Category: Press releases

Chicago IL: The Aurora-based Illinois chapter of the Jeeyar Educational Trust (JET), headquartered in New Jersey, hosted a collective ritual performance of the “auspicious marriage of Lord Rama and his consort Sita” (Sita Rama Kalyanam) conducted by his HH Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji. Preceded by an afternoon program of devotional songs and South Indian classical dances, the unusual event took place on September 7, 2013 at Harper College located in Palatine, Ill. The large number of registered participants seated in orderly rows with the divine images and material for worship neatly arranged before them filled the entire width and length of the gymnasium as many others followed with their eyes and ears from the stepped galleries on both sides. Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji is a “wandering monk” who belongs to the Vaishnava spiritual lineage of philosopher and reformer Acharya Shree Ramanuja. He walked between the rows distributing images of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman, before explaining the philosophy underlying Hindu image-worship through a familiar idiom appealing to the American and Christian sensibility that did not hesitate to draw on the Bible. Inspired by his message and example, JET provides humanitarian services including schooling for tribals, fishermen, and the visually challenged, and […]

Chicago IL: Shere Punjab Sports & Cultural Club, Chicago held its annual Kabaddi cup tournament on September 1st at Busse Woods forest preserve which turned out to be a big festival of fun, food and sports. People not only from Chicagoland area but from Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and Wisconsin came in large numbers to enjoy this sports festival. The Kabaddi and Volleyball teams from Toronto, California, Indianapolis and Michigan participated in the tournament. In the evening a famous Punjabi folk singer Gill Hardeep entertained the audience with his popular songs for more than one and a half hour. Mr. Madan Popli from Milwaukee was the chief guest. In the open Kabaddi Cup matches the first prize was won by the Fateh Club, California defeating Miri Piri Sports Club, Indiana. The first prize of $5100 was sponsored by Jaswinder Singh Gill & Najar Singh Gill of Waukegan, Illinois and 2nd prize of $4100 was sponsored by Jaswinder Singh Jassi in memory of his father late. S. Major Singh. In under-21 kabaddi matches host Shere Punjab Sports club was the winner and Malton Sports club-Toronto (Canada) was the runner-up. Total four teams played. Under 21 Kabaddi prizes were given out by Baldev […]

Chicago IL: In the last few years Chicago land has become the hub of Indian programs and activities, in the row a musical evening with Siniti Mishra a remarkable singer of SAREGAMAPA (the Judge of Chicago Indian Icon) was organized by Shri Prashant Mohanty an Oriya community activist with support from Cecil Joseph of IDF USA, local Singer Chetan Saini a.k.a DJ Magic and Ravi Rawat of India House. The sole motive was to raise funds for Uttarakhand flood relief. Over 300 people were present at the event The program was held on Saturday September 7, 2013 at India House Banquet Schaumburg. Sound system was sponsored and coordinated by Chetan Saini and Milan Banerji who were accompanied by Live Band known as Apna style Band: having Asif on Keyboard, Zeeshan on Bass Guitar, Subhashish on Tabla and Nadeem on Drum. The program was emceed by versatile Stage artists Noman Khan and Nishma Patel who welcomed the crowd and began with National Anthem sung by Karen Joseph and Indian by Noman Khan. This was followed by Slide show depicting beginning and progress of IDF highlighting its activities and recognition. Thereafter Noman khan described vows suffered by Uttarakhand Disaster and a Slide […]

Chicago IL: Jalaram Mandir hosted its annual fundraising dinner with a Gujarati cultural program by the Swarkinnari ensemble on Friday, September 6, 2013 for a full house audience at The Meadows Club, Rolling Meadows, Ill. Around $70,000 was raised to fund temple expansion plans, from about 6400 to 14000 square feet, and for installation of the divine image (murti pratishtha) planned for 2013-14. Located at 425, Illinois Blvd, Hoffman Estates, Ill., the temple is dedicated to saint Jalaram, who is especially venerated in Kathiawad region of Gujarat state, most of all by his wider Thakkar community both in India and across the diaspora. Inaugurated in March 2008, temple membership has grown to over 4200 across North America. The event was coordinated by Jalaram Mandir’s Chief Priest, Board of Trustees, and Executive Committee. The event brochure featured messages of felicitation from Chairman of the Temple’s Board of Trustees Hasmukh Thakkar and Temple President Bhupendra Thakkar. After a social hour that lasted till 7:00 pm, MC Vipul Thakkar began with the invocation of Jalaram and welcomed the guests. Assisted by co-MC Ravi Thakkar, he Invited dignitaries and chief organizers to the stage, where the temple priest Shree Katenbhai Jani recited auspicious Vedic […]

Chicago IL: Hari Om Mandir headed by Ayodhia Salwan, Chairman along with Board of trustees, Executive board members and other senior members, celebrated the Sthapna of Vishal 20 feet one piece white makrana stone Hanuman ji Murti (tallest in the world) with great fervor and gaiety on Tuesday, August, 27th 2013. Everyone was waiting to witness the historic moment in their memories. Our installation experts started their job and with due respect started lifting Shiromani Bhagat Shri Hanuman Ji from laying position to standing position. While Chanting Hnuman chalissa continuously finally Shiromani Bhagat Shri Hanuman Ji was up and standing on the kesari aasan laid on the ground for Puja and Havan. Our very learned Shastri Yogesh Pandya and Pt. Dinesh kumar did the puja and havan with great devotion. Everyone was overjoyed to see Shiromani Bhagat Shri Hanuman Ji sakshat in front. Puja was followed with the speeches. Chairman Ayodhia Salwan was very excited to explain the journey of Hanuman ji from start of the project till date. He felt pride on the whole Hari Om Parivar and its togetherness, with the result of which we were witnessing the moment. He introduced and welcomed the chief guest of the […]

Chicago IL: FIA-Chicago’s magnificent journey of nearly three decades has reached a new milestone this weekend as the outsized crowds deluged the streets of Mahatma Gandhi Marg with a sense of nationalism and patriotic fervor as its grand spectacular India Independence Day parade set out its pageant with dazzling fanfare on Saturday August 17, 2013 from the corner of Devon Ave. & Western Ave. in Chicago. FIA-Chicago President Hina Trivedi Joined by Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, Parade Grand Marshall & Bollywood actress Soha Ali Khan the colorful parade set out its majestic march with a colorful convoy of artfully-decorated floats marching down with teeming visitors lined up on both side of the streets cheering, applauding and waving tri-color flags thus culminating the 3-day exciting celebrations hosted by FIA-Chicago in commemoration of the 67th Indian Independence Day. The 3-day festivities not only honored India’s Independence; but celebrated the India’s pluralism, reigning spirit of Indian democracy, enduring cultural heritage and thriving Indo-American friendship. After the flag-hoisting and singing of the national anthem, the parade gently set in motion with a VIP line-up replete with high-ranking elected officials that included former White House Chief of Staff Bill Daley, Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle, […]

Chicago IL:. Pakistani Chicago celebrated their homeland’s 66 years of independence on Sunday on August 18, 2013 in Chicago with a parade, festival Mela and live musical performance by singer from Pakistan. Blessing from Allah, beautiful day in the city made for a perfect day for a parade as thousands gathered for the Pakistan Independence Day Parade at Devon avenue. They celebrates their 66 years of independence from British rule by having their 23rd annual Parade and Taste of Pakistan festival. The parade stepped off from Devon and Damen Sunday afternoon, and the festival continued until 7:30 p.m. at Warren Park. The Parade was organized Pakistan United Parade Committee, Greater Chicago. Pakistan’s independence Parade attracted Mega crowd on Devon Avenue. The parade began at 12:00 noon and ended at 2:00 PM. The event all together was a fun filled family day. The streets of Devon were flooded with families screaming in pride “Pakistan Zindabad!” and “Happy Independence Day!”. Men, women, and children all were dressed for the occasion. Women wore their beautiful and colorful traditional dresses. The men wore their traditional white outfits with a green shawl. The Pakistani flag was waved in joy by many. Tattoos and face paint […]

Chicago IL: Counsel General of India, Chicago on the auspicious occasion of the 67th Anniversary of the freedom Day of India invited Elite Group of people comprising of Govt. Officers, Air India, US and other countries Diplomats, Leading personalities of Indian Community of Chicago on Thursday, August 15,2013 at 10-00 am at the premises of the Consulate general of Chicago at NBC Tower Building,455.N. City front Plaza Drive Suite No. 850, Chicago IL 606111. Indians in Chicago celebrated the country’s 67th Independence Day by Flag-Hoisting and Grand Reception. A large number of people gathered at the Indian Consulate General in downtown to join in the festivities as Consul General Ausuf Saeed unfurled the Tricolor amid cheers. This was followed by the singing of the Indian National Anthem and American National Anthem. Then the Consul General read President Pranab Mukherjee’s message to the Indians all over the world. There were many dignitaries present like Rishikant, Manager Air India, Naren Patel of MedStar Lab. Iftekhar Sharif, Hina Trivedi, etc. Later on the same day, Counsel General of India Dr. Ausaf Sayeed organzed Reception from 6-00 to 8-00 pm. At Chicago Cultural Centre, Preston Bradely Hall, 78E. Washington Street, Chicago IL60602. Following is […]

Chicago IL: Council General of Pakistan in Chicago celebrated the country’s Independence Day by Flag-Hoisting and Cake Cutting on Wednesday 14th August 2013 at 11-30 am. In heart of Chicago downtown with leading Chicago land entrepreneurs and citizens to honor the sacrifices of their freedom fighters who fought and to remember the work of their Founding Father Muhammad Ali Jinnah, for giving to them a country where dignity and individual freedom is assured. As usual a large number of Prominent Pakistani community Leaders, Businessmen, Journalists, Citizens, Americans Politicians and invited guests including children and students gathered at the Daily Plaza, 50 W. Washington Street, Chicago IL, to join the festivities.. This event was also attended by State Senator Ira Silverstein, Elderman 50th ward Debra Silverstein, Daniel Goff, Deputy Director, Office of Trade and Investment, – Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of the Governor, Andrew Spinilli, Associate Director – Office of the Mayor | International Relations and Protocol, David Carlin, Senior Advisor, Office of Illinois State Treasurer Dan Rutherford, Nettie Lasko, Immigrant Assistance Program Coordinator office of the Attorney General, Matt Abbot, Dir. Of Community Affairs, officer of Senator Mark Kirk, Talat Rashid representing Mayor of Bolingbrook Roger […]

Chicago IL: On behalf of Moneydart Global Services Inc., President Ajit Paul had invited various press representatives to their Press Conference at the Moneydart’s office on 2551 W Devon Avenue to share the success story of Money Dart and to meet Mr. Y. Sudhir Kumar Shetty, Chief Operating Officer, Global Operations and Mr. Promoth Manghat, Vice President, Global Operations along with Mr. Ajit Paul, Americas Regional Head talked on the occasion. Moneydart offers a range of currency exchange services using state-of-the-art technology to help transfer money quickly and securely, to anywhere Money Dart Global Service Inc. in Chicago, was established in and incorporated in Illinois. Current estimates show this company has annual revenue of $1 to 2.5 million and employs a staff of 7. Moneydart Global Services, Inc. was honored in to the Village of Hoffman Estates by the Chamber of Commerce in April 2011 Shehla Jamil Branch Manager; Ajit Paul President; Promot Manghat,Vice President Global Operations; Y. Sudhirkumar Kumar Shetty COO- Global Operations and Prabhakar Patel,Asst. Vice President Head Project America were present who gave details of their operation system, schemes, main goals etc. They gave satisfactory answers to the queries put forth related their working, Customer Satisfaction etc. […]

Schaumburg IL: Federation of Indian Associations, Chicago, under the leadership of President Ms. Rita Singh, successfully hosted the 67th Independence Day Gala Banquet on August 9th at India House Banquet in Schaumburg and Independence Day Parade on August 11, 2013 at India House Plaza in Schaumburg. The colorful banquet dinner event was attended by many VIPs personalities like Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth, Consul General of India Chicago Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, State Representatives Michelle Mussman, Marty Moylan, State Senator Michael Noland, Schaumburg Mayor Al Larson, Hanover Park Mayor Rodney Craig, Village of Oakbrook Mayor Mr. Gopal Lalmalani, Sohan Joshi NFIA President and Raja Krishnamurthy to name a few. In fact, for Consul General of India Chicago Dr. Sayeed, it was the first public appearance in Chicago after he took charge of Chicago Consulate. All these VIP dignitaries along with Banquet Chair Ms. Neelam Dwivedi addressed the audience on this occasion and wished everyone a very happy India’s 67th Independence Day. FIA President Rita Singh welcome all the guests and Participants on this occasion. She also told that our fore fathers had to fight against British Rule to get the independence but Father of nation Mahatma Gandhi taught us the path of non-violence […]

Skokie IL: On Sunday August 08, 2013 Muslims from all over the metropolitan area joyfully bustled into the Holiday Inn, 5300 Touhy Ave, Skokie, IL to join in on the global celebrations of Eid Ul-Fitr. While there were various venues that held Eid prayers throughout the region, one of the largest turnouts was at the Holiday Inn. The block was quite a sight to passersby. Groups of individuals in vibrant Indian-Pakistani clothing flooded the parking lots as they made their way to the exquisite banquet hall to commemorate the glorious day. Women in vibrant colored dresses, men in ethic outfits and children, smiling and laughing, filled the parking lots and were pouring into the hotel lobby. As individuals worked through the crowded doorways, volunteers from Eid committee gathered funds to recover event expenses. Demonstrating true Islamic generosity, many emptied their pockets and purses into the collecting bins before taking their shoes off and heading into the prayer halls. Men and women continuously and open-heartedly made space for incoming members so everyone would be able to partake in the namaz. Namaz was recited throughout the morning 8:30 AM, 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM to accommodate the 9,000 enthusiastic individuals in attendance. […]

Chicago IL: Association of Indians in America Inc. organized an AIA Awards Banquet on Sunday August 4, 2013 with Cultural and Entertainment program from 5.00 pm onwards at Ashyana Banquets, 1620 West 75th Street, Downers Grove, IL 60516. Salil Mishra, President AIA Illinois Chapter served ably as MC. Naren Patel, National Vice President, Owner and CEO of Medstar Laboratory Inc. welcomed all including dignitaries Congressman Danny Davis, Congressman Mike Quigely, Congressman Bill Foster, Bob Peickeut of Dupage County, Theresa Mg, Representing Governor Pat Quinn, National President Dr. Pandey, AIA National Committee Members from across the US, Trilok Malik, Dr. Sushil Gupta, Chapter President Salil Mishra, several community leaders etc. He conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to Honor Awardees Congressman Danny Davis and Mr.Trilok Malik and also to the Special Awardee Dr. Sushil Gupta. He further asserted that the Asians are often referred as the ‘Model Minority’. He thanked all for coming and joining the event. Dr. Ghanshyam Pandey, National President AIA, congratulated special guests and event organizers, and recognized the contributions of those hard working volunteers. He further stated that tonight’s event is continuation of a great tradition that AIA established to honor the pioneers who have significantly contributed in promoting […]

Chicago IL: One of the most unique books on Hinduisms that took twenty-five years in the making with contributions from well over 1000 esteemed scholars from across the world. The Encyclopedia of Hinduism with 11-volumes and approximately 7000 entries formally saw the light of the day at a glittering event at Manav Seva Mandir(MSM) on Saturday July 27,2013 It is the first of its time in the history that the depth and breadth of India’s great spiritual culture is made available in authentic, academic and scholastic form for generations to come and as put by DP Prajapatiof Manav Seva Mandir “ a great boon to the second and third generations of Indiansliving abroad to learn and understand the true meaning of Hinduism.” The launch was at the hands of one of the saintly persons from India, Swami Chidanand Saraswatij, in the presence of four hundred plus scholars and priests of Hinduism, representatives of various social and religious organizations and followers of Sanatan Dharma which popularly knows as Hinduism. The Encyclopedia was conceived, inspired and blessed by Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji was published by India Heritage Research Foundation. Swamiji won theheartsand minds of all those present with his soul searching speech which […]

Chicago IL: Procession on Devon Ave in regards to Shahadath death anniversary of Imam Ali was on Sunday 28th July 2013 at 3pm to 6pm. This procession starts at Devon and Levitt and ends at Warren park. Over 600 people participate in Procession. The procession was taken out in memory of martyrdom of Imam Husain and his faithful 72 companions Imam ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib was the first successor of the Prophet Muhammad and his son-in-law married to his only daughter, Fatima Zahra. In Shi’a theology, an Imam is a Divine designation bestowed and chosen by God through His Prophet. This Divine Leadership is exclusive to the Imams’ of the Family of the Prophet Muhammad (Ahl-ul Bayt). In common usage, an Imam is also referred to a leader of the mosque or a scholar. In the 40th year of the Islamic Era, the early hour of dawn of the 19th day of the glorious month of Fasting (Ramadan), Imam ‘Ali was struck by a poisonous sword by Abdur Rahman ibn Muljim, a Kharijite (Rebel) inside the Mosque of Kufa, Iraq, while Imam ‘Ali was in his prayers. The killing and murder was instigated by Mu’awiyah, a self-proclaimed caliph, son of […]

Chicago IL: Singing auditions can be challenging even for the most seasoned singer and one has to present the best to have a chance to progress to the next level, namely, the semi-final round of Chicago Indian Icon (CII) competition. Clad in comfortable outfit of one’s choice, wearing a small CII badge, you are ready to take on this challenge. And even though the performance is in the competitive setting, when you sing your heart off, exposing your soul on stage, and listening to the sweet sounds of the audience applause when it is all over, it truly becomes a thrilling experience! It is a joy ride, and it is not the destination that counts, it is the ride that makes a difference, and being a part of this truly historic movement of the CII karaoke competition is a memorable lifetime experience! The CII karaoke competition is making history for it is the first of its kind in the US and the response from the Indian community has been positively abundant, exploding every imaginable bench mark, and propelling itself to the forefront of music-lovers’ dream of a unified musical platform where everything is possible. The dream, vision, and behind-the-scene hard […]

Chicago IL: On Sunday July 21, 2013 Mr. Jagmohan Jayara and Mr. Ravi Rawat natives of Uttarakhand hosted a very successful fundraiser at the India House Banquet, 1521 W Schaumburg Rd, Schaumburg, IL Both welcomed over 400 Guest to the Uttarakhand disaster relief fundraising event and with help of key volunteers like Mrs. Vandana Dalal, Mr. & Mrs. Sudha & Dr. Hans Upadhyay, Mr. Pritesh Gandhi, Mr. Paresh Patel, Mr. Jassi Parmar, Mr. Nilesh Patel, Mrs. Shree Mohanty, Mr. Amit Patel, Mrs. Shirley Hathaway, Mr. Raman Patel, Mr. Bob Shah, Mr. Ashok Shah, Mr. Suryakant Patel raised nearly $ 61000.00. The event raised money for the contribution of rebuilding Char Dham Uttarakhand, where the devastation and destruction is beyond belief and comprehension. As the hall slowly filled with families and friends, the prominent Desi junction Radio Host Mr. Jassi Parmar and Mrs. Sudha Upadhyay a native of Uttarakhand took charge of the stage as Emcee. The program begin with a “Ganesh Stuti” by Sree Mohanty a professional singer followed by Indian national anthem by her & United States national anthem by Dr. Hans Upadhyay a native of Uttarakhand. A moment of silence was observed. The main organizers Ravi Rawat, Jagmohan […]

Chicago IL: Shree Jalaram Mandir, Chicago located at 425, Illinois street, Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60169 organized ‘Shrimad Bhagwat Katha from Monday July 15, 2013 to Sunday July 21, 2013. Its timings were from Monday to Friday was from 6-30 to 930 pm and on Saturday from 1-00 pm to 3-30 pm and 5-00 to 8-00 pm. On Sunday it was from 3-00 to 6-00 pm. Every day Mahaprasd was served between 5-00 to 6-00 pm.The Shrimad Bhagwat is one of the most sacred books of the Hindus.It gives a tremendous insight, a profound vision, and an entirely new perspective to the person who hears the narrative. On hearing, a person is never the same. There is a complete metamorphosis, a complete transformation, literally a new birth. Atman (soul) by its own nature is sovereign – it cannot by nature be bound – whatever bondages felt are sheer illusions of the mind. On the first Day of beginning of Shrimad Bhagwat Katha Param Pujya shree Guruji Bhupendra Pandya arrived with Pothi- Bhagwat and was received with great enthusiasm by devotees and Shobha Yatra was travelling through Parking area to the Temple and was very well received by one and all the […]

Chicago IL : Gujarati Samaj Chicago (GSC) organized a Family Picnic From 11:30 am to 7:00 pm, on Sunday July 14th, 2013 at Cook County Forest Preserve, Northwest Busse Grove# 24(Located on Higgins Road, Less than 1/2 mile East of 290, East of Route 53). Member Entrance Charges were $7 per persons and advance purchase charges were $6 per persons. For Non Members the charges were $10 per person-advance purchase $8 per person. Kids 5 years and below were free. Close to 350 members, friends, and well-wishers participated. Gujarati Samaj organizes picnics every year in summer. President Suryakant Patel, and his team of Executives and volunteers showed great enthusiasm and effort in maintaining a trouble free environment for all the participants. The food team was ready with Lunch at 11:30 am consisting of Gota, Chai, Mexican food, chatni, Chips & Salsa, Nachos & cheese, Popsicle and Ice cream. Dinner was served between 5:45-6:30 pm consisting of Khichdi, Kadhi, Veg Shak, Puri. To compensate for the hot weather, Water Melon was also served. The temperature was around 90 degrees F and enough water and drinks, with paper cups and paper towels were stacked to supply to the thirsty participants throughout the […]

Chicago IL : Hari Om Mandir organized their annual ‘Raunak Mela-2013’ at Hari Om Mandir,6N020 Medinah Road, Medinah, IL on Sunday, July,14 from 11-00 am. to 5-00 pm. where close to 200 devotees, friends, and well-wishers participated. Those who came to the the Mela enjoyed and had a lot of fun filled activities. For kids, there was Moonwalk etc. Other attractions were Snacks, Merchandise Stalls, Health Fair and much more. There were many items for eating, which included-Chole Bhature onsite by Singla family, mouth watering Dosa’s by Dakshin restaurant; Panipuri, Samosa/Tikki and Rossgulla by Star food, Sandwich & Sprouts by Sneh Chaudhari, Corn stall by Vipan Wadhera was managed by Giri Dassani, Bhel Puri, Lassi, Juice and Soft Drink etc. which were enjoyed by all. Hari Om Mandir’s youth volunteers actively participated to mange various stalls and other activities. As always a Health camp was also organized for health checkup of nearly 100 people. They received Blood Sugar Checkup, EKG, and Blood Pressure screening. Dr. Om Dhingra and Dr. Ramesh Dhingra volunteered to conduct the entire Health Checkup and Shashank Saxena and Sharul Saxena assisted them. Sham Taxali, member executive board praised the service rendered at the Health Camp during […]