Category: Press releases

Chicago IL: After his noon discourse on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013 at the Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago center in Bartlett (435 N. Route 59, Bartlett, IL 60103), Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshbhai accorded Asian Media USA and TV Asia a live interview about his life, teachings, and mission. Gurudevshri was preaching across the US for about 3 weeks (from 12 Feb to 3 March), visiting New Jersey, Dallas, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Diego. He was in Chicago from Feb 23–26 and gave a public discourse in Gujarati on Saturday evening as well. Could you share a synopsis of your personal spiritual itinerary? Basically my inner strength in spirituality was awakened at the age of 4. After I met my Guruji through a book at the age of 8, I used to meditate and go into silence, study scriptures, and stayed in caves for 2 years. Then we opened an ashram in 2001 in Gujarat to carry on with spiritual activities along with service (sewa). Tell us about your guru Shrimad Rajchandraji? He was guide to Gandhiji also. When Gandhiji was in South Africa and was in turmoil, he asked 27 questions from South Africa and Rajchandraji had answered them. [Editor’s […]

Chicago IL: Alderman Debra Silverstein of the 50th Ward hosted an open meeting on Dec. 13 at Devon Bank to discuss the multi-million-dollar Devon Avenue Streetscape Project. The aim was to inform and solicit critical input on this projected facelift to the Ward’s cultural and commercial center, making it more attractive, better for businesses, and safer for neighbors and shoppers. The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), the Devon Avenue Streetscape Task Force, and other city officials participated. This is the first time the City’s work on the project was shared with the public. The meeting was a call for local businesses and residents to become more involved in their own future. Following a brief introduction, Silverstein handed the floor to Project Director Janet Attarian from CDOT, who walked the audience through the team’s thought processes. She began by noting how Devon Avenue “has managed to retain its identity and strong social fabric rather than giving way to the pressures of gentrification,” i.e., having its poorer ethnic residents squeezed out by increased rent and property taxes due to the influx of more affluent people attracted by the local amenities. Her PowerPoint presentation showed how that entire stretch of Devon Avenue would […]

Rolling Meadows, IL: Human Development Foundation (HDF) and Kulsoom Foundation celebrated ‘Rahmania For Sonia’ on Sat., 23 Feb. 2013 at Meadows Club (2950 Golf Rd, Rolling Meadows, Ill.). Hosted by Kulsoom Foundation and attended by over 400 people, the theme of the evening was ‘A girl, A Dream, A Mission’. It was about Sonia Shah who wanted to help poor girls of a small village in Pakistan by building a school but could not complete her mission due to a tragic accident in summer of 2012. The fundraiser included live and silent auction, a dance performance by Sonia’s friend Shimoli Shah and choreographed dance performance by Dhrishti Art at A.R. Rahman music, which kept people engage and glued to the stage till mid night. All the proceeds will go to building Sonia Shah Memorial School in village Kangra in rural North West of Pakistan. Of Pashtun heritage, Sonia lived and studied in four countries, Thailand, England, US and finally graduated a year early from Zurich International School in Switzerland. An honor student she had a thirst for understanding the world around her. In 2011, she was the youngest intern on Capitol Hill and in 2012 among the youngest intern at […]

Glendale Heights, IL: The monthly bazaar, the first for 2013, hosted by Falak Fashions from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. through the sunny Sunday of 24 Feb. 2013 at the Ramada Inn at 780E. North Avenue, Glendale Heights, Ill., drew value shoppers all day long from across Chicagoland. Close to forty vendors offered native apparel and tailoring, bridal and other jewelry, perfumes, health food, prayer rugs and other Islamic paraphernalia, under single compact roof. Admission was free as always. In addition to wholesalers and established businesses that had their own brick-and-mortar outlets at otherwise dispersed locations, this single shared venue also makes it possible for entrepreneurial individuals working out of home and even without a business card to offer their goods and services at competitive prices. Falak Fashions and Ermas Exclusive Collection, for example, have physical outlets in Glendale Heights and Bolingbrook respectively, the latter also maintaining a dedicated Facebook page. Among the other apparel vendors selling formal or casual ware that Asian Media USA visited, interviewed, and photographed were Maeda Collection, Parizays, Iffat Boutique (Westmont), S.K. Collections, Design Boutique (Gilberts), Eiman’s Apparel (Aurora), Nafisa’s Kitchen & Desi Fashion (Morton Grove), and Malaika Collection (Carol Stream). Maaz Collection (Des Plaines) […]

Lombard IL: With red and pink heart-shaped balloons at the entrance of the banquet hall, over 200 guests gathered for a vibrant Valentine celebration on Sat., Feb. 23, 2013 at Viceroy of India, Lombard, according to a press release. Sponsored by the Club of Indian Women (CIW), the event was chaired by Pratibha Jairath, SaReGaMa Orchestra led by Hitesh Master and Kafi Khan provided the music. The singers were Pratibha Jairath, Raju Bankapur, and Hitesh Master joined by guest singer, Shaila Khedkar. The program was emceed by Madhu Uppal and Jairath. The evening peaked with Jairath singing love songs like Agar Tum Mil Jao, Aiye Meharban, Yeh Sama, Ajeeb Dastaan Chikni Chameli, and Yeh Mer Dil. . The dance floor filled up in no time and stayed that way when Raju Bankapur continued the singing with Sochenge Tumhe Pyar, Chand Sifarish, and Bachna Ae Haseeno. Later, the show continued with Master’s melodious numbers of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Khedkar’s rendering of Kaisi Paheli and Parda Parda. The singing and dancing continued till midnight. Just about every lady guest at the Valentine celebration was in glamorous red or black and red attire and men in their best red tie or […]

Naperville IL: Tri-State Telugu Association, a registered 501c(3) nonprofit organization organized “The Learning Hour- Senior Services and Benefits”, an informative and educational free seminar to benefit the Telugu community at-large on Saturday, Feb 23rd at the Naperville Public Library. The goal of this organization is to enhance the cultural, educational, social and charitable interactions among its members The seminar was presented by Mrs.Shree Gurusamy, a Senior Benefits Specialist and Health Promotion Coordinator at Metropolitan Asian Family Services (MAFS). A Social Worker by profession and practicing in this field for more than 15 years Shree is actively engaged in community outreach and resource development activities. The seminar provided an opportunity for older adults and their care takers to hear from the speaker on a host of topics that impacted their quality of life. The seminar helped educate and raise awareness regarding the various benefits available for seniors living in Illinois . The topic highlights ranging from Social Security Retirement Benefits, Senior Transportation Services, In-Home and Adult Day Care services also covered the Prescription Drug Benefits available for seniors. The presentation was followed by an interactive Question and answer session with active participation from the attendees. Snacks were served by the organizers […]

Bartlett, IL: Manpasand and Suga Builders presented Super hit Gujarati Drama “Gujjubhai Ni Golmaal” on Friday, February 22, 2013 at Jain Center, 435 Hwy 59, Bartlett, IL. This being the first Gujarati play to come to Chicago in 2013 was a SOLD OUT event. Despite the bad snowy weather, the show attracted 600 plus members who jammed into the Jain Center auditorium. Admission tickets were $25, $35, and VIP ($55) 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”. The play was in Gujarati Language, Writen by Pravin Solanki, Directed by Siddharth Randeria and Cast included Siddharth Randeria, Tejas Vyas, Kiran Malvanker, Chitrak Shah, Jyuthika Shah, Ketan Joshi, Sameer Uurav, Jay Pandya and Rohinton Chesan. Gujjubhai Ni Golmaal, Siddharth Randeria’s new comedy drama was a roller coaster ride of laughter. The story is about Gujjubhai’s journey to make money and get rich. His moto is “it’s better to be rich than do good”. He tries every […]

Skokie, IL: The Indian community of Niles Township celebrated India Republic Day through the afternoon of February 9, 2013 at Fairview School District 72, 7040 Laramie Ave Skokie, IL with music and dance performances, interspersed with remarks by the organizers and various guests. The initiative and inspiration behind this annual celebration since its inception has been Usha Kamaria. Chief Guest was Skokie Mayor George van Dusen. People came even from far suburbs outside Niles Township. Among the other dignitaries present, including elected and non-elected officials, were the director of Skokie public library Carolyn Anthony, Illinois State Rep. Daniel Biss, director of drug compliance Dr. Yash Amin, and prominent community leaders such as Iftekar Shareef, Naren Patel, Sunil Shah, Tushar Chotalia, and Skokie Park District superintendent Mike Reid. The program began with the auspicious lamp lighting ceremony performed by Rohit Joshi, accompanied by several dignitaries. DJ Chawla led the singing of the American and Indian national anthems, which preceded the opening remarks by Santosh Varghese. Usha Kamaria then took the podium to speak about Republic Day followed by Mayor Van Dusen. His wife Susan Van Dusen spoke subsequently about the annual “Coming Together in Skokie” festival that celebrates in turn one […]

Chicago IL: In a presentation on Feb. 13 at Logan Center for the Arts of University of Chicago (UC) titled “Moving across Global Soundscapes: the Permutations of a Public Ethnomusicologist,” Amelia (Amie) Maciszewski explored documentary film-making and musical performance. A constant refrain was the constraints and advantages of pursuing such a vocation outside of academia. Prof. Kaley Mason at UC Dept. of Music introduced Maciszewski as sitarist, teaching artist, ethnomusicologist, and documentary filmmaker. Having begun her training in Hindustani music under late sitarist Suresh Mishra, she continues under sarod maestro Aashish Khan and Hindustani vocal diva Girija Devi. She has 4 CDs to her credit: Guru Pranam (2010) and Light and Legacy (2007) both feature her classical sitar. Sangeet Safar (2010) and Shimmering (2007) showcase her Indo-jazz fusion project ensemble Sangeet Millennium. A PhD in ethnomusicology from University of Texas (Austin), she has been visiting professor and teaching artist at the Universities of Colorado, Alberta, Pittsburgh, and Texas. Passionate about women’s rights and creativity, she has published several articles and produced 4 films documenting her research with courtesan musicians (tawaif) in India. Maciszewski resides primarily in Austin and Dallas. Maciszewski showed scenes of her ongoing collaboration in “Indo-Jazz” fusion with […]

Chicago IL: “Performing the Bengal Borderlands: Music, Movement and Encounter” (Feb. 11–16) series at the University of Chicago (UC) was launched with a concert titled “Hindustani Strings at the Borderlands” at 7:30 pm on Feb 11, 2013 at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts. It featured separate performances by Amie Maciszewski (Austin, Texas) on the sitar and Somjit Dasgupta (Kolkata, India) on the sarod. They were accompanied by Manpreet Bedi on the tabla. The weeklong series of events is hosted by UC’s South Asian Sound Interventions Series (SASI). Assistant Professor of Music and the Humanities, Kaley Mason introduced Maciszewski and Bedi. The former, a student of sarod maestro Aashish Khan and Hindustani vocal diva Girija Devi, is a sitarist, teaching artist, ethnomusicologist, and documentary filmmaker. She played short pieces in different genres popular across the Bengal region, starting with raga Jhinjhoti popular as a folk variant (jhinjhit) among the Baul musicians. This was followed by raga Saraswati, in acknowledgement of the seasonal worship of the goddess of learning, the arts, and music, just commencing in India. She concluded with a Bengali boatman song. Bedi, a local Chicago artist, is a disciple of Suresh Talwalkar and Ramdas Palsule. […]

Chicago IL: Masti-Karaoke & DCA Presented Valentine’s Party on Saturday, February 16, 2013 at Sher-E-Punjab, 2113 63rd St. Downers Grove, IL. The event was sold out with over a 100 people in the audience!!! Valentines’ Day is celebrated with much pomp and fun in every nook and corner of Chicago land and across the America. Over one dozen events primarily catered to South Asian-Americans were held in Chicago land area. Among all these events, the choice of audience was ‘Masti-Karaoke’s Valentine’s Party’ voted as one of the best Valentine’s Party in town. All the singers from Masti-Karaoke mesmerized the enthusiastic crowd for over 4 hours. The audience was not only pleased with the performance, but applauded both old and new Bollywood romantic songs. With passion and love filling the air, couples danced to their hearts content. With red heart shaped balloons symbolizing deep and undying promises of love, the evening presented a romantic feel. Dress code for ladies and gentlemen was Red and Black. Tickets for Valentine’s was $25 per person (dinner included) and $15 for children. Celebrated February 14 every year, the Valentine’s Day is synonymous with expressions of love, friendship and bonding. It is named for Saint Valentine, […]

Chicago IL: Ahimsa is widely understood as ‘not harming or hurting others.’ But is this its complete meaning? Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshbhai offers an invaluable insight into the true essence of ahimsa. Bhagwan Mahavira expounded ahimsa as the ultimate dharma. One may question why a negative word ahimsa meaning non-violence was used. Should religion not denote something positive? Ahimsa – the State of Love In truth, though non-violence sounds negative, it is an extremely positive state. It is the state of absolute and complete love – and what can be more positive than love itself? It is only because we are familiar with the state of violence, that this term has been used. It is to ease our transition from the known state of violence to the unknown state of love that the term non-violence has been used. In order to obliterate darkness; the presence of light is necessary. So also, the darkness of violence is dispelled only in the positive light of love. Having understood that ahimsa means love, one may further ask why love has not been called the ultimate dharma; why the word ahimsa has been used. Again, the Enlightened Ones explain that there is an important reason […]

Chicago IL: As the clock struck 12 on the midnight of Dec. 31st, the devotees of Hari Om Mandir welcomed the New Year with dhol, shankhs and Ram Dhun in melodious voice of Asha Khanna ji. Asha ji joined the congregation around 11pm in reading Ramayan. As the clock inched towards midnight the crowds grew in numbers and so did the excitement of the crowd. The dropping temperatures didn’t deter the people to come in and join in singing the Ram Dhun and at midnight the hall was filled with shankh and by Priest Dinesh ji and one of the founder members of the society Ram Verma ji. Subhash Sharma ji along with the bhajan Mandli chanted Ram Dhun to usher in the New Year As everyone bid adieu to 2012 they welcomed the New Year by embracing and wishing each other, offering sweets and praying for the well being of one and all. Hari Om Mandir every year welcomes the new year with Akhand Ramayan Path which starts on Dec 31st and takes 24 hours and ends on Jan 1st. This year was also not different. Prabhu ka Bhandara is open for 4 hours and people come and have […]

Schaumburg, IL: Live2You organized a splendid New Year’s Eve celebration at India House Restaurant in Schaumburg, Ill., where over 1,100 people gathered to ring in 2013 with Shefali Jariwala. The party was a blast with Jigar Shah serving as anchor and cultural director for the whole show. Shefali Jariwala, the star attraction, performed fusion dances at the show. One of Bollywood’s hottest girls, Jariwala (born 1982) is an actress who has appeared in a number of Hindi music videos. She first captured media and public attention through her controversial appearance in a thong in the music video Kaanta Laga, after which she became known as the “thong girl”. Since then she has appeared in a Bollywood film Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2009) with Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar. She also participated in Nach Baliye season 5 with her partner Parag Tyagi. The doors swung open at 8 pm, the banquet hall was full within half-an-hour, and the show went on until 1:00 am. Hosted by Kark Karla, the party had the best of music, entertainment, food and beverages. India House served a 150-course cruise line buffet dinner and a midnight champagne toast, which attracted guests from all over the country to […]

Edison, NJ: The annual general body meeting of the Federation of Indian Associations (Tri-State) was held on Saturday, December 22nd 2012 at TV Asia Auditorium, Edison, NJ. The Agenda includes the overall performance and activities of FIA during the year 2012 including its financial report as well as the announcement of the newly Elected Executive Committee for the upcoming year of 2013. Kanubhai Chauhan, the reigning President of FIA presided over the meeting accompanied by his executive Committee of 2011 namely, Sanjay Amin (Vice President), Srujal Parikh (General Secretary) & Haresh Shah (Jt. Secretary). Mr. Chauhan welcomed all attendees in the meeting, which included Board of Trustees (BOT), Board of Directors and the 2012 Committee members and complimented the work of the executive committee and the committee along with thanking his supporters and sponsors for their generosity shown during his term. He provided highlights of major events in a chronological order starting from the Republic Day Celebration in the form of the Children Dance Competition ‘Dance Pe Chance’ which was followed by the Curtain Raiser traditionally held at the Indian Consulate (courtesy of the Indian Consulate General Shri Prabhu Dayal & his Staff) jump starting the 32d India Day Parade […]

Palatine, IL: Sikh Religious Society (SRS) of Palatine Illinois held a Neighborhood Community Interfaith Candle Light Vigil and prayers on December 19, to honor the 20 first grade children and 6 adults killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown Connecticut on December 14 2012. The vigil was arranged to share the grief and in conjunction with funerals of the child victims that had begun to take place in Newtown CT that week. The terrible tragedy took place when a 20 year old Adam Lanza forced his way into the elementary school with his assault weapons and started shooting to kill children and teachers. Heroic teachers like Victoria Soto, 27, gave her life to save the lives of her class whom she hid in the closets and bath room. The school principal and psychologist jumped on the gunman to stop him and sacrificed their own lives. More than a hundred community members and neighbors assembled in the Palatine Gurdwara compound, chanted prayers, and lit candles in memory of the deceased. A special prayer “Ardaas” was supplicated by Bhai Gurjant Singh to pray for the departed souls and their families, and to seek peace, harmony, and love in this world which […]

Chino Hills LA: Calling it a tribute to the community, Assemblyman Curt Hagman along with Sadguru Pujya Kothari Swami (Pujya Bhaktipriya Swami) – one of the most senior Swami of BAPS, State Senator Bob Huff, Mayor Peter Rogers, Councilmember Art Bennett and Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami, the head of Kauai’s Hindu Monastery and publisher of Hinduism Today magazine, inaugurated the majestic traditional stone and marble BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills (Los Angeles), California on December 23, 2012. After six years of unflinching dedication and thousands of hours of volunteer work, the Mandir stood glistening under the sun as the much anticipated inauguration ceremony started on the morning of December 23rd. Sadguru Pujya Kothari Swami (Pujya Bhaktipriya Swami) performed the consecration ceremony in accordance with Hindu vedic rituals to infuse divinity into the sacred images inside the Mandir in the presence of devotees and well-wishers from across North America and various countries around the world. Those who could not make it to the event saw the live webcast. Speaking on the occasion, Mayor Rogers said “The Mandir is a beautiful testament to the hard work of your congregation who has spent several years to build this place of worship.” He […]

The holiday season, the time of year for giving has always been held dear by Medstar Laboratory, Inc. Even in these tough economic times, when smaller companies are struggling to survive, Medstar looks to partner up with different communities in which they do business and try to shine a light on the holiday of some of the families who reside in them. Medstar Laboratory believes in giving back to the community. Each year they pick a variety of Non Profit Organizations and staff members of Medstar including Owner Naren Patel and Vice-Presidents Neal and Raj Patel attend these events every year. Medstar Laboratory’s CEO, Mr. Naren Patel said that he loves to see the sparkle in children’s eyes and excitement when they receive a gift with their name on it. This year Medstar Laboratory partnered with Father Pflager and St. Sabina Church in Englewood, Mayor Larry Dominick and the Town of Cicero and Dr. Aliaga in the Little Village neighborhood. St. Sabina Church and Father Pflager, who is known for helping reduce the violence in the Englewood neighborhood, have an annual Christmas dinner in which they celebrate with the youth, those they help stay off the streets, and their families. […]

Chicago, IL: From the Mahatma to Modi, Gujarat has seen it all. One of India’s fastest growing economies, Gujarat plays an integral part in the very existence of India. Every Gujarati who lives in the Land of Liberty thinks and feel proud about his or her home state. Vishwa Gujarati Samaj USA (VGS USA) Board of Directors & President Naren Patel Celebrated Diwali on Sunday, December 16, 2012 at India House Banquet, 1500 Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg, IL. The event was also attended by VGS members, [the event was complementary to the paid members] invited guests, friends and family. The extravagant celebration began at 5 pm. The celebration was held with much pomp and pleasure of cultural program and Bollywood music. Attendance was house full. Coordinated by Naren Patel, Vishwa Gujarati Samaj USA President, the moment was also precious as two young entrepreneurs Neal and Raj Patel who are known for their sharp business acumen, a distant vision, sound capital and an ability to bounce back, have actively contributed much for the success of program. Though born and grown in United States , these young honchos are more Indian, who believe in upholding Indian culture and traditions. Beena Patel (Associate Clerk, […]

Chicago IL: Chicago took the initiative to fight against hunger in our Chicago community by supporting the Greater Chicago Food Depository through the JK YOG Food Drive. The food Drive was inaugurated by our Respected Dear Swami Mukundananda Ji on Oct 20, 2012 during Chicago Spiritual Retreat, Rolling Meadows, IL. We had set up a Target of 10,000 Meals during this holiday season. In 15 days we were able to exceed our target. It wasn’t fate, and it wasn’t an accident – it was each of the devotees coming forward to fight the cause and taking responsibility to give it back to the community. It is indeed a great effort and It is the clearest proof yet that, we can achieve, what we put our mind and effort into. We thank Swami Ji for showing us the direction and thank each and every devotee who walked the path. We have a great partnership with Chicago Food Depository and we look forward to t he future. About J K Yog: J K Yog is a part of the worldwide mission of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj and managed by Swami Mukundanand Ji and has been established to serve humankind with the true […]