CHICAGO: Jai Shri Krishna – greeted one of the guests in chaste Gujarati to the Vishwa Gujarati Samaj-USA (VGS) audience at the Jain Mandir Auditorium in Bartlett last week. Many in the audience felt that he was a convert Gujarati but NO. He was Cook County Commissioner Timothy Schneider.
He won the hearts and minds of all those present as coincidently it was Janmashatmi (birth anniversary of Lord Krishna) as well. The audience greeted him with loud applause.
But there was something more to come. It was the turn of State Senator Jim Oberweis. He commenced his speech saying Namaste and then paid handsome tribute to Indian democracy where a person selling prepared tea could become Prime Minister. He then alluded that he (Oberweis) a dairy man; aspires to be US Senator and the audience responded saying – the US President.
The event was the annual celebrations by the Samaj which incidentally coincided with India Day festivities. The VGS Board headed by Naren Patel thought it fit to have celebrations on a grander scale theming it as celebrations for the victory of democratic institutions in India and the election of Narendra Modi as Indian Prime Minister.
Cook County commissioner Timothy Schneider complimented Naren Patel for his leadership and indicated that he would place a resolution for VGS-USA before the Cook County Board in September 2014.
The resolution says “Whereas, VGS USA members are dedicated to upholding the ideals of freedom and democracy, while working to make a difference in the lives of the fellow Indian Americans;
“And whereas, VGS USA along with 1,500 Chicagoans are celebrating the Grand Victory and Life of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sworn in as India’s Prime Minister on May 26, 2014, I, Tim Schneider, Cook County Commissioner, do hereby proclaim this day, Sunday, August 17, 2014 as the Grand Victory and Life Celebration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the City of Chicago and the County of Cook are encouraging all citizens to join me in showing our gratitude, appreciation and congratulations to the Honorable Narendra Modi.”
The Chicagoans and community activists from various ethnic Indian organizations and media representatives attended the event on Sunday August 17 in huge numbers and enjoyed nearly four hours show that included an exhibition on the life of Indian PM Modi.
The representatives of organizations included both the FIAs, AIA, MAFS, Patidar Samaj, Brahm Samaj, Vaishnav Samaj, Hindi Club, Manpasand, Indian American Medical Association and IAMA-Charitable Foundation, Gujarati Samaj , Gujarati Punjabi Cultural Associations, Orissa Samaj, Konkani Association, UP Association, Kashmiri Samaj, Kerala groups, Sindhi Samaj, Dance schools, temples, churches, mosques, senior parivars of Chicagoland area
Naren Patel welcomed all dignitaries and thanked everyone who had helped in organizing this memorable event.
He shared his personal experience with Modi when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat observing that he is convinced that India had finally got a leader with vision and commitment to the cause. “India will now strive to bring order and peace in the Indian sub continent and with neighbors besides seeking to better the lot of all Indians,” he said.
The event co chair Mafat Patel, often described as Uncrowned King of Devon” was brief and mentioned that he and PM Modi hail from the same district in Gujarat and he had also had the privilege to meet and greet him personally while he was Gujarat CM. “I am convinced that he will lead India wisely and justify the confidence that people reposed in him,” he said Mafat Patel thanked his two sons for supporting his social and community services.
Indian Consul General Dr Sayeed Ausuf along with his graceful wife attended the program. In his brief speech, he complimented VGS President Naren Patel and co-chair Mafat Patel for organizing the event that attracted a cross section of Indian community. It reflected an underlying unity among huge diversity of cultures in India and that made him very happy. He shared the good news that Bharatiya Pravasi Divas and Vibrant Gujarat will be celebrated at the same time in Gujarat in January next.
Dr Bharat Barai, president of Indian American Community Foundation, briefed the audience about the progress made for grand reception being organized by members of the Indian American community In New York on September 28 for PM Modi.
The VGS -Chicago PM Exhibition was open for guests from 3 pm. The entertainment program that had dances from various regions of India – Gujarati Raas, Garba the award winning Odissi dance from Orrissa, Bharat Natyam, patriotic dances – by local artists and dance schools culminating with an exceptional performance by DID Artist Kamlesh Patel. The audience never had a dull moment, said Pradeep Patel of Feelings magazine.
Ms Beena Patel and Vandana Jhingan did an excellent job as Emcees. Beena began with “Nand Gher Anand Bhayo, Jai Kanaiya Lal Ki”. Nishal Patel sang the American National Anthem and Anand from Bollywood Entertainment sang the Indian National Anthem.
Another highlight of the event was the presentation of three awards to community achievers. Dr Madhuvanti Ghose, Alsdorf Associate Curator of Indian, Southeast Asian, Himalayan and Islamic Art, received award in Art and Culture. Dr Beejal Amin, Neurosurgeon at Loyola Hospital received award in recognition of excellent service in Medicine and Valjibhai Patel from Splash Graphics for Art and Commerce.
Shashi Patel, Sajawat, Arlington Rental and Dream Occasions were recognized for their creative work and a beautiful venue decor. Varsha M. Patel assisted in safe keeping all of the art effects that were displayed in the exhibition. Dr Yash Amin was the main architect behind the exhibition while Kishore Chugh and Piyush Patel assisted in planning the event.
After the event, Naren Patel received hosts of complimentary emails for the successful all-Indians inclusive celebrations. Among those who prominently praised Naren Patel’s leadership were Dr Bharat Barai, Dr Umgan Patel, Hemant Patel and others.
Ramesh Soparawala
India Post News Service
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