Category: Newspaper Links

Chicago IL: Manav Sadhna presented a thought provoking program “United We Prosper, Divided We Fall” at Athenaeum Theater located at 2936 North Southport Avenue, Chicago, IL on Sunday, May 6, 2012 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Manav Sadhna is engaged in constructive humanitarian projects encompassing life of 8000 people in the slum communities that is located mainly surrounding the Gandhi Ashram in Ahmedabad, India. Health, hygiene, nutrition, values-based education and empowerment projects are carried out with a deeply spiritual approach to service. “Manav” means “person” in Hindi and “Sadhna” is “spiritual practice.” At Manav Sadhna, they strive to see and serve God in the heart of each person they meet. Their philosophy is to “love all, serve all” and they are deeply inspired to by Mahatma Gandhi’s values of truth, peace and compassion. The message of Mahatma Gandhi is shared by children from the slums of Gujarat through dance and music in 10 major US cities. The program had a very successful tour throughout India. From India to America, EKATVA Features 16 Indian Children Sharing Music, Dance, and Message of “Oneness”. About one of every six human beings on this planet lives in poverty, according to the United Nations. […]

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Chicago IL : Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Live in Concert rocked Odeum Center, 1033 N Villa Ave, Villa Park , IL. On Saturday – May 5th, 2012 with yet another unforgettable performance show. Rahat mesmerized enthusiastic crowd (sold out Concert) for about 4 hours. Last year also he performed here. “It is huge public demand that brought him back this year too”, said by Vibrant Media Group organizer of the event. Tickets for show ranged from $35 to $200. Pakistani singer and composer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, who launched a concert tour of the United States and Canada. The concert tour, which began April 14, 2012 in Fort Lauderdale, will take Khan to 15 cities in the United State and 4 cities in Canada. Concert in Chicago was 8th show of his US tour and last show will be on June 9, 2012 at Las Vegas. Aims to give his audience a state-of-the-art show with a bigger orchestra, better lighting and sound while retaining the essence of his Sufiyana style of music. He was received by the audience with standing ovation and sang hits from various Bollywood films which rocked the crowd and kept the audience spellbound. The audience enjoyed […]

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Chicago IL: Association of Indians in America, Inc. (Illinois Chapter) held their Inaugural Function of AIA National Executive Committee and Annual Banquet and Dinner on Sunday, April 29, 2012 at Ashyana Banquets, 1620 West 75th Street, Downers Grove, IL. During social hour everybody greeted each other and enjoyed a casual evening accompanied by soft drinks and delicious snacks. The cultural event and banquet dinner followed thereafter with the Honorable Dorothy Brown, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County as the Guest of Honor. Beena Patel, the charming and dynamic MC of the evening proudly announced the election of Dr. Ghanshyam Pandey, as the National President of AIA. The program started with the American National Anthem performed by Nishal Patel (Grandson of Naren Patel) which was followed by the Indian National Anthem performed by Mr. Anil Sharma. Welcome address was delivered by Mr. Surinder Rametra, Vice President, AIA, and he welcomed all the invited guests and members of AIA. Cultural program started with a group Dance presented by Payalia Dance Studio, Choreographed by Trupti Patel, and this was followed by a Hindi Song sung by Nishal Patel. Thereafter Beena Patel introduced Dr. Ghanshyam Pandey, a renowned Research Scientist, Philanthropist and […]

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Chicago IL: Hand in Hand USA, a non-profit organization for humanitarian aid celebrated their 10th anniversary with a program that comprised great inspiring speeches along with good entertainment and excellent food. Over 250 people enjoyed this event held at Ramada Inn in Glendale Heights on Saturday, April 28. Entering guests were treated to some delightful hors d’oeuvres after the registration. The program started on time with a prayer song “Jyoth se Jyoth Jalathe Chalo” by Ms Shaila Khedkar followed by introductory remarks by Mr. Puneet Mansharmani, Master of the Ceremony and Smt. Durga Chunduri, President of HIH USA.She gave a brief report about the Organization and their current humanitarian projects in India which are Balashram, Outreach Medical Programs, Health clinics, Disaster Relief and.. so on. It was mentioned that the Balashram in Orissa started with 40 children initially in 2004 and has gradually grown to 360. Dr. Gopal Lalmalani, mayor of Oak Brook who delivered an inspiring keynote speech and encouraged the guests to give charitably their time and money. He started with an eloquent message, “Give, give and give. One who truly gives – lives,” re-instated wisely the privileged message he brought from his Master Dada Vaswani in Pune, […]

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Chicago IL: Punjabi Heritage Organization celebrated “Vaisakhi 2012” highlighting the traditional Punjabi culture. People dressed in Punjabi suits and colorful turbans, and kids wearing colorful costumes added to the grace of this cultural gala, which was held from 5:00 pm onwards on Saturday, April 28 2012 at TAFT High School, 6530 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Chicago, IL. Kids of all ages and adults participated in this mega cultural event which were highlighted through 22 performances of popular Punjabi dances, Punjabi songs, comedy and ofcourse world famous Bhangra and Gidha. This program was a pure representation of Punjab and Punjabi community in USA with primary focus on keeping up with their traditions, values, heritage and glory. Participants and spectators from all over Midwest attended this cultural gala and enjoyed every bit of it. The entire program was nicely coordinated and the audience of more than 500 enjoyed the whole program until finish. Vaisakhi also known as Baisakhi, is an ancient harvest festival celebrated across the northern Indian subcontinent, especially in the Punjab region by the Sikh nation as this day commemorates the establishment of the Khalsa. The beginning of the Harvest Season and birth of Khalsa usually 1st. of Vaishakh (Usually […]

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Rolling Meadows, IL: Dhrishti presented “The Legend Returns” a live music concert by Pankaj Udhas. This event began at 8:30 PM on Friday, April 27, 2012 at the elegant Meadows Club Grand Ballroom located at 2950 W Golf Road, Rolling Meadows, IL. Celebrating 30 years of his musical journey, it was an unforgettable performance. Legendary Ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas mesmerized an audience of 912 in a sizzling five hour program. In a concert which was memorable both for its quality and content, Pankaj Udhas changed the content of the concert to include several light classical and older renditions of his, to cater to a very animated audience. The concert which finished at 1.30 pm drew repeated standing ovations from the attendees. Sajni Entertainment, founded by Mayur Ganger has been bringing world class entertainment year after year to the audience of Midwest region. They have been enthralling millions of people over the years with sold out shows. Sajni Entertainment has brought some of the biggest names in the Indian and Pakistani entertainment industry to Chicago. This year they organized Pankaj Udhas show in Chicago. Pankaj Udhas is an Indian singer, credited in the Indian music industry, along with other musicians like […]

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Chicago IL: A team of leading scientists, artists and business leaders currently touring 10 North American cities this spring, delivered a series of cutting-edge presentations entitled “A New Paradigm: Veda, Consciousness, the Ramayana, and the Self.” The tour includes visits to San Diego; San Francisco; Vancouver; Fairfield, Iowa; Chicago; Toronto; Montreal; Boston; New York; and Washington, DC. www.newparadigmtour.org The Chicago New Paradigm presentation took place at The Meadows Club in Rolling Meadows, (Chicagoland area) and featured a pre-event social hour. A dinner followed the presentation. Thousands of people were notified of the event, which sold out quickly. Even though 650 registered, hundreds more continued to stream in at various stages throughout the evening. The event explored the meeting point of science and spirituality by presenting pioneering research that reveals the Veda and the Ramayana as blueprints of our body and the entire universe. Extensive research on these breakthrough discoveries has also documented collective benefits for society, including the potential for creating world peace. The event featured a video presentation of 1,000 Vedic Pandits in Maharishi Vedic City, Iowa, chanting the Veda. The speakers at this event come from diverse backgrounds. Tony Nader, M.D., Ph.D., neuroscientist and researcher, headlined the event […]

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Chicago IL: The Indian American Medical Association’s Charitable Foundation, which operates a free community health clinic in Chicago’s West Ridge community, hosted a Fundraising Dinner and Semi Annual Meeting on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at the Waterford Banquet, 933 S. Riverside Drive, Elmhurst, Illinois. Money raised will benefit the clinic, which is run by Volunteers, Doctors and Providers of Medical Services such as Free Lab Tests and Free Medication. The event was well attended by physicians, politicians, Chicago’s prominent businessmen, community leaders and general public. Fundraising Target was $100,000 however despite the country’s challenging economy, more than four hundred members participated in the event and generously pledged donations totaling $75,000. The Chief Guest of this program was Pat Basu, M.D., M.B.A. Chief Medical Officer: Virtual Radiologic, White House Fellow 2010-2011 and Dr. Raju Ramanathan-Cook County Hospital, Chicago CEO. Dr. S. waminathan, past president of the Illinois State Medical Society, Mafatbhai Patel, CEO of Patel Brothers, Hiran Patel (National Republic Bank), Mr. Naren Patel, Chairman of Medstar Laboratory Inc. and President of AIA and Care and Share, Beena Patel Chief Deputy Clerk Cook County and many more attended this program. Booth: Seasons hospice, Yoga & Veda- Ramayana spiritual booth, NLVS medical […]

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Chicago IL: Gujarati Samaj Chicago (GSC) Proudly presented Sangeet Sandhya starting at 7:00PM, Saturday – April 21st, 2012 at Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner Street, Des Plaines, IL 60016. Recently renovated Deplane Theater was filled to its capacity. Over 500 plus audience enjoyed the program till midnight. It was an evening of Beautiful Nostalgic Melodies specially directed to the grown-up audience of 1st or 2nd generation Desi, Performed by renowned SARGAM Musical Group. GSC President Suryakant Patel and his wife Urvashiben Patel warmly welcomed the audience and assured them of memorable evening. The program was sponsored by Dr. Manish Pandya. Mr. Jitubhai Bhagwnkar, owner of this historical theater was also participated actively to promote the event. Female singer Nalini Parikh started the program in her melodious voice with ‘Ishwar Satya Hai Satya Hi Shiva Hai Satyam Shivam Suneram’. Then she continued with other hits like ‘Sathya Sathiya….’ ‘Badmash Dil Tujhe….etc interrupted by thunderous applause and scream of “Once More” from the pack. program was amplified by live colorful and rhythmic energetic dance performed by Shama Shah and Madhuri of Bharat Natyam Mudra Dance Academy. This organization established and running since 1993. It’s director and team has trained nearly 100 students […]

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Chicago IL: Hari Om Mandir, celebrated Ramnavami Mahotsav whole heartedly on Sunday, the 1st. April, 2012 at 6N020 Medinah Rd, Medinah, IL. Prayers started on Saturday, 11:00am onwards and Ramayan Path reading was undertaken from 11:00am. Bhog Ceremony was on April 1st, 2012, when Ramjanam was celebrated at 12:00pm with Ram Dhoon ‘Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram’ and Bhajans. Aarti was done at 1:30pm and Ladoos were distributed to celebrate the occasion. Then all the devotees took Mahaprasad and dispersed chanting Shree Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram. Rajan and Aarty Singla, Sanjay and Shelly Gandhi, Raj and Meenu Jeethi, Hemant and Indhu Bhalla along with Tangri family did a wonderful arrangement for the Prabhu Ka Bhandara which went on for 24 hours. Ramnavami was celebrated on April 1st this year to proclaim the birth of Shree Ram, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. A major festival lasting 9 days will be celebrated all over India with many special events filled with religious fervor and gaiety. The most notable being the day-long readings of a 1,000 page poem from the Ramayana, a book about Shree Ram’s life. Other practices such as singing of hymns, reciting of Ramraksha Stotra […]

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Chicago IL: Bollywood Milestones 1961-2011 musical charity concert was organized by Ekal Vidyalaya from 7:00 PM to 11:PM, on Saturday April 14, 2012 at Glenbard East High School, 1014 South Main St, Lombard, IL. Ekal had invited two young rising singers Samir Date and Dipalee Somaiya from Mumbai to help celebrate the milestone and raise more funds to continue their mission to eradicate illiteracy among the children of rural and tribal India with holistic empowerment. It was the singer’s twenty first performance of the tour that will span across several cities over the next five month period when in all forty two performances are to be staged. As always, Ekal included a extravagant dinner in its modest ticket price. All the attendees were served the dinner at around 5:00 pm. that included Puri, Mix Vegetables, Dudhi Halwo(Sweet), Fulwadi(Farsan),Chana, :Dal, Rice.. (food prepared by BAPS). After the dinner, the program started at around 7:00 pm. First of all Aum Stuti was recited. Yash Desai and her group recited Prarthna. Guest of Honor Mr Mafatbhai lighted a lamp with Ekal Chicago Chapter President and group of kids . Master of ceremony was performed by two youngsters Jugal Doshi and Sonali Majmudar. They […]

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Chicago IL: The students from the Indian Students Association (ISA) at the University of Illinois at Chicago presented a beautiful Cultural Show that showcased dance styles prevailing all across India and featured other talents as well such as singing on Saturday, the 31st March, 2012. Dance and Music program was held at the UIC forum in auditorium. This year, the show’s theme was “The Beginning of the End. It all ends on 3.31.12, are you ready?” Along with Bollywood Music, the show was fused with mainstream hits by American artists that helped to define this growing generation of Indian students. Family and friends of performers packed the UIC Forum on campus for the show. The auditorium was hustling with excited Parents and Friends of the performers and invites. The show featured acts such as the Jungli Jawanis, M6 Crew, Brownwashed, Pyaar Mein Twist 2, Dhalumni, Sandburg Fusion, UIC Nazaara, Chicago Dhamaal, Dilinois, UIC Dangeraas and UIC Bhangra. Many were from other Chicago universities like DePaul also. The show had twelve main acts. Most of the teams were not exclusively UIC students and so many of the acts had students that belonged to different Chicago universities like DePaul. Along with the […]

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Chicago, IL : Honorable Consul General of Islamic Republic of Pakistan Mr. Zaheer Pervaiz Khan celebrated National Day of Pakistan On Friday, March 23, 2012 with leading Chicago land entrepreneurs and citizens to honor the sacrifices of their freedom fighters who have fought and to remember the work of their Founding Father Jinnah, for giving to them a country where dignity and individual freedom is assured. Consulate General of Pakistan is located in the heart of downtown at 333, N Michigan Ave. This event was held between 6:00 to 8:00 pm. As usual a large number of Prominent Pakistani community Leaders Businessmen, Journalists, Citizens, Americans Politicians and invited guests gathered to celebrate Pakistan’s National day. This event was also attended by Ms Samreen Khan, Senior Policy Advisor, Office of the Governor, Ms. Vriti Jain, Representative of Office of Chicago Mayor and Ms. Pat Michalski from the Office of Cook County Treasurer, Maria Pappas as well as many members of the diplomatic community in Chicago, including Mrs. Mukta Tomar Counsel General of India. The event began at 7:00PM with welcoming speech, followed by Recitation from the Holy Qur’an (Mr. Mubasher Feroze). The Honorable Consul General saluted the Pakistan Flag. National Anthems […]

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Chicago IL: Live 2 you organization Presented “A Tribute to Jagjit Singh” was held on March 23, 2012 at The Meadows Club, 2950 Golf Road, Rolling Meadows, IL. Jaswinder Singh, Young Ghazal Maestro has enthralled audiences. Jaswinder Singh literally mesmerized the enthusiastic crowd of more than 800 plus listeners for about 4 hours. Jaswinder Singh sang Ghazals and many Panjabi songs which rocked the crowd. Tickets rated from $30, $50 and VIP. The event was stunning as the classical music played by the trio was accompanied by applause for a considerable amount of time while they played. The audience was not only pleased with the performance, but appalled by the very elegance of each word sung, each note hit, each pounding of the Tabla, and each keystroke. Each member of the audience knew what to expect, but received much more than what they originally planned. Weather was very good on this sunny day and audiences started gathering right from 7:30 pm at The Meadows Club. Many prominent community leaders were present at this entertaining play. Sunil & Rita Shah, Noor & farida tejany, Mujeeb Ahmed, Dr Siraj Ahmed, Ketki Parikh, Mukarram Mahmood, Mohammed Nadeem, Sami Ahmed, Ramesh & Bharat Vitha, […]

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Chicago IL: Manav Seva Mandir and Six Gam Patidar Samaj (SGPS) of Chicago, proudly presented a hilarious Gujarathi comedy drama, “Patni Nachave Bhagwan Bachave” on Saturday, March 10th, 2012, at Manav Seva Mandir, 101 South Church Rd, Bensenville, IL. Admission tickets were $20, $35, and $50. The show was house full with 700 plus people in attendance, jamming the auditorium at Manav Seva Mandir. Parimal Butala ( Kotyark Entertainment) is the national promoter of this play. Kotyark Entertainment is a company organizing various Bollywood and celebrity stage shows in all the states of USA. In the past, Kotyark Entertainment have already organized stage shows in Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York, Miami, Tampa, Lakeland, Orlando, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and many more places in USA. Kotyark Entertainment recently organized a gujarati drama named – ‘Kutrani Punchdi Wanki’ at most places from New York to Los Angeles and Miami to Chicago. Weather was very good on this sunny day and audiences started gathering right from 7:00 pm at Manav Seva Mandir Auditorium. Many prominent community leaders were present at this entertaining play. Language: Gujarati / Director : Dharmesh Vyas Produced by: Mallika Shah Written by: Nimesh Shah Story-directed by: Dharmesh Vyas […]

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Chicago IL: Sita Rama Kalyanamahotsavam was held at Chinmaya Mission Chicago, Yamunotri Center on Saturday April 7, 2012 located at 30877, N. Fairfield Rd., Grayslake, IL. The event was presided by Swami Sharadananda (resident Acharya) and Sita Rama Kalyanam ceremony was performed by priest Srihari Samudrala and supported by local devotees. Bala Vihar children performed a beautiful Dance/Drama “Sampoorna Ramayana”. Over 400 people attended this event. The program started on time at 8-30 am with Shree Sita Rama Kalyanamahotsava Puja- Celestial Wedding Ceremony of Lord Rama and Sita Devi. Thereafter procession of Sita Rama was taken out in grand manner. Resident Acharya Swami Sharadananda delivered a short yet meaningful sermon. Cultural Program by the Balvihar Children depicting important episodes from Ramayana was beautifully presented. The program ended with sumptuous yet simple Lunch. Significance of Sita Rama Kalyanam In the Hindu religion, Lord Rama and Mother Sita are known to be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi. The divine couple were born on Earth to expunge frightful enemies that cannot otherwise be overcome. The Kalyanamahotsavam of Lord Sri Rama with his consort Mother Sita is celebrated on the holy occasion of Sriramnavami which falls on ‘Chaitra Shuddha Navami ‘ the […]

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Chicago IL: More than 1500 community members, 28 programs, over 175 participants, program coordinators and volunteers of all ages from Metropolitan Chicago Area and surrounding States packed Copernicus Theater (Formerly known as Gateway Theater) Auditorium, 5216 West Lawrence Ave., Chicago, IL to celebrate “Rangla Punjab 2012” Vaisakhi festival at 7 PM, Saturday April 7, 2012. Deafening music beats and rocking performances built the mood at the most awaited evening in Chicago. An amalgamation of myriad colors of youthful spirit and breathtaking performance by participants marked ‘Rangla Punjab 2012’, the welcome celebration for Vaisakhi (Spring) festival. Other highlights of the evening were stalls showcasing Indian chic designer collection and accessories. The variety show titled “Rangla Punjab” is the flagship event of Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago (PCS). Rangla Punjab program has been in existence in Chicago since the early eighties. Its purpose is to impart Punjabi Indian culture into the next generation born and brought up here in America. It is also to unite the community living here through a common culture and celebrate it together. It is designed to teach and promote Punjabi performing arts such as Bhangra, Gidha, songs, drama and music to the next generation of the local […]

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Chicago IL: CNN Hero 2010, Narayanan Krishnan attended a Fund- raising program on 4:00PM, Sunday, April 1, 2012 at The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago 10915 Lemont Rd Lemont, IL and it was a grand success. There were more than 700 attendees for this fund-raiser, which involved fantastic Cultural programs, Light music and Fashion show. The Chicagoans were very generous and they donated over $40,000. Mr. Krishnan’s inspiring speech moved everyone and everyone was generous and made this program a grand success. Mr. Krishnan was overwhelmed with the support, donation and he was in tears when he finished his presentation. He said that he did not expect such a huge support. Mr. Krishnan informed the audience about the project that he is currently doing- Building 24,000 Sq.foot rehabilitation center for destitute and homeless people. He came to U.S.A with a goal of $90,000 to finish the project. Chicago donated $40,000 for this cause and he was surprised with the love and donation shown by the chicagoans. The volunteers have done a wonderful job in putting this event together for Akshaya. Ironically, when he came to Chicago last year, the total attendees were in 20’s. Therefore, he came to Chicago with […]

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Chicago IL: An annual health fair was organized at Shree Jalaram Mandir located at located at 425, Illinois Blvd , Hoffman Estates , IL , on Sunday, April, 15, 2012. More than 325 patients availed the free services provided at this health fairs. The health fair is a community service program mainly for the benefit of devotees and all those without medical insurance, visitors and others in need of medical checkups. Shree Jalaram Mandir volunteers have been working hard to help the society through several beneficial programs in addition to the religious activities and events. The social and humanitarian activities include blood donation drive, bone marrow drive, yoga classes, dance classes, music and instrument classes, youth activities and educational classes. One significant program organized by the temple is the annual health fair. This event marked the 3rd year of the health fair. Long lines of participants arrived early in the morning to take advantage of the medical services at this event. The main coordinator of this event was Mr. Bakulbhai Thakkar. This healthfair started at 8.00 AM and concluded at 1.00 PM. Mr. Chirayu Parikh, President of Shree Jalaram Mandir was overjoyed to see such a large turnout. He stated […]

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Chicago IL: More than 1500 community members, 28 programs, over 175 participants, program coordinators and volunteers of all ages from Metropolitan Chicago Area and surrounding States packed Copernicus Theater (Formerly known as Gateway Theater) Auditorium, 5216 West Lawrence Ave., Chicago, IL to celebrate “Rangla Punjab 2012” Vaisakhi festival at 7 PM, Saturday April 7, 2012. Deafening music beats and rocking performances built the mood at the most awaited evening in Chicago. An amalgamation of myriad colors of youthful spirit and breathtaking performance by participants marked ‘Rangla Punjab 2012’, the welcome celebration for Vaisakhi (Spring) festival. Other highlights of the evening were stalls showcasing Indian chic designer collection and accessories. The variety show titled “Rangla Punjab” is the flagship event of Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago (PCS). Rangla Punjab program has been in existence in Chicago since the early eighties. Its purpose is to impart Punjabi Indian culture into the next generation born and brought up here in America. It is also to unite the community living here through a common culture and celebrate it together. It is designed to teach and promote Punjabi performing arts such as Bhangra, Gidha, songs, drama and music to the next generation of the local […]

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