CHICAGO: Bollywood actress Soha Ali Khan will serve as the Grand Marshall for FIA’s India Independence Day Parade on Saturday August 17. The Parade will have a kick-off from Devon Ave & Western Ave in Chicago.
Iftekhar Shareef said actress Soha Ali Khan is the daughter of Nawab Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, a former India cricket captain and actress Sharmila Tagore. Shareef also said that Soha’s dynamic brother and Bollywood’s superstar is no other than Saif Ali Khan.
Unveiling the plans, FIA’s President Hina Trivedi and Trustee Chair Iftekhar Shareef made a joint announcement to host an impressive India Independence Day function that will feature a grand parade, gala banquet and flag-hoisting ceremony from August 15 to 17.
To facilitate large participation from the public, the FIA has made parking arrangements in and around Devon Ave.
FIA President Hina Trivedi said that invitations to the elected officials have been sent and FIA has actively enlisted the sponsorship support of many corporations, companies and business establishments. She said that FIA is making every effort to bring in the finest local talent and youth to dominate the events this year.
Iftekhar Shareef, Trustee Chairman, said a host of invited elected officials including Governor Pat Quinn, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Aldermen along with Bollywood star Soha Ali Khan will lead the colorful convoy of decorated floats in the grand parade filled with bands, dances, colorful costumes and reverberating music. The parade will showcase the rich diversity and cultural splendor of India with the confluence of various regions each making an attempt to capture the unique elements of India’s majestic heritage, tapestry and landscape.
Shareef said that the newly appointed Consul General of India Ambassador Dr Ausaf Sayeed will attend all the events. India’s Minister of State for Transportation and Highways Sarve Satyanarayana has also confirmed his presence for all the events.
Special Guest world silver medalist Mohtesham Ali Khan along with India’s Esa Misri will also be traveling from India and attending all the programs.
Keerthi Kumar Ravoori, Executive Vice President detailed three major events to be hosted by FIA in commemoration of India’s Independence:
(1) Grand India Independence Day Parade will be held on Saturday, August 17 that will kick-off at 11:30 a.m. from the corner of Devon Ave. & Western Ave in Chicago;
(2) Gala Banquet & Reception on Friday, August 16 [6:30 p.m.] at India House Banquets in Schaumburg, Illinois and
(3) Indian Flag-Hoisting ceremony on the Daley Plaza in Chicago downtown on Thursday, August 15 at 11:45 am on the corner of Dearborn Street and Washington Street.
Iftekhar Shareef thanked Alderwomen Debra Silverstein and State Senator Ira Silverstein for relaxing the zonal parking timings on the side streets of Devon Ave which will help Attendees Park in the side streets of Devon Ave. He urged that all participants to be watchful of the signs and make sure to follow the parking rules on the side streets of Devon Ave.
Abdul Sddiqui
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