KEDERTHI RAVOORI
CHICAGO: A breathtaking evening of dance presentations, melodious carols, inspiring remarks and yuletide oration marked the Grand Christmas Nite celebrations organized by the Indian Christian Association of North America (ICANA) on December 13 in Schaumburg, a north side suburb of Chicago
It drew a large gathering of families, children and top ranking elected officials and dignitaries. Present on the occasion were US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Consul General of India in Chicago Sudhakar Dalela, US Congressman Sean Caston, Bishop Mar Joy Alappat Schaumburg Mayor Tom Dailey, Senator Laura Ellman, State Representatie Michelle Mussman, Township Trustee Nimish Jani and several candidates running for elective office in the area
The eent stated with the lamp lighting ceremony by host team of ICANA led by Gladson Varghese. The lamp lighting ceremony was conducted in the backdrop of beautiful strains of carols with interludes.
US Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi in his remarks congratulated the ICANA team for the hosting grand celebrations befitting the festival of Christmas and added that the season of Christmas would usher hope, prosperity, and goodwill across the globe.
Praising the ICANA leadership, Indian Consul General Dalela said the Christmas celebrations mark a significant event in the Indian calendar. He complimented the musical and dance presentations that depicted the story of Christmas very artfully and commended each participant for their artistic fervor in their presentations. He especially appreciated that the ICANA team for its humanitarian gesture in reaching out to the mother of a young student who was raped and murdered at the UIC Chicago campus recently. He was applauded for offering support of the office of the Indian Consulate.
US Rep. Sean Caston of the 6th Congressional district offered Christmas greetings to the Indian-American community. Schaumburg Town Mayor Tom Dailey extended warm festive greetings to the guests and assured of the assistance of his office in matters important to the Indian-American community.
The celebrations were interspersed with brief award presentations to George Molakal, Syed Hussaini, Anil Loomba of the State Bank of India, Thomas Ouseph and Peter Isaac Albert.
Earlier, ICANA chairman Gladson Varghese welcomed the guests, families, community, business, church leaders and the elected officials. He also spelled out the vision and mission of ICANA. He specially thanked Bishop Mar Joy Alappat for his enthusiastic support and blessings.
Bishop Mar Joy Allapatt in his yuletide sermon explained the significance and meaning of Christmas and presented the central theme of Christmas message of salvation to all humankind through the birth of Jesus Christ. His message delineated the true meaning of Christmas which he emphasized is all about god’s boundless love for humanity.
Several prominent community and business leaders took to the podium to offer Christmas greetings. Among them were Shree Guruswamy, Prameela Potla, Dr Shobha Chokalingam, Suneetha Christina, Dr Regi Paul, Nageshwari Cherikonda, Chicago’s cultural icon Mona Bhalla, Manjit Bhalla, RaesYawar, Laddi Singh, Gandhi Samaj president Hitesh Gandhi, AltafBukhari and Subhash George.
The evening celebrations drew to a conclusion with a special song presentation by Purnima Nath eliciting applause.
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