Himani Sanagaram
CHICAGO: The Federation of Indian Associations (Chicago) organized a three days event celebration of 72nd India Independence Day this year.
The start was with celebrations at Daley Center in Down Town Chicago. The event started with national anthem of India and USA. The event was presided over by Alderwoman Debra Silverstein. In her address she said that her ward has substantial number of Indians and business houses owned by them.
FIA President Dr. Sanhita Agnihotri extended warm welcome to those in attendance to witness the amalgamation of culture, music, dance and display of Indian pride, nationalism and patriotism.
To showcase the rich cultural heritage of India, dance part of event was emceed and crisply organized by Prachi Jaitley and her team of Indian Classical Dance exponents.
Iftekhar Shareef, trustee of FIA, concluded the event with the vote of thanks.
Gala Banquet
Gala Banquet of Independence Day, a yearly event to wait for was celebrated on Aug 17 at Meadows Club, Rolling Meadows. The distinguished guests included US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Consul General Neeta Bhushan and many elected US officials. The star attraction was former Indian Cricket Captain Mohd. Azharuddin.
The event started with lamp lighting and national anthems of USA and India. The event was emceed by Saloni Dar. FIA President Dr. Agnihotri read the report for the whole year and the completion of yearly vision statement. She informed about donations to homeless on Christmas day, immigration camp at Lemont Temple with the help of highly experienced attorneys Mazhar Shah Khan and Vishal Chhabria.
She also put forward her vision and plans for the coming months and years to be followed by other incoming executive team in future. She welcomed the Consul General and invited her to address.
US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi humorously said that being a small number in US Congress they refer to themselves as Samosa Caucus – though small in number, they are effective. For him it was a proud moment of being Indian American and belonging to a successful model community.
Mafat Patel (Patel Brothers) and Iftekhar Shareef addressed and bestowed awards to community leaders and a Shawl – token of respect to Mohd Azharuddin. Amit Jhingaran of SBI pitched for patronizing SBI more as it has more than 24,000 branches in India and is always ready to serve clients with a smile. Ms Malini, Manager Midwest Air India also graced the occasion.
Babu Patel was honored with Life Time Achievement Award for his untiring, selfless services to Indian Community and FIA. Attorney Salman Azam was recognized and awarded as Professional of The Year. Kanti N Patel’s was also awarded. The community award was presented to Jayant Shanka Das Patel– a highly accomplished businessman.
The event was graced by patriotic and classical dance presentations by Surya Dance Academy, Reena Rockers, Shingari School of Rhytham /Chinu Thomas Group and Alokita Dance Group. Shree Guruswamy and Harish Kolasani were instrumental in putting together the dances.
More than four hundred guests, executive board and participants enjoyed the event which was summed up with many Bollywood songs by talented artists .
Parade on Devon Ave
The pivotal point of the three-day celebrations was the Parade on Devon Ave – mini India of Chicago – on Aug 18. The parade began with Indian flag hoisting at Devon-Western Ave and singing of anthems by Indians. The Indian Americas in colorful dresses thronged the streets to participate and watch the parade.
The parade walked through Devon Ave with many US elected officials including US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Cook County Board of Commissioner Chuy Garcia, Secretary of State Jesse White, Cook County Clerk Dorothy Brown, Mohd Azharuddin and Prachi Tehlan – upcoming Bollywood actress.
The parade had more than sixteen decked up floats occupied by enthusiastic Indian Americans – young and not so young alike. The Comed Truck and Tumbler Team of Jessie White and their acrobatics were closing act of the Parade.
Dr Sanhita Agnihotri along with Iftekhar Shareef, Kanti S Patel, Ranjit Ganguly and Anil Pillai described floats, their significance and their role in India and its Independence.
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