CHICAGO: The Federation of India Associations (FIA) Chicago once again proved that it is the Asli (real) umbrella organization of diverse Indian ethnic community in Midwest and enjoys the full support of all sections of Indian community.
The three-day celebration of 67th India Independence Day led by FIA Chicago was a crowded affair participated by a cross section of Indian Americans from around Chicagoland. The celebration brought the entire community together and reminded that the spirit of unity prevails within huge diversity.
The seniors of FIA, Niranajn Shah, Sitaram Patel, Iftekhar Shareef, Babu Patel, Satish Gabhawala, Ranjit Ganguly, Anil Pillai, Sohan Joshi, Kantibhai Patel, Keerthi Kumar and others shared responsibilities above personal lines for the success of all events.
They were supported by FIA president Hina Trivedi, VP Ravi Harsoor, Dr Ram Gajjela and Hetal Patel. ‘No stones were left unturned’ could well be applied for the presentation and preparation of all events. As has been its tradition, the FIA team headed by Hina Trivedi, Iftekhar Shareef, Niranjan Shah, Sohan Joshi, Keerthi Ravoori and other members of the executive committee were joined by Secretary of State Jesse White, Cook County Clerk Dorothy Brown, Indian CG Dr Ausaf Sayeed at the flag hoisting ceremony at Daley Plaza in Downtown Chicago on August 15.
There was a huge crowd and many non Indians too were present who were treated to a wonderful entertainment program by local artists. Weather was bright and the sunny atmosphere added charm to the entire proceedings that lasted for well about two hours.
A gala banquet dinner on Friday, August 16 evening at India House Schaumburg was attended near to capacity. Over 100 tables with 10 chairs each were occupied for the event. The speeches apart, there was scintillating entertainment program that enthralled all those present.
Soha Ali was the star attraction of the banquet dinner. Newly assigned Indian Consul General in Chicago Dr Ausaf Sayeed was present among other dignitaries. No speeches were made. Soha Ali and Dr Ausaf Sayeed were requested to present awards for exemplary community work to select Indian Americans. Dr Rathna Yallapragada, Katu Amin, Ajai Agnihotri, Pritam Khanna, Ramesh Soparawala, Esa Misri, Jyotindra Patel, Alka Shastri were among the recipients of the FIA annual awards.
An entertainment program followed the award ceremony. A touchy episode on national integration was presented followed by music and song programs. On Saturday, a flag hosting ceremony followed by colorful parade was held on Devon and Western Avenue. Indian Consul General Dr Ausaf Syed, Niranjan Shah, Babu Patel and Iftekhar Shareef unfurled the national flag and lined up as Grand Marshals for the parade. Bollywood star Soha Ali and Illinois Governors Pat Quinn, Dorothy Brown, clerk of the Circuit Court of the Cook County joined as Marshals for the India Parade.
he Parade continued to California Avenue. Soha Ali and Governor Pat Quinn greeted members of public on both sides of Devon Avenue. The dignitaries were led to a stage erected near California Ave. Soha Ali, Iftekhar Shareef and Governor Pat Quinn addressed the Indian community from the podium. Soha Ali expressed her joy and excitement for meeting with Indian community after a 24-hour long journey from Mumbai to Chicago. She thanked FIA for providing her an opportunity for a great experience. Iftekhar Shareef introduced the sponsors of the colorful floats as they passed by the stage.
As the curtain draws for the three-day celebration of India Independence Day, FIA Chicago remains a binding force for the Indian American community in Midwest.
A.Q. Siddiqui & Harish Rao
India Post News Service
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