CHICAGO: The Federation of Indian Associations Chicago (FIA) decided to give a new direction to celebrating the 69th Indian Republic Day by translating in practice what a former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill had observed: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
The newly elect young FIA president Neil Khote and the founding president Sunil Shah decided for a change to host a series of day long community oriented events instead of having run of the mill entertainment program stuffed with speeches, dances and songs. The series of events included a Blood Donation drive, Health and Wellness Camp, Information on Medicare and Medicaid benefits, Information and advice on Taxation, College Counselling, and offering help for Passport and Visa services of Indians.
This unique way to serve the community took place at Itasca Swaminarayan Mandir on Sunday January 28 and it met with great success and response from the community at large as it attracted more than one thousand visitors and participants, not only from all over Chicagoland but also from nearby States.
The Health and Wellness Camp saw more than 25 physicians specializing in Dentistry, Internal Medicine, Orthopedic, Optometric, Heart ailments, Chiropractic, Urology, Physiotherapy and Podiatry. Close to 325 people had their blood and other vitals checked, and more than 55 had an on the spot EKG taken for their heart issues, while others went on to see other attending doctors for their general and specific health problems like dental , general health , orthopedic , heart , muscle and joint issues.
There were booths with experts and counselors giving people advice on Medicare and Medicaid, Home help for seniors, Taxation, College admission counseling, Passport and visa services that had officers from the Indian Consulate in Chicago.
The event began with singing of American National Anthem by Ashika Sachdev followed by the Indian National anthem by Geetanjali Maru. Welcoming all those attending the FIA event, Founder President Sunil Shah appreciated volunteers who gave their valuable time for this event. Onkar Singh Sanga and Mukesh Shah, Past Presidents also welcomed the dignitaries and others and also invited the FIA Board on the stage. They thanked the volunteers for their valuable time to serve the community. Mayor McLeod and Senator Tom Cullerton handed over the proclamation to the FIA .
“This type of event would be the ongoing theme for the FIA. We are opening a non-emergency FIA Toll Free number 1 (833) FIA CARE. I thank all the supporters, doctors and volunteers and dignitaries for joining us in an overwhelming majority at this event,” said Neil Khot, FIA president. Hitesh Gandhi Executive Vice President added “One nation, One Vision, One Identity, Freedom in mind, faith in words, Pride in our heart, Memory in our soul, lets salute Indian nation. FIA team serves community with Wellness Camp and celebrates 69th Indian Republic Day”
The event was well attended by dignitaries, elected officials, politicians and respected people from all walks of life. The dignitaries were led by Ms. Neeta Bhushan, Consul General of Chicago, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Congressman, Michael Frerichs, Illinois Treasurer, Ms. Michelle Mussman, Illinois State Rep, Senator Tom Cullerton, Senator Laura Murphy, Christina Castro, State Rep, Frank Avila, MWRD Commissioner, Bill McLeod Mayor Hoffman Estates, Rodney Craig Mayor Hanover Park, Tom Dailly Trustee Schaumburg, Khaja Moinuddin Trustee Hanover Township.
The traditional lamp lighting ceremony was performed once the dignitaries and the FIA board were on the stage. The dignitaries in their brief speeches extolled and praised the development that India has seen since independence and the India USA collaboration in various fields and the friendship between the leaders of both the democracies. Some even put FIA as the best organization amongst all other Indian community organizations.
This was followed by a patriotic song by Geetanjali Maru. Then all the volunteers were presented with appreciation plaques on behalf of the FIA. A vote of thanks was given on behalf of the FIA by Hitesh Gandhi Executive Vice President.
Suresh Bodiwala & Harish Rao
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