Category: Press releases

Chicago IL: Mother’s Day was celebrated on Wednesday afternoon, May 08, 2013, with a cultural program and food at the Hari Om Mandir, 6N020 Medinah Road, Medinah, IL. On a working day more than 150 mothers had gathered to celebrate the event. Mother’s Day in the United States is an annual holiday celebrated on the second Sunday in May. Anna Jarvis celebrated mother’s day first time in 1908, then campaigned to make it an official holiday. Previous attempts at establishing Mother’s Day in the United States sought to promote peace by means of honoring mothers who had lost or were at risk of losing their sons to war. Mother’s Day is celebrated to honor all mothers and express gratitude for the hardships they bear in bringing up children. The resolution for having a dedicated Mother’s Day was signed by US President Woodrow Wilson on May 8, 1914. Since then people across the world have been celebrating Mother’s Day with joy and devotion. Ms. Nirmal Bagga the coordinator of the program started the event by a speech welcoming all the ladies to celebrate this eventful day. “Everyone gathered here today has shown the unity and great dedication of volunteerism either in […]

Chicago IL: Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) held its Tenth Annual Breaking Barriers Awards fundraising reception on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at downtown Sunda New Asian Restaurant (110 W. Illinois Street). The CFW Asian American Leadership Council (AALC) honored pioneering Asian and Asian American women in the metropolitan Chicago area, who have made an outstanding and lasting impact in their respective fields. Honorees this year were women across a variety of disciplines and professions, who have been “the first” or among the earliest to have achieved a level of leadership and visibility that has paved the way for others. They were Shradha Agarwal, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, ContextMedia, Inc.; Libby Chiu, retired Chief of Staff, Illinois Arts Council; Madhuvanti Ghose, Alsdorf Assoc. Curator of Indian, Southeast Asian, Himalayan and Islamic Art, Art Institute of Chicago; Ngoan Le, Vice President of Program, Chicago Community Trust; Tuyet Le, Executive Director, Asian American Advancing Justice-Chicago; Josina Morita, Director, United Congress of Community and Religious Organizations; Prem Sharma, Founder, Apna Ghar; Joanna Su, Manager of Community Systems and Capacity Building, Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development; Liz Thomson, Asst. Director of the Gender and Sexuality Center, University of Illinois at Chicago; and Lisa […]

Chicago IL: The Vietnamese Host Committee held an Appreciation Dinner on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at Furama Restaurant, located in Chicago’s famed “Asia on Argyle” neighborhood. Over 160 community leaders and volunteers of the Asian American Coalition of Chicago (AACC) participated to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. 2013 AACC Chair Doug Nguyen opened the program with reflections on the tremendous accomplishments AAPIs have achieved, “beginning 170 years ago, when Japanese immigrants first set foot on American shores and opened a path for millions more. And in 1869, Chinese workers finished work on the transcontinental railroad after years of backbreaking labor.” 2013 AACC Board President Dr. Nguyen-Trung Hieu expressed his gratitude to the community leaders and volunteers for their collaboration in AACC’s various initiatives that will mutually benefit all Asian American communities. Chair Nguyen followed by thanking Dr. Hieu for his outstanding leadership of the AACC board in laying down the necessary structure and vision for the organization which will last into the next generation. The attendees viewed a presentation of the AACC’s 30th Annual Lunar New Year Conference and Celebration which took place on February 23, 2013. The Vietnamese American Community was served as the AACC […]

Chicago IL: Chicago Tamil Sangam proudly staged Kalki R. Krishnamurthy’s magnum opus “Ponniyin Selvan” Tamil Drama on May 4, 2013 at Oswego East High School Auditorium, 1525 Harvey Road, Oswego, IL at 4.00 PM. It was a magical night indeed, bringing to life King Rajaraja Chola and his dynasty that ruled in the 10th century. With 40 artists, 50 stage props, over 150 lighting clues, countless hours of practice sessions, and a team of dedicated volunteers made this event a grand success. Over 900 people attended this outstanding production and applauded the effort of the entire team. The arduous task of writing the script condensing the story of over 2400 pages to a three hour play was penned down by Bagirathi Seshappan of Abirami Fine Arts, California. Auditions were conducted for the more than 40 characters on September 8, 2012. The artists were judged for appearance and Tamil speaking skill in order to stay true to Kalki’s portrayal of the characters. Some of Chicago’s well known Tamil drama artists, Chandrasekhar, Ranga, Mani, Vidya and many more are part of Ponniyin Selvan. Shobana Suresh, Kalai Somu and Kamala Babu designed the costumes adhering to the original illustrations of Artist Maniam, when […]

Chicago IL: Colorful Bhangras and Giddas, vintage Punjabi folk songs and the beat of the Dhol highlighted the Baisakhi celebration hosted by United Punjabis of America (UPA) on Saturday, April 27th at Cascade Banquets in Bensenville, Illinois. The evening was remarkable for its cross-generational appeal, the little kids enjoying learning about Punjabi heritage and culture through arts and crafts and the adults having a chance to network and sing and dance. The activities for the kids were well planned and executed by the team of Gauri Mittal and Deepali Punwani. They also created the beautiful centerpieces for the tables using colorful daals. Rupa Puranik, a henna artist, was kept busy by a steady stream of women interested in having mehndi applied to their hands. The very versatile Pratibha Jairath (UPA vice president) and the energetic Shammi Mittal (UPA Events Coordinator), both Baisakhi Committee members, served as the MCs, kept the audience entertained with their shayari and enthusiastic introductions. Madhu Uppal, a UPA Board Member and a member of the Baisakhi Committee, introduced the guest of honor, Dr. Pramod Vohra, the Dean, Northern Illinois School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, and his wife, Anju. . Dr. Vohra shared his belief in […]

Chicago IL: Federation of Indian Associations-Chicago [FIA] hosted a ‘kick-off’ event to formally announce a series of events in celebration of India’s Independence Day at a luncheon hosted on Sunday May 5, 2013 at Punjabi Dhaba Banquet Hall on Devon Ave. in Chicago. Alderwoman Debra Silverstein [50th ward] joined by State Senator & Committeeman Ira Silverstein, Hina Trivedi, Iftekhar Shareef and a host of FIA Trustees joined together to light the lamp signaling the ‘kick-off’ that will set in movement the hosting of a series of grand-scale events in honor of India’s Independence which includes Grand India Independence Day Parade, Gala Banquet and Flag-hoisting ceremony in Chicago’s downtown. In her remarks Alderwoman Debra Silverstein said “Indian Americans are an important part of the City’s 50th ward and I commend you for bringing such vibrant richness and diversity to the ward. Ald. Debra Silverstein further added that Indian Americans have helped to bring flourishing business establishments on Devon Ave and pledged that she will work with the community to foster growth and development of adding more businesses in the sprawling India Town in her ward. Ald. Debra Silverstein thanked the kids for presenting beautiful dance presentations and said steering children in […]

Chicago IL: Shree Rama Navami Mahotsavam was celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm on Saturday 20th April 2013 at Chinmaya Mission Chicago – Yamunotri, 30877 N. Fairfield Rd., Grayslake , IL . The event was presided over by Swami Sharananandaji (resident Acharya) and Shree Sita Rama Kalyana Mahotsava puja was performed by priest Sundaresham Gurukkalji, supported by dedicated Mission volunteers. Bala Vihar children performed a beautiful Dance Drama “Navadha Bhakti” depicting the nine forms of Bhakti to the Lord. Over 400 people attended this grand event. The program started at 8.30 am with the grand celestial wedding ceremony of Lord Rama and Sita Devi, performed with chanting of mantras and accompanied by traditional wedding songs sung by Bala Vihar children and Mission volunteers. Several devotees participated in the puja followed by Ashttothara Namavali recitation and a grand procession of Lord Rama and Sita Devi around the shrine as Mission volunteers sang the auspicious song “Sita Kalyana Vaibhogame.” The puja concluded with a mangalam song performed by Bala Vihar children and Shree Rama Aarti. Swami Sharadanandaji then delivered a short yet meaningful sermon. Swamiji emphasized the importance of the beautiful chapter Sunderkand of the Rama Charita Manas by explaining the importance […]

Chicago IL: Manpasand presented Super hit Gujarati play “Dear Father” starring Paresh Rawal has been SOLD OUT for the Friday, May 3, 2013 performance at the Jain Center, 435 Hwy 59, Bartlett, IL. Prior performances in other cities (Atlanta, Reading, Mass., Long Beach Calif., etc) have won critical acclaim with detailed accounts of the plot and acting, such that the play will be presented again also in Hindi to a wider audience, with Huge public demand on Sunday, May 19, 2013 at same location (Jain Center in Bartlett, IL.) Admission tickets were $31, $41, $51, $75, and VIP ($101) which included Gujarati dinner. Bhavna Modi, the National and local promoter of the play has always bought quality plays to USA. She remarked that “Comedies only work when the actors share certain camaraderie and comfort level with each other, the audience could feel the amazing chemistry of the entire cast on the stage”. Delicious Dinner was served by Sai Saffron Chat between 6-30 pm and 8-00 pm and play started about 8-30 pm. The show was overcrowded and audience applauded the entire proceedings and dialogues. Once you see this drama, you will start celebrating, “Father’s Day” every day. Writer- Dr. Vivek […]

Chicago IL: This year, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett, IL celebrated the 232nd birth anniversary of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, also known as Swaminarayan Jayanti, on April 21st, 2013. The day is also auspiciously known as Ram Navmi for the celebration of the birth of Shri Ram Bhagwan. This year’s program included the re-enactment of the Yash Gatha, a musical narration of the journey led by Bhagwan Swaminarayan and a depiction of his countless spiritual endeavors. The youth of BAPS brought to life the story through the singing of the Yash Gatha. With each stanza, a part of the journey was depicted, accompanied by dances, speeches, and dramas interspersed throughout the performance. The story began with portrayals from Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s birth to his childhood, a time when he was known by the name of Ghanshyam. The audience stilled as the first notes began, the world disappearing behind them as the music delved into the life of a young boy, whose journey touched the hearts of thousands. The intensity of the scenes re-enacted by the youth drew the audience in. The subtle crescendo hidden in the music of the Yash Gatha grew as the story developed to describe the sacrifices made […]

Chicago IL: This year, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett, IL celebrated the 232nd birth anniversary of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, also known as Swaminarayan Jayanti, on April 21st, 2013. The day is also auspiciously known as Ram Navmi for the celebration of the birth of Shri Ram Bhagwan. This year’s program included the re-enactment of the Yash Gatha, a musical narration of the journey led by Bhagwan Swaminarayan and a depiction of his countless spiritual endeavors. The youth of BAPS brought to life the story through the singing of the Yash Gatha. With each stanza, a part of the journey was depicted, accompanied by dances, speeches, and dramas interspersed throughout the performance. The story began with portrayals from Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s birth to his childhood, a time when he was known by the name of Ghanshyam. The audience stilled as the first notes began, the world disappearing behind them as the music delved into the life of a young boy, whose journey touched the hearts of thousands. The intensity of the scenes re-enacted by the youth drew the audience in. The subtle crescendo hidden in the music of the Yash Gatha grew as the story developed to describe the sacrifices made […]

Chicago IL: The Chicago Chapter of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), which translates into United National Movement, USA, organized a protest march at the corner of Devon and Claremont avenues from 3.00 pm to 7.00pm on Saturday, May 4, 2013 to protest against the brutal and inhumane killing of MQM workers and ordinary citizens in Pakistan by religious extremists, Taliban members, as well as criminal gangs. More generally, these peace demonstrations, which were also held in New York City and Washington D.C., were to uphold and promote progressive liberal values and call for free and fair elections, as was evident from the banners in English and Urdu and the speeches delivered by community leaders. The demonstrators appealed to the internal community to stand firmly with Pakistan as the last line of defense against terrorism. In the last few days Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Pakistan had attacked two MQM election offices, killing more than twelve innocent workers and injuring more than 40 others. They had also just claimed responsibly for these attacks through the national media, warning citizens of Karachi not to take part in the election: they “will target those political parties in Pakistan who are secular, moderate, liberal, and enlightened. […]

Chicago IL: The Chicago Chapter of Akshaya Patra Foundation held its annual fundraiser on April 27th, 2013 at Intercontinental O’Hare, 5300 N. River Road, Rosemont, IL and received overwhelming community support for its great cause. Hunger is a problem that over 50 million children are battling silently in India. It keeps these children out of school and forces them to take menial jobs to bring home food for their families. Hunger also impedes their ability to learn. The Akshaya Patra Foundation is one of the world’s largest NGO which runs school meal programs serving over 1.3 million children daily in over 9,000 schools from 19 kitchens in nine states in India. A public-private partnership, Akshaya Patra combines good management, innovative technology and smart engineering to deliver school lunches at a fraction of the cost of similar programs in other parts of the world. The Akshaya Patra Foundation was recently ranked 23rd of the Top 100 NGOs in the World in The Global Journal’s 2013 annual ranking. The Global Journal also ranked Akshaya Patra 1st in the world for NGOs working to improve the lives of children and youth. Akshaya Patra’s mission is to simultaneously address childhood hunger and malnutrition and […]

Chicago IL: EquallyAble Foundation (EAF) launched its “1000 Wheelchairs in 10 Countries” campaign with a fundraising dinner on Saturday, April 27, 2013 at Monty’s Banquet Hall (703 S York Rd., Bensenville, IL 60106). The aim was to alleviate the day-to-day living of the physically challenged across the developing world. Each custom-fitted high terrain wheelchair costs $250 and every dollar spent is to be matched by a local partner in the recipient country to provide training or service. Uganda, Pakistan and Bangladesh are the first few countries to get these wheelchairs. EAF raised sufficient funds for well over 100 wheelchairs at this single event. After Zakaria Zuhaidi’s Quranic prayer, MC Rasheed Ahmed, President of Indian Muslim Council-USA, presented facts and statistics from his research on the disability worldwide before focusing on its peculiarities in South Asia. There are 650M (i.e., 1 out of 10) disabled persons with a higher rate among females: 8 out of 10 of these live in developing countries. The primary cause is violence, with three children disabled for every one killed. Those over 70 years of age are especially vulnerable. Everyone is susceptible through accident, illness, aging, etc., and it incapacitates the entire family, including the breadwinner, […]

Lemont, IL. Shanmukha Priya and Hari Priya, popularly known as the Priya Sisters gave a stellar performance to a packed hall at Sama Rathi auditorium of the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago (HTGC) at Lemont, Ill. on April 19, 2013 on the occasion of Rama Navami. According to the HTGC press release, the concert was also co-sponsored by RR International and Raja Veena Foundation. Usha Pariti, Chair of the HTGC fine arts committee, introduced the event followed by a welcome speech by HTGC President Tilak Marwaha. Supriya Rao then introduced the artists. The concert concluded with a vote of thanks by HTGC Vice-President Bhima Reddy, with all the artistes being honored with silk shawls. The HTGC press release also shared some highlights from the concert. “Saami Ninne Nammi Naa Pai”, a stately Adi Tala varnam in Pantuvarali, sung in two speeds, began the concert. A brisk “Gana Naayakam” in Poornashadjam followed suit with quick solfege improvisation (kalpana-svara) in the pattern of ‘gmnns-npmgrs’, which is characteristic of the raga. After a moving “Marugelara” in raga Jayanthashri, the sisters took up Purvikalyani for a detailed delineation of this raga. Despite some minor audio issues and voice not cooperating at times, the sisters […]

Lemont IL: Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago (HTGC) in Lemont, Ill., culminated its eleven-day observance per tradition with three days of Rama Navami festivities that drew large crowds, according to an HTGC press release. The observance started on the April 11, the day of Ugadi (first day of the waxing phase of the moon in the month of Chaitra that marks the beginning of the Hindu new year) with the recitation of the Sundarakaanda chapter of the Ramayana and concluded on Sunday April 21 with the coronation (pattaabhisheka) of Sri Rama and the worship of the silver image of Hanuman (Rajata Hanuman Seva). Sri Rama Navami day festivities began Friday, April 19 with the special ablution of his image (mūrti) with the five nectarine substances (vishesha panchamrutha mahabhishekam) that was followed by special ornamentation on this day (sugandha-dravya-divasa) when perfumed substances were offered for the first time at the HTGC along with adorning Sri Sita Devi and Sri Lakshmana with new clothes. Another Bhadrachala Rama image received similar ornamentation as preparation for the “wedding festival” (kalyaanotsavam) that coincides with Rama Navami in South India. Throughout this ritual procedure, the “Gaana Sudha” group of devotees chanted the Thousand Names (sahasranaama) of […]

Chicago IL: The Indian American Medical Association Charitable Foundation of Chicago (IAMACF) hosted its annual charity gala, themed “Basic Healthcare for the Uninsured,” on Sunday, April 28, 2013, at the Waterford Banquet Hall, 933 S. Riverside Drive, Elmhurst, Illinois. The event was well attended by physicians, politicians, Chicago’s prominent businessman, community leaders and general public. Despite the country’s challenging economy, more than four hundred members participated in the event and generously pledged donations totaling $100,000 which will benefit uninsured, low-income population who receive services from IAMACF’s clinic. Providing this year’s Keynote address was Honorable Julie Hamos, Director of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, with entertainment provided by Bollywood Sargam & Hitesh Master’s Orchestra Saregama. This year’s gracious Emcees were Mr. Ravi Baichwal of ABC’s Channel 7 and IAMACF’s very own, Dr. Annita John. The annual charity gala raises critical funds for IAMACF, to help operate its free community health clinic located in Chicago’s West Ridge community, which is the home to one of the most culturally diverse neighborhoods in the city and state. The IAMACF clinic has been providing free, basic primary healthcare services on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm for over 18 […]

Chicago IL:UP Association (UPA) of Greater Chicago Proudly presented its Annual Grand Hasya-Ras Kavi Sammelan featuring leading poets from India. Kunwar Bechain, Suresh Awasthi and Deepak Gupta, on Sunday, April 21, 2013 at Hinsdale Community Center in Hinsdale, Illinois. UPA put up another incredible evening of classic Hindi poetry. The Uttar Pradesh Association (UPA) of Greater Chicago was established in 1991 with the objective of bringing together people interested in Uttar Pradesh by promoting Indian music, art and culture. Their web site www.upassociation.com is dedicated to all the people interested in these objectives. It provides a platform for dissemination of information for the people in Chicago land. Their Cultural Programs, Kavi Sammelans and picnics are big attractions in Chicagoland and draw participants from all over the country and India as well. Dr. Ghanshyam Pandey, Chairman, Board of Trustees and Founder President gave a brief introduction of UPA. Ravi Arora, current president delivered welcoming address followed by introduction of Kavi’s by Dr. Subhash Pandey, member of Board and and past president. All these 3 famous leading Kavi and Hasykar are revered for their awakening and entertaining conscious of millions with their humor containing deep penetrating Satire poetry and comedy. During their […]

Chicago IL : Co-hosted by Saahil Exclusive and L.A. Tan “Krazy 2” Featuring Sunidhi Chauhan & Ali Zafar Live In Concert is a collective effort of Bhavesh Patel, Babu Patel, Mayur and Nick Patel. Sunidhi Chauhan and Ali Zafar rocked Sears Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway; Hoffman Estates, IL on 8:30 PM, Friday April 26th, 2013 with yet another unforgettable concert. Sunidhi did not disappoint enthusiastic crowd of more for about 3and half hours. Sunidhi Chauhan sang all her hot new numbers (old and new) from various Bollywood films songs which rocked the crowd. The Sensational Sunidhi Chauhan came with her new Hit songs, “Halkat Jawani”, “Disco Deewane” and many more. Halkat Jawani from the movie Heroine, Disco Deewane from Student of the Year, and Chikni Chameli with Bappi Lahiri, which is a new track being released now. She will also be paying a special tribute, for the first time, to Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhonsle with a yesteryear medley of their famous old song. Ali Zafar, Bollywood teen idol from Pakistan, performed in the USA for the first time. Zafar, the versatile actor of many talents, will perform beyond your typical song and dance show. The Hearthrob Ali […]

Chicago IL: April 13 is Vaisakhi day (also spelled Baisakhi) which is a cultural festival in Punjab, India, but it is also significantly historic, and transformational event in the Sikh world. This day in 1699 in Anandpur Sahib Punjab, near Chandigarh, the tenth Sikh Guru Gobind Singh changed the course of human history and civilization in that part of the world. He created the order of Khalsa and prescribed the Sikh way of life eliminating caste system and gender discrimination, adding to the follower’s external appearance the five articles of faith including unshorn hair and Kirpaan, building self esteem and valor in the common people oppressed by tyrannical rulers. The first five Khalsa (Panj Pyaare) known as Five Beloved Ones were initiated on this day. Each of them were of a different cast and came from different corners of India. Later the Guru bowed before the five initiates and asked them to initiate him, thus the Sikh initiation ceremony (Amrit Chhakna) got started. The Vaisakhi of 1699 brought into sharp focus, a universal concern for human and sacred rights of all people; That safeguarding human dignity, freedom of religion, and the right to worship, and ensuring that all God’s children […]

Chicago IL: World Hindu Youth (WHY) association hosted a seminar on “Reframing Bharat” followed by another on a “New vocabulary to describe Vedic dharma” on Saturday, April 20, 2013, at Chinmaya Mission Badri campus located at 11S080 Kingery Hwy, Willowbrook, IL 60527. Presented by best-selling author Jeffrey Armstrong, also known as Kavindra Rishi, from Vancouver, the seminars aim to teach the younger generation how to speak confidently about Hindu dharma especially to its detractors. Vidya Naha of WHY presented Armstrong as a Vedantic seeker. He is also a poet and astrologer or “karma mechanic” as he also puts it. Starting with a prayer to Ganesha and invocation to the Guru, Armstrong immediately presented his unique credentials, as an American convert, to teach often bewildered Hindus-by-birth. Attracted by India’s patterns of thinking and feeling, and its compassionate culture, he soon became a “why” specialist, for “all the subjects I studied (language, psychology, science, etc.) took me to India.” As an outsider, he had to think through all these alien concepts and behavior from the foundations up, unable to take anything for granted. Whereas his Christian teachers never encouraged questions, the question-answer format is at the core of Hindu transmission. “I gave […]