CHICAGO: Rita Singh, the first woman president of the recently set up Federation of Indian Associations, Chicago, displayed rare leadership quality in organizing and successfully executing the two-day celebrations of Indian Independence Day in Chicago suburb of Schaumburg.
The 67th Independence Day Gala Banquet was hosted on Friday August 9 at India House Banquet in Schaumburg and Independence Day Parade on Sunday August 11 at India House Plaza in Schaumburg.
The highlight of the colorful banquet dinner event was the presence of celebrities in the suburb – elected officials like Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth, State Representatives Michelle Mussman, Marty Moylan, State Senator Michael Noland, Schaumburg Mayor Al Larson, Hanover Park Mayor Rodney Craig, Village of Oakbrook Mayor Dr Gopal Lalmalani and top ranking Indian official Consul General of Chicago Dr Ausaf Sayeed.
Among the Indian leaders and activists present were Sohan Joshi NFIA President, Raja Krishnamurthy, Ravi Rawat to name a few. Culminating them all was the beautiful and captivating presence of Bollywood star Minissha Lamba who endeared herself with those present with her graceful manners.
All VIP dignitaries along with Banquet Chair Neelam Dwivedi addressed the audience and wished everyone a very happy Independence Day. The banquet dinner evening was emceed by two very articulate emcees Sadhna Kumar and Tarun Mullick M.D. who did the job admirably.
The evening began with a tradition of the American and Indian national anthems. American Idol contestant Ashika Sachdev sang the American anthem followed by Indian Anthem sung by Shreelekha Mohanty accompanied by students of Vishali Dhande.
Continuing the tradition, Rita Singh, President of FIA along with all the VIP dignitaries present at the event including Indian CG Dr Ausaf Sayeed,
FIA members Dhitu Bhagwakar, Rita Shah, Bharti Desai, Shahid Rizvi, Shanu Sinha, Neil Khot, Mohd. Fareeduddin Sabiri, former FIA Presidents Onkar Sangha and Sunil Shah, sponsors, Banquet Chair Neelam Dwivedi gathered on the stage for the lamp lighting ceremony.
FIA President Rita Singh welcome all the guests and pointed out that our forefathers had to fight against British Rule to get Independence but Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi taught us the path of non-violence to get freedom.
A Runway Fashion Show 2013 was sponsored by Charisma Boutique, which was choreographed by Mika Chadha and coordinated by Sylvia Bhugra. The dazzling fashion show was beautifully executed by local models. Minissha Lamba, the Chief Guest at banquet, was greeted on the stage with bouquet. In her brief address, she thanked FIA and specially FIA President Rita Singh for inviting her on this occasion. She was very pleased to see Indian Americans celebrating India’s Independence Day with same enthusiasm and pride as they did back home in India.
Rita Singh, President FIA, in her speech said that “FIA Chicago is an umbrella body of Indian Americans Associations representing 300,000 Indian Americans in Chicago land. I feel very proud to be the first woman President of FIA Chicago. With the help of dedicated members, volunteers and community supporters, we have been able to organize this best FIA Independence Day Banquet event ever.”
Continuing she observed “Today is certainly a day to celebrate the success of our democracy. We Indian Americans have worked relentlessly to bring India and USA together. Both the countries share an extensive cultural, strategic, military, and economic partnership”. She added that FIA is recognizing for the first time seven community leaders with Community Service Excellent Award. These seven award recipients are Late J.B. Singha, former Vice President FIA, Vandana Jhingan from TV Asia, Ravi Rawat of India House, Suresh Bodiwala from Asian Media USA, Anil Loomba from Home Mortgage Solutions, Inc., and Dhitu Bhagwakar. They received the awards from Minissha Lamba and Rita Singh.
Along with speeches by prominent guests, the evening was filled with singing performances by local artists like Ashley Singh, Shariq Sidz and Shreelekha Mohanty and dance performances by students from Bollywood Rhythm, Sonia Dance Academy, Payaliya Dance Studio, Pika Dance Academy and Gemini Bhimani.
On Sunday, August 11, the Independence Day Parade held at the intersection of Golf Rd. and Higgins Road in Schaumburg was a very lively affair with Chief Guest Minisha Lamba along with FIA President Rita Singh, Hoffman Estates Mayor Bill McLeod, State Representative Michelle Mussman, unfurling the tri-color Indian flag with loud applause from proud Indian Americans present.
Former FIA Presidents Onkar Sangha and Sunil Shah, Vice Presidents Dhitu Bhagwakar and Bharti Desai, Secretary Shahid Rizvi, Treasurer Shanu Sinha, Parade Chair Neil Khot, Ravi Rawat from India House along with many community leaders were present at the flag hoisting and Independence Day parade ceremony.
Suresh Shah & Harish Rao
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