Category: Press releases

Chicago IL: Chicago community came in large numbers to support a very worthy cause- “The Gift of Education” for the underprivileged Children of rural and tribal villages of India. A Musical Evening was held on Saturday, April 05, 2014 at Schaumburg High School Auditorium 1100 W Schaumburg Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60194. Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation Chicago Chapter organized this charity fundraiser event to provide free education to Rural & Tribal villages of India . The program started with Dinner between 5-30 to 6-30 pm. Harish Doshi served as the MC for the entire program. On behalf of Ekal Chicago chapter he thanked all for supporting “ Ekal Vidyalaya’s “ initiative to provide free education to RURAL & TRIBAL villages of India. Ekal is existing in almost every state of India with 57,502 schools and serving more then 16,21,396 ( 16.2 M ) children’s educational needs . Each year ‘Ekal-USA collects around $4 Millions (40 Lakhs Dollars or 20 Crores Rupees) through their Fund-Raising Concerts. In the last few years, “Ekal” has received Numerous Prestigious Awards and Grants, including ‘Best NGO’, for its transparency of operation and outstanding administration. Ekal is a transparent organization where 10 % of funding is used for […]

Chicago IL: Live 2U hosted the celebrated Indian singers Mohit Chauhan and Mamta Sharma at Copernicus Center, located at 5216 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60630 on Friday – March 28, 2014. Show was completely blast, house full and audience enjoyed live concert. A large number of music lovers of South Asian origin attended the event. The two visiting singers from India provided a very enthralling music experience for the Chicago audience that attended the show. This show was organized by Live 2U, a reputed Entertainment Powerhouse known for its Successful National Tours throughout USA and CANADA with popular Celebrities of Bollywood. After the Grand Success of Adnan Sami Concert in 2013 and back to back Sold out New Year Eve parties for the past 3 Years, Live2U presented Mohit Chauhan and Mamta Sharma for the very first time in USA. Mohit Chauhan is an Indian singer, known for his work as a playback singer for Bollywood movies as well as the former front-man of the Indi pop band Silk Route. He is a two-time recipient of the Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer as well as several other awards. He never received formal training in music, but sings […]

Chicago IL: Tufaan 2014 is one of the longest standing Filmi/Fusion dance competitions in the Midwest! Tufaan Entertainment is a student-led non-profit entertainment company aiming to raise awareness of South Asian culture in the US and promote education through the arts abroad. Dance is an integral part of South Asian culture and it is a great way for South Asian youth in America to connect with their roots. Tufaan 2014 showcased the talent of such youth to inspire an interest in the South Asian arts in a wide audience. Education in the arts, such as dance, is essential for a child’s holistic development, which is why Tufaan Entertainment supports Shanti Bhavan, a K-12 school in rural India providing a world-class liberal arts education for socioeconomically disadvantaged children. The winner of Tufaan 2014 received a bid to compete in Bollywood America, another national competition that is comprised of teams who have won other bid competitions. The event coordinators were Natasha Ramanujam and Aditi Kothari – both are Co-Executive Officers of Tufaan Entertainment. A large audience of 850 attended this event at Cahn Auditorium, located in Northwestern University, Evanston, IL on March 22nd, 2014. Shivam Patel and Anandu Dileep were the MC’s […]

Chicago IL: What is leadership? Society ascribes leadership in politics, religion, communities, sports, etc. based on actions, achievement, and at times, popularity. Typically, we limit our view of “leaders” to people in position of power: CEOs, politicians, athletes, and perhaps community leaders. There are leaders who have a strong work ethic and who win and accomplish major tasks; but are they life’s leaders? Are their characters worth emulating? True leadership is rooted in a person’s character, in their actions, and in the examples they set. But are those the only leaders? Everyone has the potential to be a leader in his or her own right. What about people who give their best everyday to care for their communities, schools, and homes? Are they not leaders as well? In fact, do we recognize ourselves as leaders? Should we? To recognize the unparalleled leaders we know and admire, to acknowledge the leaders amongst us, and to enrich the leaders within us, BAPS hosted a Women’s Conference themed “Lead from Within” at 10 centers across North America. On March 22nd, 2014, over 450 women gathered at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett, IL to participate in this annual event, now observing its […]

Chicago IL: On Saturday, March 8th, the Indian Student Association at Waubonsie Valley High School hosted its 6th annual talent competition for students from Waubonsie, Neuqua, and Metea Valley High Schools in District 204 which covers the cities of Naperville, Aurora and Bolingbrook. . The format of the show is parallel to Indian Idol in which three judges decided a winner for dancing and singing performances. The executive board and the members of the ISA at Waubonsie organized an amazing show which can be compared to the popular Bollywood reality talent shows. The executive board includes co-presidents, Vidya Velayutham and Katyayni Gupta, secretary, Akshara Sreedhar, public relations, Rohan Shah, senior respresentative, Sriram Katragadda, junior representative, Paveena Bhugra, sophomore representative, Pal Shah, and freshman representative, Sunita Kavthekar. The Indian Student Association is sponsored by Waubonsie Valley math teacher, Kinjal Marfatia. The students displayed an extraordinary array of talent in both dancing and singing categories. Their performances showed that the students had spent a great deal of time rehearsing and preparing for the show. The judges which included Bhagya Nagesh, Mukesh Shah, and Vaishali Nagoree had a difficult time determining the winner for both dancing and singing. With approximately 400 people in […]

Share a Smile’s Mission Statement: “We value the vision that no activity or amount is too small, by providing the community a platform to bring their resources together to make a difference.” Chicago IL: Share a Smile is a registered 501C, charitable non-profit organization with a unique global vision to share and give back to seniors and the less privileged, by identifying those who are most vulnerable and underserved, first within the community and then reaching out to India and other parts of the world. In the preceding years their fundraisers have contributed to a senior home in India, to welfare projects in Africa, to an international eye care foundation in India, educare.org and flood relief in Haiti. For the last 3 years they have identified a senior care home called Sukhdam on the out-skirts of New Delhi as the principal beneficiary of their fundraisers. Locally, Share-a-Smile Chicago members volunteer at BACOA (Barrington Area Council for Old Age) to deliver a hot and nutritious meal to support home-bound seniors and people with disabilities, allowing them to live independently in their own homes, with dignity and self-respect. In 2014, their Annual Fund Raiser was held at India House Banquet Hall on […]

Chicago IL: International Women’s Day celebrations were organized by TAGC & ATA on March 15th 2014 at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, Carol Stream, IL. TAGC is a non-profit organization devoted to the awareness and promotion of Telugu Heritage and Culture in the mid-west region headquartered in Chicago. The Association was originally founded in 1971 and incorporated as a non-profit organization by the year 1978. What was once a brain child of small group of individuals, TAGC has grown to be one of the oldest and largest Indo-American organizations in the United States. ATA (American Telugu Association) is a non-profit national organization and was founded in 1990, head quartered in Chicago. The main purpose of the organization is to assist and promote literary, cultural, educational, religious, social, economic, health and community activities of the people of Telugu origin as well as to promote exchange programs for students, scientists, and professionals of Telugu origin between the United States of America, Canada and India and other countries. Over 250 women of Telugu origin participated in this unique event which raised awareness about important issues such as Women’s Mental Health, Nutrition and Diet, Indian Women in American Politics, STEM Education and Women’s […]

Chicago IL : Yeh Cheez Entertainment & Music Melody Entertainment presented, on Saturday, March 8th, 2014 from 6-30 pm onwards ‘Khan Show’ Desi Winter Bash at India House Banquets, 521 W Schaumburg Rd, Schaumburg, IL. All celebrated the End of winter with Desi Winter Bash! – Where everyone enjoyed and cherished the best of Chicago LIVE!!! Noman Khan, President Yeh Cheez Entertainment and Captain of Yeh Cheez Group; along with Tariq Khan, President Music Melody Entertainment showcased Chicago’s finest dance groups, singers, models and designers all under one roof. They left no stones unturned in promoting the youth and ‘Aam Aadmi’ of Chicago. This wouldn’t have had happened without the help of their grand sponsors, Dr. Harjinder Khaira, Lake Street Dental; Ravi Rawat, Owner India House Banquets and Ahmed Khan, Taaza2u.com Sponsors-Supporters included: India House; Chandni Exclusive; Print Point; Hiba Khan, Asian Media; Waterford Banquet; Shalini Saxena’s Fiery Tiger; Masti Grill; Suga Builders; Paegert Den The people of Chicago witnessed one of the biggest variety shows of the year. The Night was full of Entertainment. Fashion Shows, Dances, Music, Trivia, Comedy, Food and Fun!! An astounding evening was created to entertain the audience. Noman Khan as the program director led […]

Chicago IL: Dhwani Entertainment (Promoters of Local Talent) presented “Fabulous Six- Tribute to Legendary Singers of Bollywood” at Elgin Community College, Art Center Building, H, 1709 Sparten Dr., Elgin IL. on Saturday, March 8, 2014 starting from 3:00 pm. It was a breathtaking on stage show. Fabulous Six Legendary Singers of Bollywood are Kishor, Manna Dey, Rafi, Mukesh, Asha and Lataji. There were talented artists with Live Orchestra by M3 Group of Chicago- Amit Kumar on Key Board; Ken D’Souza on Guitar; Sudhir Krishnan on Drums; Puranlal Vyas on Tabla/Dholak and Dances were performed by Tarana Kathak Dance Academy by girls under guidance of Shital Dhanani. They presented various Dances along with songs compiled by Legendary Music Directors. Shaurin Thakkar was MC of the program. One after another Melodious Songs close to our hearts for every mood, Happy, Sad, Romantic, Masti, remembering Six eternal Bollywood Legendary Six Singers- Lata Mangeashkar, Asha Bhonsle, Mohammed Rafi, Kishore Kumar and Mannadey were vocalized by Chicago’s very best singers like Shaila Khedkar Rajesh Chalam and Padmini Rao. Other presenters were voice of ‘Manna Day’, Mr. Virendra Kothariji and another very popular Versatile Singer Sreepathyji, and Nipa Shah. Joining the chorus were Chicago’s very own […]

Chicago IL: Married to my childhood sweetheart, Usha 41 years ago. The person I love the most, my wife is my strength and inspiration. Love, tenderness, sympathy, empathy, came from my mother Shantaben, hard work discipline, strong will power came from my father Natverlal and spiritual wisdom Pandurang Shastriji Athavale. We are very spiritual and family oriented. With the blessing of God, we are very healthy and have a joyful family life with three beautiful daughters, Meena, Paru and Rita. We are also blessed with 3 amazing grandchildren, the eldest is 16 years old. We would like to take a few minutes to convey “Thanks” to our extended family which is the people who work for Asian Media USA. They are the pillars of this organization. We reverence them for their dedication and hard work. They burn lots of night oil. I would also like to give a special thanks to all our supporters and general audiences.

Chicago IL: In spite of the inclemency of the arctic weather, the exquisite welcome reception for His Excellency Dr. Subramanyam Jaishankar, Indian Ambassador to U.S. hosted by Chicago Consul General Dr. Ausaf Sayeed was profoundly warmed by the presence of Chicago’s stellar leadership echelon who collectively exhibited a spirited rousing welcome to the new Ambassador at the Union League Club in downtown Chicago on February 27, 2014. In glowing terms, host Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Chicago’s Consul General of India welcomed Ambassador Dr. Jaishankar and defined Ambassador as a brilliant diplomat enriched with three decades of shining international diplomatic experience. Dr. Ausaf Sayeed eloquently outlined Ambassador’s luminous credentials replete with milestone accomplishments that evoked goodwill applause from the guests. This finely elegant reception assumed a greater significance as Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar took charge as the Ambassador at a challenging time in the Indo-US relations strained by the Indian diplomat episode in New York. In his address His Excellency Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar heaped praises on the Indian American community as a ‘model community’ for their remarkable achievements. He that ‘romance phase of courtship’ has ended, and hard work is ahead. Speaking in sub-zero temperatures outside and against the backdrop of cooling of […]

Dupage County IL: The Democratic Party of DuPage County celebrated their Presidents’ Day Gala 2014 with great enthusiasm on Saturday February 22, 2014 from, 6:00 PM, at Carlisle Banquets, 435 E Butterfield Rd, Lombard IL. More than 300 people were present at this exciting program. “What a year to be a Democrat in DuPage County,” said Bob Peickert, DuPage County Democratic Party Chairman. “Thank you for being here to celebrate our growth in the county and our growth as a party.” Peickert’s congratulatory statements were directed toward a group of more than 300 supporters, who came out to applaud the Democratic officials elected to national, state and local government in the most recent election. This year’s theme was “Rebuilding the Middle class, Rebuilding the American Dream”. As the Master of Ceremony, Bob Peickert ,Chair of the Democratic Party of Dupage County welcomed the guests and thanked them for supporting DPDC. The program began with Senator Dick Durbin’s initial remarks where he asked IL Democrats to work together in a coordinated effort to help elect Governor Quinn and his running mate Paul Vallas in the next election. Paul Vallas, who is running for Lieutenant Governor of IL was invited to speak. […]

Chicago IL: Nilaben, wife of Ramanbhai S. Patel, passed away, on Thursday, February 20, 2014. Funeral/Cremation was held at Bohemian National Cemetery, 5255 N. Pulaski Road, Chicago IL on Sunday, February 23, 2014. Overflowing crowd of Over 300 people filled up the prayer hall to pay final prayer of Hindu Funeral rites also referred to as Antim Sanskar. Funeral ceremony started at 11:00 am among presence of over 300 peoples composed of relatives, friends and well wishers. Suresh Shah conducted the entire proceedings with support from Indian community. Nilaben Patel was very kind courteous and helped number of persons. She achieved success due to her dedication of her life to be the supreme wife, mother, and grandmother, she inspired and encouraged Ramanbhai to revive and pursue community duties. She laughed often, loved much, filled niche and accomplished her task. She left the word better than found it. Her life is inspiration and memory is a benediction. Nilaben was an outstanding volunteer who had participated in many activities and social club of Indian women in of Dee Park in Deplanes, Illinois. Her dedicated service to the community was above and beyond the call. Nilaben will live for years to come within […]

Nilaben Ramanbhai S. Patel Born: 12/15/1947 / Expired: 02/20/2014 Chicago IL: Please join us in expressing our deepest condolence at this hour to the sad demise of our beloved Nilaben, wife of Ramanbhai S. Patel Member, Executive Committee of United Senior Pariwar, Desplaines, Chicago who passed away, on Thursday, February 20, 2014, at about 9:07 p.m. Nilaben Patel was very kind courteous and helped number of persons and ladies in particular. Besides being the greatest wife, mother, and grandmother, she inspired and encouraged Ramanbhai to revive and pursue duties. Nilaben was an outstanding volunteer who had participated in all the activities of United Senior Pariwar and Ladies section at Dee Park. Her dedicated service to the community was above and beyond. Nilaben will live for years to come within our hearts. May her Soul Rest in Peace. Funeral Information for Nilaben: Place: Bohemian National Cemetery,5255 N. Pulaski Road, Chicago IL 60630 [Near intersection of Foster and Pulaski Road] Time: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Day and Date: Sunday, February 23, 2014 Phone: Mr. Ramanbhai S. Patel: 224-766-9196; Vikas R. Patel: 224-616-0915 . If you have any question in this matter please call Mr. Hasmukh Soni: 847-942-9413 Mrs. Vanita Patel: 847-240-0703 […]

Chicago IL: Love is like a magic dollar, they say “Lend it, spend it, and give it away, and you’ll end up having some more” now that’s the way the Desi community in Chicago related to this emotion. Valentines’ Day is always 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 Aashiqui Forever Valentine’s Day Party which was organized by Manpasand (Bhavna Modi and Sanjay Modi) and India House Banquets (Ravi Rawat) on Friday February 14, 2014 at India House Banquets, 521, W Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg IL. For couples, romantics and sky-watchers, Valentine’s Day 2014 was perfect. A full moon greeted lovers and sweethearts on this special day. Saint Valentine’s Day, also known as Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine is observed on February 14 each year. It is a festival of romantic love and many people give cards, letters, flowers or presents to their spouse or partner. They may also arrange a romantic meal in a restaurant or night in a hotel. Chicago’s Restaurant of Romance, India House Banquet had arranged […]

Chicago IL: Viidyaranya Kannada Kuta (V.K.K), is a non-profit organization that provides a forum through which members can participate in the cultural and social activities representative of Karnataka’s regional traditions and to support humanitarian causes through the Vidyaranya Kannada Kuta Charitable Fund. V.K.K on Sunday February 10, 2014 celebrated Sankranti Festival (Harvest Festival) at the Rama temple , Lemont. In spite of the below freezing temperatures, plenty of snow and slushy roads, Kannadigas in big numbers gathered to celebrate this occasion “Suggiya Sambrama”. The attendees first gathered in Gupta Dining Hall for a Social hour Meet and Greet session. During this hour Coffee and Snacks were served to the attendees. Cultural Committee collectively worked together to make the Cultural program run smoothly. The stage was decorated with Kites, Props of Sun, Sugar cane, Props of pile of grain, Flowers which brought a festive look. There is a tradition in India to fly Kites during this festival. Therefore a “Kite Decorating Contest” for kids was also conducted. First, Second and third places prizes was determined by the judges. After religious rituals were performed by Temple priest seeking the blessings of the almighty, the program was formally inaugurated by lighting of lamp […]

Chicago IL: Please join us in expressing our deepest condolence at this hour to the sad demise of our beloved Hasumati Sheth, wife of Jashwantlal Sheth, Past President of Gujarati Samaj Chicago. Hasumati Sheth passed away, on Wednesday, February 12, 2014, at about 1:20 p.m. Hasumati Sheth was an Audiologist that volunteered her time at many health fares at many Mandirs and helped hundreds of citizens get back into the” world of hearing sound”. Besides being the greatest wife, mother, and grandmother, she inspired and encouraged Jashwantbhai to revive and pursue his music and singing. During the early years of Manav Seva Mandir, Bensenville, IL, from 1982 to 1992, Hasumati Sheth was an outstanding volunteer who had participated in khatas, utsavs, and celebrations of all Hindu holidays. Her dedicated service to the community was above and beyond. Hasumati Sheth will live for years to come within our hearts. May her soul rest in peace. Funeral Information for Hasumati Sheth: Place: Sax-Tiedemann Funeral Home & Crematorium Venue: 9568 Belmont Avenue, Franklin Park, Illinois 60131 Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Day and Date: Sunday, February 16, 2014 Jashwantlal Sheth Phone number: 708-867-9585 Query: Gopali Sheth: 630-674-5874 Shefali Sheth: 847-436-6641 E-Mail: Gopali […]

Glenview IL: The Hanuman Spiritual and Community Center, Glenview, Illinois, shares the pleasure of announcing that a significant progress has been achieved towards the establishment of a Hanuman Mandir in Glenview. The Village of Glenview has agreed for a 4.1-acre parcel of land for this use of construction of this holy project. Based upon the Village approval, the land has been acquired for the construction of Hanuman Mandir. The Village of Glenview was impressed to note that the Community Center will benefit the members of all the communities and will offer a very broad-based opportunity of social interaction. The project will include a Hanuman Mandir and a community center. The Community Center will serve the long standing desire of the community to have a multi-facet public place to celebrate various cultural, spiritual and educational programs. A ‘Bhumi Shudhi’ havan and prayer were celebrated on Dec. 14, 2013 at the proposed temple site located at 3623 West Lake Street, Glenview, Illinois. In response to the devotees’ enthusiasm, the ‘Sunder Kaand’ recitation was held on Jan. 25, 2014 from 5 to 7 p.m. If you wish to join the monthly recitation, send your contact information to chandrakhurana@yahoo.com or call 773 -837-1550

Lifetime achievement for Dr Pratap Kumar, Leadership award for Dr Siva, Dr Sonia Mehta named woman of the year and Golden Eagle award for Air India’s Rishikant Singh . Chicago IL: US Congressman Danny K Davis 7th congressional district, Illinois’s Multi Ethnic Advisory Task Force – MEATF, presented the Annual Awards for Ethnic leaders who made significant contributions in various fields in 2013. Multi Ethnic Advisory Task Force Organized the Annual Awards Gala 2014 from 7:30 PM, on Friday – February 07, 2014, at Saffron Restaurant, 6200 S Cass Ave, Westmont, IL 60559. Under the aegis of Congressman Danny Davis’s Multi Ethnic Advisory Task Force, a host of eminent Indian American and. South Asian leaders from business, Grass-Roots Community and Medical Professionals united to hail ‘Multi Ethnic Advisory Task Force Annual Awards Gala2014’. The event started with enjoyment of Appetizers and Drinks. Santosh Verghese and Kathakali Dasgupta enthralled the audience with their array of Bollywood Songs, Tapas Dasgupta also sung a duet with Kathakali. Opening Prayer was done by Bishop Rev. Samuel Vallabdas. Invocation Recital was done by Master Amir Jawad. In his Welcome Address Dr. Tapas Dasgupta, MEATF Chairman welcomed all starting with Annual Salute to Hon. Congressman Dany […]

Chicago IL: Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Consul General of India in Chicago had organized an interactive session at the Consulate with members of the Indian American community from 11:00 am. to 1:00 pm on February 01, 2014, Saturday, at the premises of the Consulate of India, 455 N Cityfront Plaza Drive, NBC Tower Building, Suite No. 850, Chicago, Illinois. The Consul General and other senior diplomats were present during this interactive session. To get a better understanding of the problems and to present their views, V.K.Jain, Niraj Guglani and Abhilash-staff of B.L.S.International, the outsourcing agency were also present. There were many questions were raised highlighting various problems of delay in Visa processing. Consul General, Dr. Ausaf Sayeed welcomed all and thanked everyone for being present in spite of the inclement weather and briefed all those present about the purpose of this meeting. He mentioned they have been receiving many complaints about the Out Sourcing Agency, i.e. B.S.L. International and some about the Consulate of India Office in Chicago on various issues. This forum was organized to give an opportunity to individuals and the community to present their problems in general, so that appropriate answers can be given to resolve issues and […]