India Post News Service
CHICAGO: FIA Chicago, in collaboration with National India Hub, celebrated Bharat’s 79th Independence Day at Daley Plaza, drawing over 120 patriotic attendees, including dignitaries such as Consul General Somnath Ghosh, FIA Trustee Dr. Bharat Barai, Elderwoman Debra Silverstein, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, former MLA Sahab ji, Maharshtra Mandal president Nameeta Vedak, Chetan Rege, Ajeet Singh, Nirav Patel, Ramesh Choksi, and Devesh Pandit.
FIA President Hemant Patel, in his address, honored freedom fighters and highlighted the enduring strength of Bharat’s civilization, emphasizing the cost of freedom and urging celebration with joy and gratitude. He thanked sponsors, media partners, community leaders, 60+ member organizations, youth, performers, volunteers, and special guests—particularly Consul General Ghosh and Dr. Barai—for their support. This year’s theme, “150th Birth Anniversary of Sardar Patel — The Iron Man of Bharat,” honored his courage, sacrifice, and patriotism. Consul General, Debra Silverstein, and Maria Pappas greeted and addressed the attendees, while FIA trustee Rakesh Malhotra and former MLA Sahab Singh highlighted the significance of freedom fighters in their remarks.
The program began with the American and Bharatiya national anthems, followed by the hoisting of the Bharatiya flag—a striking Triranga moment. Rasika Bandekar, a Bharat Natyam teacher, brought her students to perform dances on patriotic songs. FIA executives and trustees, including Amar Upadhyay, Shailesh Rajput, Rohit Joshi, Anil Singh, Arvind Ankleshwaria, Bhailalbhai, and Rakesh ji, thanked the performers and presented certificates of appreciation.
Despite city constraints on timing, the event concluded flawlessly, celebrating Bharat’s independence with pride and unity.
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