Category: Press releases

Chicago IL: University of Chicago (UC) held a public program on Sunday afternoon, October 6, 2013 at the UC Rockefeller Memorial Chapel (RMC) to announce the first two recipients of the Swami Vivekananda Chair, funded to the tune $1.5M by the Indian Ministry of Culture. Addressed by swamis from the Vivekananda Vedanta Society of Chicago (VSC) and two UC professors, the event also amounted to an endorsement of the appointments by the large assembly of Hindus, who have been celebrating Vivekananda’s 150th Birth Anniversary throughout this year. Held in collaboration with UC Spiritual Life Office and support of the Committee on Southern Asian Studies, befitting music and song was provided by UC’s Sur Musafir, Bengali Association of Greater Chicago (BAGC), and the Unity in the Dunes Church Choir (UDCC). Soon after SV’s famous “Sisters and Brothers of America” address at the Parliament of World Religions (PWR) in 1893, he had been invited to speak on “Modern Schools of Hinduism” at Cobb Hall, where the UC had begun classes after its inception in 1891. In her welcome address, RMC Dean Elizabeth Davenport underlined the Chapel’s role as spiritual and ceremonial center of UC and how befitting it was as venue for […]

Chicago IL: Rajiv Malhotra, President of Infinity Foundation, is well-known in USA and India for his fulltime championing, funding, and articulation of Hindu causes. His most recent book, Being Different: The Hindu Challenge to Western Universalism, which is being translated into several Indian languages, is the focus of widespread public debate. He spoke on Sep. 28, 2013 at the Jain Center in Chicago about the book he is completing on various challenges to the legacy of Swami Vivekananda (SV). His essay on “Vivekananda’s Ideas – Two Revolutions in Western Thought” appeared this year in Vivekananda as the Turning Point: The Rise of a New Spiritual Wave (Advaita Ashram). Malhotra spoke to Asian Media USA on the occasion of University of Chicago’s (UC) public announcement on October 7 of the two recipients of the Swami Vivekananda Chair. What is unique about SV’s legacy? Rajiv: For India, SV modernized the way traditional Hindu dharma could be applied in the context of his time, thereby making Hindu dharma relevant. For the US and the world, he opened the door to pluralism beyond Judeo-Christianity, a novel idea in the West at his time. What is the state of this legacy today? Rajiv: SV has […]

Chicago IL: Many Hindu organizations joined hands on September 28, 2013 under the banner of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHP-A) to celebrate Swami Vivekananda’s 150th Birth Anniversary at the Jain Mandir in Bartlett, Ill. All the speakers, including the eagerly awaited Baba Ramdev, eulogized Vivekananda’s mission, and insisted on the need to fulfill his vision in the light of contemporary challenges. Dignitaries and devotees alike had left early morning in buses to visit the Art Institute to pay obeisance to Swami Vivekananda’s plaque before listening to Baba Ramdev’s speech there. Jain Society President and committee members welcomed the Baba. 16-year old co-MC Nirav Virani recounted the origin of Vivekananda’s characteristic pose, arms folded across the chest, to his turning around abruptly to confront the pursuing monkeys at the Durga Mandir of Banaras. This posture of self-confidence in meeting all challenges that the Swami wanted to instill among Hindus was portrayed on the banners adorning the stage. Program began after 11 am with MC Anju Lal presenting in both English and Hindi. Shree Narayan Chandok introduced VHP as existing in USA since 50 years. In addition to founding the Hindu Students Organization, VHP has pioneered the Hindu Mandir Executive […]

Chicago IL: Some 30 religious organizations joined hands on September 27, 2013 under the banner of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHP-A) to celebrate Swami Vivekananda’s 150th Birth Anniversary at The Meadows Club, Rolling Meadows, Ill. These included Gayatri Gyan, Manav Seva, Hari Om, Shree Jalaram temple. Among the speakers at the banquet were Swami Sharanananda (Chinamya Mission), Stephen Knapp, Jeffrey Armstrong, and Subramanian Swamy. Distinguished guests included Raja Krishnamurthy, Swati Dandekar, Rajiv Malhotra, Nimish Tolia, Bharat Barai (grand sponsor), Ashish Sen, and Ratan Tata. The three MCs were Parth Mangrola, Birva Trivedi, and Harshil Patel. Event chairman Harendra Mangrola introduced Vivekananda. Theresa Mah read out a message on behalf of Illinois Governor Pat Quinn commending the Swami for having secured Hinduism’s place on the map of the world religions. There were video recorded messages of support from Sri Sri Ravishankar and Dr. Pranav Pandya head of Gayattri Shanti Kunj (Rishikesh). A message from Mohan Madhukar Bhagawat, chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), was also read out. President Obama’s speech before the Indian Houses of Parliament in November 2010 was shown: “Instead of succumbing to division, you have shown that the strength of India—the very idea of India—is […]

Chicago IL: The annual Chicago South Asian Film Festival (CSAFF) treated movie buffs downtown over the entire weekend of Friday, Sep. 20, 2013 to the most recent wave of features and shorts by Desi and American film-makers from the subcontinent, North America (especially Los Angeles), and Europe. The opening (“Oass”) and closing night (“Club 60” and “The Reluctant Fundamentalist”) features were screened at the Showplace Icon Theater, and the rest at festival partner Columbia College’s Film Row. On Saturday morning, several film-makers participated in a press conference at Film Row, ably moderated by local Producer Snehal Patel, to speak about their respective creations, choices, techniques, and receptions. Debut Director Abhinav Shiv Tiwari’s US Premier of “Dew Drop” (Oass) portrays the disturbing plight of South Asian girls caught up against their will in the flourishing merciless flesh trade. The Hindi movie is fictionalized around the true story of Kiku, a Nepali abducted at the tender age of eleven from her idyllic rural playground by a trusted aunt under false pretenses to be drugged, raped, practically imprisoned, and brutalized in realistically portrayed Delhi brothels, before managing to escape through sheer perseverance. It was scripted and fleshed out with materials drawn from pan-South […]

Chicago IL: The Midwest Asian American Center (MAAC) hosted an informational fundraiser that conferred awards on distinguished members and offered an evening of food and entertainment. The dinner, which allowed MAAC board members to meet 400 people under the same roof, was held at India House Banquets in Schaumburg, on Friday, September 27, 2013. Six government departments set up booths in the lobby to provide the public information about their respective services for “community awareness” was this year’s theme. They were the Secretary of State mobile unit provides services as renewal of driver’s licenses, State ID, change of addresses, and vehicle plate stickers. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), represented by the Director Lori Petropolis and Public Relations Officer Amy Stern; Department of Human Services, represented by Jean Miller and Sara from Illinois Coalition of Immigrant Refugee Rights, explained Medicare and Medicaid; Attorney General’s Office, represented by Eric Salsado, to warn against consumer fraud and identity theft; Cook County Clerk’s office; Social Security office, represented by Doug Nyugen, advised seniors facing reductions in their supplementary income. MAAC Executive Director Vandana G. Dalal welcomed the guests and introduced Emcees Laurie Martin (MAAC board member) and Noman Khan (from Yeh Cheez entertainment). […]

Chicago IL: Members of Gandhi Trust of Skokie, Illinois, along with company of many dignitaries admirers, celebrated Gandhi Jayanti on the occasion of his 144th birth anniversary on October 2nd 2013, Wednesday. The event took place at the memorial of a larger than life statue of Bapu located at Heritage Park, Skokie, Illinois. The event kicked off by offering flowers and singing Mahatma’s all-religion prayers, lighting candles and reciting Bapu’s famous quotes, and speeches including paying homage to Father of the Nation. The favorite hymns of Gandhi were also recited on the occasion. The event was highlighted by the presence and blessing of Bhagvan Sri Sri Sri Viswayogi Viswamjee Maharj, founder of Viswayogi Institute of Medical Sicense in Gantur, Andhra Pradesh, India. Swamiji took special time to attend the ceremony during his world tour. He meditated and offered prayer and gave brief speech indicating the significance of Gandhi Jayanti celebration which transcends beyond commemorating Mahatma Gandhi’s birth and his life. He emphasized to follow and renounce violence and entirely devote themselves to Gandhi’s philosophy and principles of Ahimsa i.e living a life by following non-violence. The day now is also commemorated by many nations and cities including city of Skokie, […]

Bensenville, IL: The Guajarati Samaj Chicago (GSC) Board of Trustees, Members of Executive Committee and Volunteers hosted colorful Raas Garba festivity on the occasion of Navratri on September 28th, 2013 Saturday from 7:00pm. Onwards. This annual sacred event is celebrated in honor of Godess Durga and Amba Mataji. The event was held at Manav Seva Mandir located at 101 S. Church Road, Bensenville, IL. Attendance was houseful. Garba by: Orchestra SaReGaMa of Chicago Rita Patel & Atul Soni; Aanand Master on Keyboard; Kafi Khan on Octopad; Andy Patel – Percussion Backless Cholis, Embroidered Chania, Colorful Dhotis and Kurtas and a Kaleidoscope of Saris were all out as Gujaratis in particular and others in general danced to the tune of loud music in Somerset as Navratri began with the usual gusto throughout the United States. 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 and Amba Mata”. The most fascinating was the Dandiya Raas. Colorful Dandiyas, some of them specially ordered from India, had modern looks. While the traditional Dandiyas are made of wood, it is […]

Chicago IL: The newly appointed Consul General of India, arranged meet and Greet the Ethnic Media based in the Chicagoland area primarily to introduce himself, address the concerns, imbibe their ideas and convey brief details of the forthcoming events which the Consulate intending to organize. The event took place on Wednesday, September 25,2013 from 5-00 to 6-00 pm at the office of Consulate General of India, 455 N Cityfront Plaza Drive, NBC Tower Building,Suite No. 850,Chicago, IL 60611. Media Personnel present included Prashant Shah from India Tribune, Bhailalbhai from DesiTalk, Ramesh Sopariwala from India Post, Hemant Brahmbhatt from Hi India, Vandana Zigan from TV Asea, Tausif Malik from Desi Times, Dr. Chandrakant Modi,Jyotikumar Chokshi and Nagesh from Asian Media USA, Suresh Shah from Gujarat Samachar and few from others. Dr. Sayeed accompanied by his two Colleagues Consuls Gangte and Banerjee informed all that his purpose of keeping this meet is to appraise the media of working of Counsel, its volume of work, limitations and understand the difficulties and problems of public in general and try to find its amicable solution. There were many problems regarding awareness in public about working of CG office and subsequent need to have proper liaison […]

Chicago IL: Chicago the vibrant city with its enormous blend of music from every part of the world is truly a unique city to live in, to visit, to mingle with the people, and above all, to feel the musical pulse that is never-ending. It is here that Chicago Indian Icon concept was born, nurtured, brought to a reality by several auditions at Ashyana Banquets and culminated in the grand finale at the Meadows Club on Saturday, September 21, 2013. The highlights of the show were Mr. Shekhar Suman, a movie actor and TV personality of the millennium as a host and Pt Ronu Majumdar, Grammy Award Fame as a celebrity judge… The overwhelming success of the Chicago Indian Icon grand finale was largely due to each and every one of you who are music lovers and support such an event by your presence at the show. It was as truly a unique, historic moment. It is also equally important to place on record the tremendous, unwavering efforts, and long hours of commitment by the five members of the Indian Event Management team, namely, Brij Sharma (President), Pratibha Jairath (Vice President), Sharan Walia (Director of Planning and Management), Raju Bankapur […]

Aurora, IL: Sriranga School of Dance celebrated its school anniversary on September 21, 2013 at Sri Sai Baba Mandir in Aurora, IL, according to its press report. Organized by artistic director Srivani Vokkarane, the evening showcased young talents in Kuchipudi, semi-classical, and folk dances. After an invocation song by Manasa Sarma, a Sanskrit verse (shloka) invoking Lord Ganesha, goddess Saraswathi, and the teaching lineage (gurus) was performed by dancers Akshita Mogulla, Anagha Surampalli, and Vokkarane in classical Kuchipudi style. A semi-classical “Lamp dance” by young budding talents Akhila Kamasamudram, Anitha Konda, Ridhi Diddi, Saahithi Pebbati, and Suhanidatt Seeryada followed. A classical “flower-offering” (Pushpaanjali) in Raaga Naatai, set to Aadi taala, was then presented by Mogulla, Surampalli, and Rainisha Doddikindi. Abhilasha Kashyap, Bhavni Yalavarthy, Bhriti Harish, Myra Chowdhary, Pooja Nadiger, and Saagarika Kiran, went to perform Kolata, a traditional folk dance from the South Indian state of Karnataka with colored sticks set to a fast paced song. Doddikindi returned with a classical Kuchipudi solo in praise of the “Wonderful Spectacle (Kauthuvam) of Ganesha” dancing in Raaga Hamsadhwani set to Aadi thaala. The highlight was Vokkarane dancing Tarangam on a brass plate to the well-known Krishna Leela Tarangini describing Lord Krishna. The […]

Intro: MAFS celebrates 21 years of community services with Magical show, Dazzling Fashion show, Bollywood Dances, Soul rendering music and numerous dignitaries here & abroad Schaumburg, IL – People were awe struck, when they saw illusionary tricks of world famous magician, Dennis Watkins at the Metropolitan Asian Family Services annual fund raiser dinner to cover the gaps in State, Federal and local funding . MAFS is a not-for profit organization that provides an array of services to promote the well-being of South Asian immigrants celebrated 21 years of community service on September 21st, at India House Schaumburg. In the 21 years since its inception in 1992, MAFS has transformed and grown exponentially to serve the needs of the community. The present day MAFS serves the community through its various developed programs: Public Benefits Assistance, Citizenship and Immigration Assistance, an Adult Literacy Program, Light and Heat Program, Hot Lunch Program, Computer classes, and others. The program was started by the lightening of auspicious ‘Deep” by Kusumben Patel, Founder of Global Gayatri, followed by Ganesh-vandana prayer dance by Catherine Jafri and her group and welcome address of Dr. Firdaus Jafri, president MAFS. In his keynote remark, Bill Foster, US Congressman commended the […]

Chicago IL: Over 50 people gathered to celebrate old and new Bollywood songs on Saturday evening, September 14, 2013 at Saffron Indian Restaurant, 602 West Wise Road, Schaumburg, IL. Organized and presented by Ishaan Ahmed and Pramada Pathak of Chicago Desi Karaoke Group (CDKG), this “Musical Dhamaka Karaoke Night” was coordinated by Sanjay Varghese and Vipin Gulati. Ten singers, both amateur and professional, sang Bollywood songs nonstop from 7:30 till 11:30AM. The admission fee of $20 included vegetarian and non-vegetarian fare. Ishaan Ahmed began by singing “Tum Agar Saath Dene ka Vaada karo”by Mahender Kapoor from the movie Hamraaz; Sanjay Varghese “Akele Akele Kahan Ja Rahe Ho” by Mohammed Rafi from An evening in Paris; Vipin Gulati “Tere Chere pe wo jaado hai” by Kishore Kumar from Dharmatma; Pramada Pathak and Sanjay Varghese “Tujhe Deka to ye Jaana Sanam” by Lata Mangeshkar and Kumar Sanu from Dilwaale dulhaniya le jayenge; Ramesh Chalam ”Raat kali Ek Kwaab mein ayee” by Kishore Kumar from Budha Mil Gaya; Nipa Shah and Ramesh Chalam “Dekha ek khwaab to ye silsile hue” by Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore kumar from Silsila; Mukesh Shah “Lakhon hai nigah mein zindagi ki rah mein” by Mohammed Rafi from Phir […]

Chicago IL: Swami Mukundananda, founder of JK Yog and Bal-Mukund, launched his spiritual program in Chicagoland on Saturday, September 14, 2013, with a noon session of yoga, meditation, bhajans, and spiritual discourse titled “Body, Mind, Soul” at The Meadows Club, Rolling Meadows, Ill. Event sponsor and guest of honor Naren Patel who attended the event with his wife and sister, Lina Patel, welcomed the Swami with words of praise for his authenticity. Dressed in loose attire, attendees had brought long yoga mats for the exercises. The proceedings were conducted by Ajay Chandok. The Swami’s writings, songs, and other output were available in the form of books and digital media. Swami Mukundananda led the assembly in performing an ordered sequence of asanas (physical postures) accompanied by regulated breathing, shifting of attention to different parts of the body, and creative visualizations. In every case, he explained the various benefits in precise medical terms not forgetting to mention precautions for those suffering from specific ailments or subject to special conditions. Beginning with sitting (frog, etc.) postures, they transitioned to reclining (crocodile, etc.) asanas, and ended up with a “subtle body relaxation” in the corpse posture (shavaasana) to detach the soul from the body […]

Chicago IL: Air Tours, Inc., “One Stop Travel Shop” hosted its annual customer appreciation banquet on September 22, 2013 at The Meadows Club in Rolling Meadows, Ill for their Ticket / Holiday & Cruise Customers. There were many raffles including Two Business Class Air Tickets & Vacation Packages to Dubai/Singapore/Malaysia/Thailand/Turkey & India and many surprise prizes for their valued clients, the Mumbai Masti Group (MMG) provided live entertainment with full energy. The Air Tours have been market leader in Midwest Region for Tickets since inception and today is one among the top consolidators for the most major airlines. The hall was packed with more than 600 valued guest & invitees. The event started with socializing hour of cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, The Air Tours Staff welcomed the guest from the entrance and continued the hospitality, Program started by MC Beena Patel welcomed the guests present, and also clients who could not make it, to celebrate the company’s growth and achievements. Air Tours President Mr. Mafat Patel, VP Mr. Tulsi Patel, and Founder Mr. Amrit Patel—Joined by Amathi Patel and Medstar Laboratories CEO Mr. Naren Patel lit the auspicious lamp. MC recognized Mohammed Anwar from Etihad Airways, CEO Ravi Shankar from […]

Chicago IL: Hindi Lovers Club of Chicago celebrated Hindi Diwas Day and 150th Anniversary of Swami Vivekanand on 15th of Sept 2013 at Ashyana Banquets,1620 75th Street, Downers Grove, IL. Consul General Dr. Ausaf Sayeed was the Chief Guest. Hindi Lover’s Club is the first club of its kind for American Indians and showcases the true potential and versatility of the age-old language. This club is a part of the Indian culture and is a part of the Indian identity in Chicago. Hindi Lovers Club was officially formed as a non-for-profit social welfare organization on September 24, 2010 by three Hindi enthusiasts: Gurbachan Shewakramani, Usha Kamaria and Manjit Gill. Its main goal is to promote Hindi in simple ways, like day to day talking, writing our thoughts in Hindi bringing out Hindi literature which has been buried in this western world. Hindi Diwas was celebrated on 15th of September to commemorate the declaration of Hindi as the National Language of India on 14th September, 1949. Vinita Gulbani is the President of Hindi Lovers Club and it is her keen desire to promote their activities on a large scale and expand its horizons to greater heights. Vinita Gulbani in her unique […]

Chicago IL: Bharde Jholi Presented “Mehfil –E-Sama & Ghazal”, a Special Performance by Famous Qawwal Amjad Sabri, Son of the Legend Gulam Fareed Sabri, on Friday, September 13, 2013 at The Meadows Club, 2950 Golf Road Rolling Meadows, IL. Bharde Jholi is a group formed by Four likeminded friends with a view to present various programs. They are: Aqeel Akhtar, Ahmed Karim Jangda, Abdul R. Jangda, and Abdul Wahid Karim. “ Mehfil- E Sama & Ghazal” started with welcoming by Amin Haider Principal and MC of the evening. He introduced ‘Bhar De Jholi Group and also introduced Amjeed Sabri. Amjeed Sabri visited Chicago after lapse of 7 years in the same place, accompanied by Vocalist- Mohammed Salim Sabri and Talha Sabri, they were ably supported by Pervaiz Bijli on Dholak; Jamil Tampoo on Tabla and Dholak and Robin Jon on Key Board. Amjeed Sabri literally mesmerized the personified audience so much so that they were made dance on every songs and also made them rain Dollars in appreciation. He sang many wonderful songs lik, ‘Bharde Jholi’ ‘Mera Koi Nahi Tere Siva Allah’ Ye Shaadi Hai Mere Maulaki’ ‘Mohe Angana Angana Apu Khwaja Mere’ ‘Piyaki Shadi Men Tan Man Dhan’ ‘ […]

Chicago IL: Dada JP Vaswani’s commemorated his 95th birthday in Chicago on September 15, 2013 with an evening discourse on the “Five Pillars of Spirituality” at the Marriott Hotel in Burr Ridge, Ill. Among the guests of honor were the Mayors of Oak Brook and of Burr Ridge. Almost 500 devotees and members of the public, composed largely of members of the Sindhi community, filled the entire hall. This free event was preceded by an hour of melodious bhajans in Hindi by Pramila Bhatia and in English by Vinay Vaswani, a touching documentary presenting the work of the Sadhu Vaswani Mission in bringing joy to the poor and helpless in India, including dogs and other animals, and followed by a question and answer session with the renowned humanitarian. Sister Krishna Kumari presented the activities of the Pune Mission and Vaswani’s recent books brought from India, several of which focused on women. His birthday is of special religious significance for devotees. Ashiyana Narayani recounted his life work and presented her Chicago Youth group of volunteers, who were felicitated for their selfless services. Chair of the Sadhu Vaswani Center (SVC) of Chicago Gopal Lalmalani, who is also Mayor of Oakbrook, introduced Mickey […]

Elk grove Village, Illinois: Northwest Republican Annual Picnic this year had a very new look. The attendance estimated at over 1200 was twice the usual crowd that gathers every year. This year was unusual as Ex-NRCC Chairman and currently the Chairman of House Rules Committee, Congressman Pete Sessions, made a special trip from Dallas to attend the picnic and secondly, over 400 Indian Americans joined in. Republican party is truly going all out to reach out to the minority and ethnic communities to build a new coalition. The occasion was to launch the campaign of Manju Goel, a first generation Indian American, for U.S. Congress. Chairman Sessions and Shalli Kumar, Chairman of Indian American Advisory Council of House Republican Conference, a Chicago native, are co-chair of Sessions-Kumar project to elect as many as 8-10 Indian Americans to Congress. In introducing Chairman Sessions to the crowd, he said “ Chairman Pete Sessions is no ordinary leader. As head of NRCC in 2009, right after Obama’s big victory, he challenged Nancy Pelosi that we are going to take back the house in 2010….we all know what happened , it was the biggest gain of seats in over 50 years. And then in […]

Gandhinagar, Gujarat state (India): A successful three-day international conference on “Bakhtin in India” held at Gandhinagar, the capital of the Indian state of Gujarat, concluded on August 21, 2013, with the resolution to host a complementary follow-up conference on the relevance of Indian traditions to contemporary global issues. The conference was hosted by Prof. EV Ramakrishnan, Chairperson of the Centre for Comparative Literature and Translation Studies at the Central University of Gujarat (CUG), and was jointly organized with Prof. Prafulla Kar, who directs The Balwant Parekh Center for General Semantics and Other Human Sciences and The Forum for Contemporary Theory both based in Baroda (Vadodara, Gujarat). “Bakhtin in India” explored the relevance of the ideas of this famous Russian theorist of the last century on polyphony, dialogue, carnival, etc., towards understanding and reassessing Indian culture. Well more than a hundred, mostly Indian, scholars and enthusiastic students participated and responded to a wide range of papers. Participants came mostly from Depts. of English and Comparative Literature keen on consolidating their understanding of this difficult, problematic, and controversial thinker. They sought to contribute something original to Bakhtinian studies by testing his models and concepts against Indian religious and secular practices both ancient […]