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Bolingbrook IL: Association of Pakistani Americans in Bolingbrook celebrated Pakistan Day on March 26th in the Levy Center, 251 Canterbury Lane, Bolingbrook IL. Consul General of Pakistan Honorable Zaheer Parvez Khan was the chief guest. Mayor of Bolingbrook Honorable Roger Claar was the guest of honor. He attended the event with several city officials. Consul General in his address highlighted the importance of March 23rd and thanked Pakistani community in Bolingbrook for arranging this event to educate the local community members. He appreciated the gesture of the Honorable Mayor for attending the function. It is to the credit of the Bolingbrook Pakistani American community that that Bolingbrook is the only community in the entire United States of America to host this flag hoisting event for eighteen years! And the Consulate General of Pakistan has never failed to attend any of these flag hoisting events. Consul General presented the book, “Journey thru Pakistan book” to the Mayor Claar and invited Mr. Talat Rashid, Ajaz Gill, Mir Ali and other prominent member of the community to be at the stage. There were around 200 people. The program was divided in two parts, 1st half was about Pakistan and other half was the […]

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Bolstered by a legion of towering endorsements, Debra Silverstein – a candidate for 50th ward Alderman in the City of Chicago – received another string of South Asian community’s grass-root endorsements at a press conference held on Thursday, March 24, 2011 at Punjabi Dhaba Banquet Hall on Devon Ave in Chicago. Debra Silverstein’s candidacy has been gaining momentum with a string of high level endorsements coming from Mayor-Elect Rahm Emanuel, US Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Cook County Sherriff Tom Dart and Indo American Democratic Organization. With the rendering of South Asian community endorsements, the Aldermanic candidacy of Debra Silverstein certainly gets a considerable boost as she faces the run-off election on Tuesday, April, 5, 2011. The press conference gained an added prominence when ranking member of the United States Congress Hon. Jan Schakowsky joined the press conference and passionately declared “I am proud to endorse Debra for Alderman of the 50th ward. With her enthusiastic endorsement, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky said Debra Silverstein will make an outstanding Alderwoman who will bring a real change and offer solutions to the enduring problems faced by the ward. Congresswoman Schakowsky said Debra Silverstein truly has what it takes to be the best candidate who will […]

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Schaumburg IL: Well known Indian community leaders, Dhitu Bhagwakar, Amol Bhagwakar, Neil Khot and Sunil Shah hosted a fundraiser for the re-election of Al Larson as the Mayor of Schaumburg at Strike Ten Lanes & Lounge, 800 E Nerge road, Roselle IL on last March 23rd Wednesday, 2011, at 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm. After the socializing hour from 6 to 8 pm, the fund-raising function started with Neil Khot extending a warm welcome to the distinguished guests and thanking them for their valuable participation to support the incumbent Mayor, Al Larsen, who had served them well during his tenure. Especially, he thanked Dhitu Bhagwakar and Strike Ten for allowing hosting this event. Lavishing praise on the Indian community he said that they are no longer a standby community but more involved in the civic affairs than ever before. He stated that about 17% or 13,000 of Schaumburg resident are Indians. Amid applause he recognized and thanked the Mayor of Village of Schaumburg for administering the city with dedication and efficiency. Alluding to the declaration of January 20th as the “Federation of Indian Associations Day”, by the Mayor he said the entire community is grateful to the gesture of the […]

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Elmhurst, IL: Federation of Indian Associations [FIA-Chicago / New] celebrated the colorful festival of Holi at Waterford Banquet & Conference Center, 933 S. Riverside Drive, Elmhurst, IL 60126, on March 20, 2011. Attended by over 200 members of the Indian American community the function was graced by several dignitaries, including the Schaumburg Mayor Al Larson, Village trustees and the Executive Committee, Dilip Patel of Six Gam Patidar Samaj, Suryakant Patel and Kamleshbhai of Gujarati Samaj, members of the FIA Chicago, viz., Sunil Shah (President), Onkar Sangha (Exec. Vice President), Babu Varma (FIA Vice President & Indian Christen Federation of Midwest community leader), Sunny Kular (Vice President), Monty Saiyed (Vice President), Shahid Razvi (Secretary), Jaswant B. Singha (Joint Secretary), Nilesh Khot (Youth Director), Sahaj Shah (Youth Director) and Swapnil Shah (Youth Director). In his welcome address Sunil Shah, expressed his special thanks to the esteemed dignitaries who have taken time out of their busy schedules attend this event. He pledge that he would endeavor to bring about unity of Indian community of Chicago offering opportunity to the organizations and people to come together to enjoy their common heritage shared for centuries. The messages received from the well wishers and politicians were […]

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Downers Grove, IL: AIPhA (Association of Indian Pharmacists in America) Student Chapter, held a Cultural Night, at Midwestern University, 555 31st Street, Downers Grove, IL on Friday, March 18th, 2011. The function began with a welcoming speech by the president, Jalpa Thakkar, and was followed by the singing of American National Anthem by Al Barreto and the Indian Anthem by Jenise Stephen. This was immediately followed by Bharatantyam, a classical dance performed by a talented first year medical student, Anisha Gohil. The theme of the dance was revolved around the fascinating story of Lord Krishna, whose exploits of valor, love and responses to the call of devotees has mesmerized the lives of millions of Hindus in India for millennia. This form of dance is reputedly originated over two thousand years ago by sage Bharata, whose name is reverentially attached to this. The next item was a delightful performance by four artist, first year pharmacy students, Aditi Chikani, Ralitza Anguelova, Liliann D. Nguyen, and Zheni Stoyanova, who are active members of the Kappa Psi Fraternity, one of the oldest and largest international pharmacy fraternities. This was choreographed by Aditi Chikani. The Midwestern Faculty Fashion Show was the next item performed by […]

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Chicago IL: The Federation of Indian Associations-Chicago under the auspice of its newly elected President Satish ‘Sunny’ Gabhawala announced the election of new office bearers that constitutes the governing executive board for the year 2011-2012 – at a press conference held on Monday, March 14, 2011 at Punjabi Dhaba Restaurant on Devon Ave. Chicago, Illinois. In full compliance with the provisions of FIA constitution, Satish Gabhawala announced that the FIA elections were held at the general body meeting of March 13, 2011 and the following were elected unanimously for the year 2011-2012: Satish ‘Sunny’ Gabhawala, President Dr. Kamal Patel, Executive Vice President Kishan Patel, Vice President Micky Kahlon, Vice President Keerthi Kumar Ravoori, Vice President Ajai Agnihotri, Secretary Girish Patel, Treasurer Devendra Patel, Joint Secretary Avinash Desai, Joint Treasurer Addressing the press conference, a determined and resolute FIA President Satish Gabhawala asserted that it shall be his goal to preserve, protect and defend this 30-year old community umbrella organization from forces that seeks to divide it. Satish ‘Sunny’ Gabhawala described FIA as one united family that is bonded together with shared goals and nothing will come in the way to break this stubbornly united family. Satish Gabhawala expressed the board’s […]

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Palatine, IL: Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago in conjunction with the Sikh Religious Society of Chicago Palatine organized an Indian passport surrender certificate camp on Sunday March 13, 2011, at SRS Palatine Gurdwara, 1280 Winnetka St., Palatine, IL 60067, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Ten officials from the consulate of India Chicago office led by Honorable Consul Vishvas Sapkal and many PCS & SRS volunteers joined hands to manage the applicant crowd logistics, and processing of the documents to issue the surrender certificates right there and then. The services were free and open to all. More than 400 surrender certificates were issued. Some applicants had to go back due to incomplete documents. More than 500 people with families started lining up early and the Gurudwara was crowded with anxious applicants. For some of them it was their first time to a Gurudwara (a Sikh place of worship) where one has to remove their shoes and cover their head and no tobacco products are allowed on their person. “We were overwhelmed but deeply pleased with such a tremendous response from the Indian American community at-large, and we are so glad that PCS has been of service to them. It was […]

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The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago (HTGC), in cooperation with Consulate General of India, Chicago organized a spectacular cultural dance event “Inspiring India” by Tanushree Shankar on March 12th 2011 evening at 6:30pm at temple auditorium. With a brief prayer and condolences for recent Japan Earth quake and tsunami victims, Sri Amrish Mahajan Chairman, Public relations, HTGC welcomed Tanushree Shankar and troupe to a loud applause by the audience. Sri Uday Shankar’s work in blending traditional Indian classical dance with modern Western theatrical techniques was revolutionary in mid-20th century India. The same tireless effort has continued with Smt. Tanushree Shankar’s company, which follows the innovative style of dance that Uday Shankar established but also adds its own distinctive flair. The style is not based on any one particular style of dance. Rather, it draws from a myriad of Indian classical dance forms, ballet, and traditional folk dances. The program began with an invocatory item “Durga Vandana” in praise of Goddess Durga, followed by “Vrukshya Vihar”(depicting the naturalistic beauty of the forests), “Maitri”(the celebration of womanhood), and “Pratiksha” (the longing for oneness). The show concluded with the feature presentation “Chirantan”, where the dancers portrayed “Hope and inspiration”. “Chirantan” was an appropriate […]

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Chicago IL: The Association of Rajasthanis in America (ARA) celebrated Holi with their annual function at the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago in Lemont, Illinois on Saturday, March 12, 2011. It was the third Holi event for the organization since they began celebrating this festival. 300 guests attended led by the president, Ram Saini. The event was highlighted with melodious songs by well known singer Shaila Khedkar and dances by the Tarana Dance Academy. The Master of Ceremonies, Gaurav Arora began the event with a welcome note by Sunita Sarup. This was followed by a mixture of songs and dances, including four sensational dances – Kathak and Bollywood show by 26 participants from the Academy. There was also a Rajasthani medley performed by Garima Jajoo, Mahie Gopalka and Anavi Tekriwal. Along with the Indian American community of Chicagoland, several dignitaries including the local politicians Ram Saini (President), Sunita Sarup (Vice President), Kalpana Malani (Secretary), Seema Mahansaria (Cultural Coordinator) Sunita Mantri, and lots of members of Association of Rajasthanis of America were present for Holi Milan. ARA (Association of Rajasthanis of America) was established in Chicago in July 1994 in order to preserve and maintain the Rajasthani culture for Indians living […]

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Itasca, IL: As what the famous philosopher Lao Tzu once said, there are millions of ways one could look at a certain thing. The same is also applicable to plays as in this case the play, entitled “Ja Tari Sathe Kitta”, staged last Friday at Shree Swaminarayan Temple, 21W 710 Irving Park Road, Itasca, IL. Ticket: $30 and up including dinner. The play is about Manav Dholakia who is awarded for his business ventures and he is one of the top notch industrialists living happily with wife, two children and his father. There is a party for his achievements and the who’s who of the society is invited. A stranger Ms. Meera lands up at the party. Everyone is stunned with this unknown guest who comes and unveils Manav’s past. A series of misunderstandings create havoc in his life which transforms into a roller-coaster ride. A series of misunderstandings and comedy of errors takes over transforming this play as a robustly enjoyable romantic comedy for all to enjoy. This situation comedy depicts how the relationship between two persons can be broken, especially how others can know that the relationship is completely broken? Can a truthfully developed relation be completely destroyed? […]

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Merrillville, IN: The Indian American Cultural Center of Merrillville, Indiana held its Ninth Annual Gala Fundraiser on Saturday, March 5, 2011 on a grand scale with nearly 700 Hoosiers of Indian American community participating in the event. This grand occasion was reminiscent of the words of Swami Chinmayananda, who once said, “The success is not in the trophy won but in the race run.” The function raised about $150,000 for the various activities of the Center. The Center is a proud achievement of the Indian community of Northwest Indiana, which, after five years of planning and hard work, opened the center in March 2002. The center is housed in a beautiful building on 14 acres of land and has become the hub of their many cultural and social activities. The Indian American Cultural Center (IACC) of NWIHRC (Northwest Indiana Hindu Religious Center) is a non-profit organization that started nine years ago with a goal to build a Community Center in Northwest Indiana. The center opened on March 9, 2002. With the generous support of the community, the Center expanded the premises in June 2010 to include an expanded community hall and its crown jewel, The Bharatiya Temple of North West […]

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Air Tours Inc. is known to be a “One stop travel shop”. With an initial focus on distinct business of Air Ticketing, we have today evolved as one of the biggest consolidators for many airlines. Growing in the field we have also moved into organizing pleasant and memorable world tours around the globe since the last 10 years. Today, moving further ahead we are also full fledged cruise package organizers. Air Tours Inc. has built a reputation with over 30 years of solid foundation that is based on 3 core principles: cost effectiveness, focused solutions and excellence in service for reliable, honest and efficient travel services. On the 05th of March 2011, Air Tours organized an event for its customers to present all of its 2011 Holiday Packages. The event was a grand success with a presence of 70 guests, who have shown their interest in the next holiday season. Our professional Tour Manager Mr. Zubin Elavia came from India especially for this event and presented a gist about our tour packages for various destinations this year which included Europe, Kenya & South Africa, China, Egypt, Australia & New Zealand, South America and many more. He mentioned very clearly about […]

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Bolingbrook IL: Chamber of Commerce honored Veteran community leader and activist, Mr. Talat Rashid, with prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in a glittering function held at the Bolingbrook Golf Club, 2001 Rodeo Drive, Bolingbrook, IL on Friday, February 25, 2011 to celebrate the seventh Annual Best of Bolingbrook Businesses (“BOBB”) Awards night. This event recognizes various businesses within their respective industries that have shown outstanding performance and community support. In addition, each year the Chamber selects an individual to receive the Business Leadership Award, as well as a Lifetime Achievement recipient. The Lifetime Achievement Award honors an individual that has stepped beyond expectations to make a positive, lasting impact on the community. He has served on the Village of Bolingbrook’s Planning Commission as a Planning Commissioner and was a previous recipient of the Citizen of the Year Award in 2003. His business earned the best business to customer award in Bolingbrook in 2006. In his acceptance address he said, “I am very pleased, very humble and honored to receive this lifetime award from the Bolingbrook Chamber of Commerce. I received this award on behalf of the Bolingbrook community, especially my Pakistani community. I’m also grateful to the Consulate General who took […]

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Chicago, IL: Dr. Ghanshyam Pandey received UIC Researcher of the Year Award in a special ceremony and reception held on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Chicago Rooms, Student Center West, 228 S.Wolcott, Chicago, IL Ghanshyam Pandey, professor of pharmacology and psychiatry, has combined basic and clinical research throughout his career. “It is difficult to think of anyone who has produced such a broad array of pioneering studies,” one colleague says. The UIC Researcher of the Year Award, now in its third year, is given in four categories: social sciences and humanities, natural sciences and engineering, clinical sciences and basic life sciences. Selected by the Campus Research Board and the vice chancellor for research, each winner receives a $3,500 cash prize. For Ghanshyam Pandey, his studies of the neurobiology of the brain have always been closely connected to his concern for the clinical issues facing patients and physicians. Pandey’s research has direct impact on the understanding and treatment of mood disorders, including bipolar disorder and depression. “It is difficult to think of anyone who has produced such a broad array of pioneering studies in the field of biological psychiatry that have had such an impact over such an […]

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Oakbrook IL: Democratic Party of Dupage County organization, (the largest event of the year for the organization) celebrated Presidents Day gala 2011 with great enthusiasm on Sunday February 13, 2011, 5:00PM, at 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, IL. More than 500 people were present at this exciting program. Prominent Leaders from the Democratic Party present were Gov Pat Quinn, Lt Gov Sheila Simon, Atty Gen Lisa Madigan, David Hoffman, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Mike Madigan, John Cullerton and Don Harmon. The Trustees and Executive Committee Members of the IADO, viz., Dr. Ram Gajjela (President), Dr. Ashish Sen (Vice President), Sainath Reddivari (Secretary), Peter Palaparthi (Joint Secretary), Lakshmi Lakshmanan (Treasurer), Dr. Mridu Sekhar (Joint Treasurer), Pramod Shah(Executive Director), Jitendra Diganvker (Directors) were joined by several prominent community Leaders from Indian-Pakistani community, CIOGC representatives, Project M representative, AIPHA, Islamic Center of Western Suburbs and ICNA Chicago representatives. Sunil Shah (President of FIA), Neil Khot, Mayur Patel, and members of the media including Suresh Bodiwala and Dr. Chandrakant Modi from Asian Media USA. As the Master of Ceremony Bob Peickert, Chair, Democratic Party of DuPage County welcomed the guests and kept the audience spellbound with his wit and wisdom throughout the function. Bob Peickert is […]

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Hoffman Estates, IL: Shri Jalaram Mandir located at 425, Illinois Blvd, Hoffman Estates, IL, celebrated Volunteer Appreciation Day with music and masti on Saturday, February 12th, 2011 at 7:00 pm. A sentimental evening “Sur Sandhya” was performed by “Suranjali” in filmy style with old and latest songs, which made the whole atmosphere joyful. More than 200 volunteers enjoyed the special evening. Shree Jalaram Mandir was inaugurated on the March 8th, 2008. It was a dream of many devotees and followers of Jalaram Bapa to establish Jalaram Mandir. With a determination to realize that dream, Jalaram Organization was established in December, 2006. With the help of Generous Donations from many Donors and Volunteers $1.25 Million Dollars worth property was purchased. Saturday, 12 February 2011, was a day to appreciate every single person who had devoted their time towards the Mandir’s progress. In honor of such commitment Jalaram mandir Board decided to have a beautiful way to say thanks to all the volunteers with a Musical night and splendid dinner. At present, Mandir has team of approximately 215 volunteers, who are involved in various activities and perform duties with all their heart. The program was started with Deep-Pragatya by Assistant Priests Shree […]

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Westmont, IL: Valentine day is widely known as the “ Lover’s Day “ Its celebration depicts the signs of love towards the partner or girl friend or boyfriend At this time of the day they exchange beautiful flowers, go for a lunch at the desired hotel or go out for outing when they enjoy reality of life. Valentines’ Day is fast nearing and love is in the air. It is time to have poolside romance, savor the scent of wild flowers and cozy up with the beloved one….. Busy work schedule are set aside as grand plans are being chalked out to make this day sprightly and most memorable. Nightspots and clubs are gearing up for a perfect Valentines’ Day with a wide variety of programs. Love-struck couples are looking for the best spot to make the occasion grand and great. Valentines’ Day was celebrated with much romp and fun in every nook and cranny of the city. Though many couples headed for various clubs and watering holes to make the occasion grand and memorable, several others rushed to ‘Saffron Restaurant’ for a change. The show presented by Shaila Khedkar, professional singer had Music, masti, Hungama and a lot of […]

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Chicago IL: The Indian American Democratic Organization (IADO) of Greater Chicago-land, with leadership of its current president Mr. Mangrola, organized a sponsorship and grass roots community rally for its favorite candidates for upcoming Chicago Mayoral election Mr. Rahm Emanuel. The event took place at North shore banquet hall on Devon Street at about 1 PM on Feb. 13, 2011. The IADO members and grass roots community rally was joined by several prominent community representatives including Dr. Ram Gajjela (President), Dr. Ashish Sen (Vice President), Sainath Reddivari (Secretary), Peter Palaparthi (Joint Secretary), Lakshmi Lakshmanan (Treasurer), Dr. Mridu Sekhar (Joint Treasurer) , Pramod Shah(Executive Director), Jitendra Diganvker (Directors). Others in attendance were Sadruddin Noorani, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Shajan Kuriakost, Prem Balani Sean Chaudhary, Gladson Varghese, Lakshmi Lakshmanan, Balvinder Singh and Ann Kalayil; and Nasir Jahangir, Sher M. Rajput and Dr.Chandrakant Modi (President of Asian Media USA). Rahm also mentioned that he is truly gratified by the strong support of the south Asian Americans particularly the Indian Americans. He thanked community for their eloquent support with their uniquely appealing ‘community rally’ which he says would help him as she continues to vigorously campaign all across Chicagoland. Mr. Rahm Emanuel discussed briefly about following four […]

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Schaumburg, IL: The Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago www.PCSChicago.org (PCS) coordinated a dinner reception for Schaumburg village president honorable Al Larson and the new consul general of India in Chicago honorable Mukta Dutta Tomar. The reception was hosted by Diljit and Mohina Ahluwalia, immediate past chairperson of PCS Chicago. The Ahluwalia family owns industrial businesses in Morton Grove, Illinois. The festive dinner reception by invitation only took place on Saturday, February 5, 2011 at India House Restaurant and Banquets in Schaumburg Illinois. More than 60 guests and PCS officials relished the interesting and educational presentations, Punjabi music, delicious dinner, and the informal evening conversations. Diljit and Mohina Ahluwalia the host family welcomed and thanked the guests and the special guests of honor. Balwinder Singh Girn president PCS Chicago addressed the gathering and elaborated on the mission of the organization and the community service programs like “Rangla Punjab 2011” on April 23, Graduation & Scholarship Award Night on June 12, The Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago Sports Festival in August and soon. Rajinder Singh Mago, the convener of the event screened a DVD “Cultural Safari” about the Sikh American community’s culture, spirituality, foods, festivals and performing arts. Mago also made a […]

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Schaumburg IL: Midwest oldest Punjabi organization (PHO) celebrated the festival of Lohri with great zeal and enthusiasm at India House Banquets 1521 W. Schaumburg Rd Schaumburg, IL on Saturday, January 29th 2011. Over 600 plus people from all over Midwest attended the event with friends and families to celebrate this festival in traditional way. Program started with a Thank you note by the President Lakhbir Singh Sandhu who welcomed everyone who attended. Satnam Singh Aulakh-one of the founding member of PHO highlighted the importance of the festival and cultural background. Chief Guest for the evening was prominent businessman from Milwaukee Beant Singh Boparai who attended the event with his family. Grand Sponsor of the evening was famous businessman of Indian community in Chicago Mr. Jasbir Singh Suga of Suga Builders. Highlights of the cultural bonanza were a skit and play themed on the celebration of Lohri as it is back home, directed by Sukhjeet Kaur Kahlon. Ladies- dressed in their favorite traditional attire were glittery and performed traditional folk dance “Gidha” which was liked by all. Cultural performances were performed by “Dhiyan Chicago Diyan” and “Punjabi Girls of Chicago”. Majority of the performers were born and raised in USA and […]

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