Grand India Day Parade on Saturday August 15 preceded by Gala Banquet on August 14 at Meadows Club. There will be a Flag-hoisting ceremony on August 15 morning at Daley Plaza in downtown at 9.30 am, hosted jointly with the Indian Consulate in Chicago.
FIA under the event chair Trustee Iftekhar Shareef will conclude the festivities with a wholesome family-oriented Colorful Mela replete with music, dances, singing and free samplings of Indian food on Devon Avenue after the Parade.
Nepal and victims of unprecedented earthquake in that country and part of India too got attention of Dr Indrajit and the FIA Officials. After observing a one-minute prayerful silence for the victims of Nepal earthquake, emotionally charged Dr Indrajit Patel fervently appealed to community organizations to mobilize resources to help the victims of the Nepal Earthquake.
Guest of honor Bollywood star and model Hrishita Bhatt expressed gratitude to FIA for the opportunity accorded to her in helping kick-off the celebrations. She said that she would return to Chicago to grace the India Day Parade and the banquet.
In his opening remarks, Iftekhar Shareef while welcoming the guests extensively spoke about the significant role FIA proactively plays in demonstrating the sense of patriotism towards the motherland year after year by hosting exciting series of memorable events that, he said, this year will surpass all expectations.
Referring to Nepal Earthquake, Iftekhar Shareef acknowledged Nepali American Sanjay Yadav and assured him that FIA would raise funds to help support the victims of Nepal earthquake adding that rehabilitation of Nepal victims was not a short-term goal but a long-term mission.
Hina Trivedi, former FIA President, in her short speech exhorted all those gathered to make extra efforts to help Nepal victims financially and otherwise. She said that Nepal tragedy is our tragedy as well and assured Nepali Americans that they can count on FIA support in their efforts to rebuild Nepal villages.
Hina is co-chairing Flag hoisting committee and she strongly pitched for all Indians in Chicagoland to actively participate in all FIA India Day programs
Iftekhar Shareef reminded the community not to get confused by two individuals who are misleading the community by using the FIA- Chicago name and collecting funds . FIA is a brand from last 30 years and these people are playing with community sentiments. FIA members and Trustees took strong exception to mischievous actions of the group by using FIA Chicago name. Keerthi Ravoori, former president, said FIA is the only Midwest community umbrella organization that has the tremendous potential to draw scores of Indian Americans together.
Dr Indrajit Patel announced the following chairmanships: Smita Shah to head as the Parade Chair, Raj/Neal Patel to head the Gala Banquet Chair, Ajai Agnihotri as Mela Chair and Ajeeth Singh as co-chair, Iftekhar Shareef as Finance Chair, Kanti Patel as Parade Management/Floats Chair, Keerthi Ravoori as Media/Public Relations/Souvenir Committee chair with Harish Kolasani and Kanti N. Patel serving as Co-Chairs; Babu Patel, Chair & Shabbir Patel, Co-Chair for Security arrangements.
Kanti Patel conducted the kick-off ceremonies as the master of ceremonies. Dr Bharat Barai addressed the guests outlining the plans for hosting a painting exhibition at the prestigious Art Institute of Chicago which he added could potentially bring Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Chicago. Nimesh Jani, Schaumburg Township Trustee offered greetings on the occasion and pledged to rope in IL Governor Rauner at the Parade.
Abdul Sidaki & Asian Media
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