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Rolling Meadows, IL: Pratham Chicago held an intimate and moving Gala at the lovely Meadows Club on October 14th 2011 at The Meadows Club, 2950 West Golf Road, Rolling Meadows, IL. Pratham supporters enjoyed delicious cuisine, exquisite performances, motivational remarks and comical addresses throughout the evening. Around 350 people attended the gala. Pratham was founded on the belief that education is a fundamental right. The renowned organization aims to eradicate youth illiteracy in India by supplementing already existing programs. Their motto “Every Child in School and Learning Well” emphasizes that not only should every child have access to education but that the schooling is effective and that students are learning at internationally accepted standards. Pratham has been internationally recognized for its inexpensive, cost-effective, and easily scalable methodology. They have recently received countless honors including 1010 Kravis Prize, 2010 Gold EMPIIndian Express Indian Innovation Award and the 2009 CNN-IBN Indian of the Year Award. The event commenced with appetizers and cocktails during social hour where a silent auction took place. Prabha Vibha Singh welcomed acknowledged the numerous individuals that made the event possible and thanked everyone for their attendance as well as their continued support. The lamp lighting ceremony was followed […]

Chicago IL: The Consulate General of India, Chicago hosted a symposium on ‘Opportunities for Innovation in Indian Agriculture Sector’ on October 4, 2011 at Chicago. The University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Michigan State University and The Chicago Council on Global Affairs were partners in the event. The conference brought together over 100 regional and international agriculture experts from the government, academia and the corporate world to share information and experiences in Indian Agriculture and articulate the challenges & opportunities for innovation in the Indian Agriculture Sector. A fifteen member business delegation from FICCI also participated in the Symposium. Mr Sam Pitroda, Advisor to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India on Public Information Infrastructure & Innovations and Dr Robert Easter, interim Vice President, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign were opening keynote speakers and Dr Marshall Bouton, President of The Chicago Council on Global Affairs presented the luncheon keynote address. Mr P.K Basu, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt of India made a presentation on policy initiatives conducive to the development of this sector. He stressed that market led extension, development of efficient supply and value chains, building agriculture infrastructure, climate resilience are some of the priority areas for the ministry […]

Skokie, IL: On Sunday, September 25th, the Indo American Democratic Organization hosted its 32nd Annual Banquet at the Holiday Inn Chicago North Shore located at 5300 Touhy Avenue, Skokie, IL 60077. Doors opened at 5:30pm with dinner beginning at 6:30pm. Tickets were $100 per person and included annual membership in the organization. Students with a valid ID could buy tickets for $40. IADO was incorporated in March of 1980. Its mission is to lobby on behalf of the Indian American community on issues of immigration, affirmative action, education, social security, healthcare reform and hate crimes. Additionally, they strive to get Indian Americans to participate in the political process from voting to running for office. In 2011 IADO was given the opportunity to endorse Rahm Emmanuel with the election of a new mayor in Chicago. Also IADO is proud to have fundraised for the first ever Indian American and first ever Asian American Alderman for the city of Chicago, Ameya Pawar. The evening began with singing of the national anthems. Ms. Hema Sathia sang the American National Anthem and Ms. Monica Sharma of Kalapriya Dance School sang the Indian National Anthem. IADO President Harendra Mangrola welcomed everyone and thanked guests for […]

Monmouth Junction, NJ: A Red Diamond Affair, an independent event & wedding planning company, hosted their Allure Bridal Showcase on Sunday the 25th of September 2011 from 11 am to 6 pm at Chutney Mary located at 3793 US Highway 1 South Monmouth Junction, NJ. For one afternoon, the banquet facilities of Chutney Mary were transformed into an enchanting Bridal Showcase for the modern bride and groom. The show featured dazzling exhibits from elite wedding professionals offering the latest in mandap décor and centerpieces, DJ and entertainment services, digital photo/video and even belly dancers. More than 20 vendors and several hundred people attended this unique Bridal Showcase. According to Ms. Jennifer Modi, owner of A Red Diamond Affair, “Our goal is to simply provide an elegant and stylish atmosphere where REAL brides and grooms can connect with top wedding industry professionals to help streamline their wedding planning process.” The Allure Bridal Showcase is an event designed to help a bride and groom navigate their way through the entire wedding planning process. Brides and grooms can find everything from a wedding planner and their dream wedding decorator, to the right DJ, photographer, makeup artist, and baker all under one roof. The […]

Chicago IL: On Saturday, September 24th 2011, Naren Patel alongside his two sons, Neal and Raj Patel hosted Medstar Laboratory’s annual party this year on the infamous boat, “Spirit of Chicago” at Navy Pier in celebration of Medstar’s soaring success and hard dedicated work throughout its ownership under the Patel family. Medstar Laboratory, Inc. is obviously a remarkable company, showing true strength in a time where many companies are unable to overcome these economic times. Medstar Laboratory, Inc.’s business has grown dramatically, allowing the Medstar family to “give back” to the community at the same time. Last year, Medstar Laboratory, Inc. held its party at its newly built, technologically advanced facility in Hillside, Illinois. The party was eventful as it started boarding at 7:00 pm and once all guests had come onto the ship. At 7:30 the introduction to the party began with Naren Patel’s sister, Beena taking the microphone and immediately clutching the attention of all those on board. Beena spoke about the Medstar family and how they have grown to such extremes as a result of their loyal clients and dedicated staff. She continued by acknowledging that this event was to exemplify Medstar’s sincere appreciation for their clients’ […]

Rolling Meadows, IL: Drishti in support of Vidyaranya Kannada Kuta Charitable Fund (VKKCF) presents a live musical and audio-visual tribute to India’s genius composer RD Burman. This event is begins at 6:00 PM on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at Meadows Club Grand Ballroom located at 2950 W Golf Road, Rolling Meadows, IL. It was a completely sold out concert with over 800 people at this dinner theater event. Many prominent leaders of Chicago land attended this event. It was a co-incident that, the founder of Dhristi and partner of Meadows Club, Mr Madan Kulkarni and his wife Shebani Kulkarni were also celebrating their marriage anniversary today. In a unique way of celebration, the started with charity. The program anchor was renowned stage and regional film actor Rahul Solapurkar. Rahul is also popular as the anchor of the famous Black & White musical which will once again be featured at the Meadows Club on Sunday, October 16th 2011. There were excellent performances by the following singers: Jitendra Abhyankar, Hrishikesh Ranade, Swarada Gokhale, Priyanka Barve & Saahil Gokhale. Small snippets by Amin Sayani, Gulzar, Javed Akhtar, were also shown. It was an overall amazing tribute to a musical genius who was far […]

Chicago IL: Pakistan’s official Independence Day was Sunday August 14 however Chicago’s Pakistani parade committee decided to postpone the celebration until Sunday, September 18, 2011 due to Ramadan. They would celebrate their 64 years of independence from British rule by having their 23rd annual Parade and Taste of Pakistan festival. The parade stepped off from Devon and Damen Sunday afternoon, and the festival continued until 7:30 p.m. at Warren Park. The Parade was organized Pakistan United Parade Committee, Greater Chicago. Pakistan’s independence Parade attracted over 10,000 people on Devon Avenue. The weather looked gloomy with rain prior to start of the parade, but it must have been a blessing from Allah because the rain had stopped instantly 10 min before the start of the parade. It turned out to be a beautiful parade after all. The parade began at 12:00 noon and ended at 2:00 PM. The event all together was a fun filled family day. The streets of Devon were flooded with families screaming in pride “Pakistan Zindabad!” and “Happy Independence Day!”. Men, women, and children all were dressed for the occasion. Women wore their beautiful and colorful traditional dresses. The men wore their traditional white outfits with a […]

Chicago IL: Amrish Mahajan hosts a tribute to Mehdi Hasan by Talat Aziz musical show in Chicago. The national promoter of this show is Saregama PLC. This extraordinary event on 7:00 pm, Saturday, September 17, 2011 at the Gateway Theater located at 5216 W. Lawrence Ave. Chicago, IL. Tickets rated from $20, $35, $49, $69, and $100 per person. Talat Aziz pays tribute to his Ustad – The legendary singer Mehdi Hasan Saab to enthrall the audience with Mehdi Saab’s most popular ghazals like Rafta Rafta & Zindagi Mein along with Talat’s super hit ghazals from Umrao Jaan, Bazar, Daddy. Over 700+ people enjoyed this musical event. Prior to Talat Aziz musical show in Chicago there was a “MEET and GREET” with Talat Aziz on Thursday, September 15th from 7:30pm to 8:30pm at the newly opened boutique “The Studio Elite”- 2556 W Devon Ave Chicago, IL. There were few prominent leaders and news media were present. Invited guests for Talat Aziz was Prominent Businessman from Milwaukee Mr Darshan Singh Dhaliwal and his Associates, Raghu Nayak, Mr & Mrs Jude Cresto of Air India, Vinesh Virani of Art of living, Munir Akhtarn, Dr Murtaza of Pakistani community, Rana Javed of Pakistan […]

Bartlett IL: The Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago (JSMC) organized Mela 2011 on September 17th, 2011. There were about 10 unique events running in parallel throughout the day! It reminded of a true traditional Indian style Mela. The event was fully sold out with overwhelming response from JSMC families and nearby community members. Over 1,700 people attended this event and made it a remarkable and memorable festival. Over 19,000 Mela tickets were sold for Food Fest and Carnival Games. Everyone enjoyed over 35 unique Indian, Non-Indian, Jain delicious verity food items prepared and served by various JSMC community groups of volunteers. Mother Nature blessed the outdoor fun fair with beautiful sunshine and a cool breeze throughout the day. Outdoor games and carnival games kept kids and young adults entertained throughout the day. For the first time, JSMC organized JSMC Got Talent competition as part of the Mela. Out of 30 performances between two age groups, five from each age group were selected by the panel of Judges. In the final Finale of the talent competition, top three winners were selected in each group. The vendor fair was a major attraction of the Mela. 35 vendors from the Chicagoland area ranging […]

Bensenville, IL: On Friday, September 17, 2011 the Gujrati Samaj Chicago (GSC) Board of Trustees, members of executive committee and volunteers hosted colorful Raas Garba festivity on the occasion of Navratri. This annual sacred event is celebrated in honor of Godess Durga Mataji. The event was held at Manav Seva Mandir located at 101 S. Church Road, Bensenville , IL from 7 PM till about 1 AM and attended by over 300 individuals. The Mahalaxmi hall of Manav Seva Mandir was transformed in to a huge dance floor to accommodate hundreds of bare feet moving in to thunderous drumbeats in swirling circles around deity Hindu Goddess “Durga”. The musical group of Bharati Desai provided music. Band Information: Band Name: Swar Bharti Group Singer: Bharti Desai Band Manager / Organizer: Amit Desai Key Board player: Vedant Patel Dhol player: Ishwaer Patel and Shree Mahavrat Mangira player: Amit Desai Timbani player: Himansu Brahmbhatt Sound system: Arun Modi The beautiful music is one of the most foremost pillars of the Navratri Garba celebration. The drums, dholak and all sort of instruments coming together with melodious voice by group leader and singer Bharati Desai & Group. Music for Navratri festival has to keep balance […]

Chicago IL: The 29th Health Fair was successfully completed at Midwest Swaminarayan Temple in Itasca Illinois. The goal was to provide medical check up to all those who may not be able to afford medical services due to insurance and medical coverage problems. The widely publicized Health Fair provided medical check up to more than 405 participants. The event took place on Sunday, on September 11, 2011 in the main hall of the temple, and was sponsored by the temple, Lohana Association of Greater Chicago, Gujarati Samaj and Kadva Patidar Samaj. Long lines of participants early in the morning show the success of this activity for the last several years. As per Jayantibhai Thakkar, this was the 29th Health Fair coordinated by him. The first one was started at Manav Seva Mandir back in 1989 and he continued this service also in other temples. It is important to recognize his selfless and dedicated work on people’s health check up, by which more than 8,500 patients have benefited so far. More than 25 doctors and 100 health professionals provided their volunteer services on this day. Registration and front desk services were provided by Manubhai Shah, Naliniben Shah, Bhupendra Thakkar, Nareshbhai Dekhtawala, […]

Chicago IL: Geetha Mandalam celebrated its 34th Annual Onam Celebrations on Saturday, September 10th at Apollo Elementary School, 10100 Dee Rd., Des Plaines, IL. On this occasion, More than 500 people attended this festival of flowers, feast and frolic show. Geetha Mandalam is a Hindu Religious organization established in 1978 by a group of Malayalee Hindus here in Chicago. Geetha Mandalam meet and conduct group prayers every last Saturday of the month, they also conduct various other activities and celebrating Onam, is one of their main function Significance of Onam Onam is an ancient festival which still survives in modern times. Kerala’s rice harvest festival and the festival of rain flowers, which fell on the Malayalam month of Chingam, celebrated the Demon King Mahabali’s annual visit from Patala (the underworld). Onam is unique since Mahabali has been revered by the people of Kerala since prehistory. According to the legend, Kerala witnessed its golden era during the reign of King Mahabali. Everybody in the state was happy and prosperous and the king was highly regarded by his subjects, so much so that even the gods under Indra became jealous of Mahabali, and they approached Mahavishnu claiming that Mahabali is now equivalent […]

Chicago IL: The first-annual Shekhar Aravind Unity Cup was held over Labor Day weekend, featuring some of the best and most exciting cricket ever seen in the Chicagoland area. Shekhar “Sheks” Aravind was the young and dynamic President of the Midwest Cricket Conference, whose life was cruelly cut short on August 2nd, 2011 in a tragic boating accident on Lake Michigan. Shekhar’s cricketingfamily decided to honor his memory by making his vision of the Unity Cup a reality – and with only 3 weeks to prepare and organize, led by the tireless and energetic Atif Shaikh and his band of merry voluteers, put on a 12- team cricketing-tournament that was by consensus the best-ever seen in the midwestern states. Invitations were sent out to all the cricket-leagues in the Central-East region to participate. Representative teams from Michigan Cricket Association, Minnesota Cricket Association, American Cricket Conference (Chicago) and Bolingbrook Premier League (BPL) participated – as did MWCC teams from Wisconsin (the Milwaukee Bucks), and downstate (dubbed the StLouis Rams, featuring players from StLouis, Peoria and Moline). In addition, there was a Under-24 team (the Chicago Cubs), and 4 Chicagoland teams drafted NFLstyle by their captains (the Bulls, Bears, WhiteSox and Fire). […]

Skokie IL: On Wednesday August 31,2011, Muslims from all over the metropolitan area joyfully bustled into the Holiday Inn, 5300 Touhy Ave, Skokie, IL to join in on the global celebrations of Eid Ul-Fitr. While there were various venues that held Eid prayers throughout the region, one of the largest turnouts was at the Holiday Inn. The block was quite a sight to passersby. Groups of individuals in vibrant Indian-Pakistani clothing flooded the parking lots as they made their way to the exquisite banquet hall to commemorate the glorious day. As individuals worked through the crowded doorways, volunteers from Eid committee gathered funds to recover event expenses. Demonstrating true Islamic generosity, many emptied their pockets and purses into the collecting bins before taking their shoes off and heading into the prayer halls. Men and women continuously and open-heartedly made space for incoming members so everyone would be able to partake in the namaz. Namaz was recited throughout the morning and afternoon to accommodate the 8,000 enthusiastic individuals in attendance. Despite the large masses, the Skokie Police, Holiday Inn Staff, and numerous volunteers were able to direct the crowds effortlessly and efficiently. After the namaz, Hussain Kamani gave the khutbah (preaching […]