CHICAGO: One of the oldest community organizations for, by and of Indian Americans serving the community for the past four decades, held its annual India Day parade on Devon Avenue in mini India Town. It turned out to be good show despite the fact that no Bollywood celebrity had come to grace the event
The organizing team led by President Kanti Patel and some very active senior Trustees got compliments for their efforts in uniting the Indian community and getting support from business community who participated whole heartedly with their decorated floats and inducing people to come out in good numbers to show their love and respect for India and its culture.
The crowd lined up on both the sides of Devon Avenue though there were thin patches at some places.
The heartening thing to note was that there were good number of Muslims, Christians, Hindus too along with non-Indian community members. Interestingly, women turned up in large to cheer the Parade members and the Floaters alike. The live band and good security arrangement enlivened the atmosphere.
Many a businessmen took care of the Parade participants and those coming for the celebrations by offering water bottles. Tulsibhai of Patel Bros offered mango drinks and the gesture was highly appreciated. The Parade ended as usual at the crossing of Artesian and Devon before California Avenue wherein a podium was erected. There were usual speeches by the dignitaries FIA President KS Patel and Grand Marshal Dr Deepak Kant Vyas. Kererthi Kumar Ravoori acted as MC and did a good job.
Dr Deepak Kant Vyas, who was chosen to lead the Parade as the Grand Marshal, specially flew from St Louis in his own plane and endeared himself with his humility and openness. Among the other dignitaries were Congressman Raja Krishnamurthy, Cook County Clerk Dorothy Brown Indian Consul General Ms Neeta Bhushan, Consul OP Meena, Ms Smita Shah of Chicago Delhi Sister City, among others.
Arvind Patel & Harish Rao
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