Phenomenal outpouring of community support received at Pratham Gala

Chicago IL: Pratham Chicago held its 2012 Gala at Meadows Club on October 7th to raise over $100,000 donation for the education programs being conducted by Pratham in India. Emcee Kamal Hans and Pratham Co-Founder Yogi Patel did excellent job. The gala featured a talk by two University of Chicago students, Christian Norton and Carolina Garayzar, who spent 11 weeks in Pratham Delhi evaluating 17 Urban Learning Centers. Dr. Raj Rajaram, President of Pratham Chicago welcomed the guests, and subsequently Yogi Patel delivered the Keynote touching speech. The speech highlighted progress Pratham has made in India over the last 18 years. The highlight of the gala was a live telepresence event conducted by Cisco. 13 Pratham Pune students and their teacher showed the audience the excitement of learning of the students in the class. A senior teacher from Pratham Pune moderated the class presentation, and the students performed fabulous song and dance in English, a math class and English and reading. The students answered questions from the audience. The evening entertainment provided by DJ Harpal Singh (Banti) was enjoyed by young and old, and the dance floor was crammed with a lot of Pratham donors. It was the most successful […]

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MAFS celebrates 20 years of community service in Chicago Metropolitan Area

Chicago IL: Metropolitan Asian Family Services, a pioneer in the field of Senior Care in Chicago Metropolitan area celebrated its 20th anniversary on Sept 22nd, at the Meadows Club in Rolling Meadows IL. The evening was graced by elected officials, dignitaries visiting from India, Indian community leaders, seniors and their families. Metropolitan Asian Family Services, a not-for-profit agency provides comprehensive and integrated social services to the immigrant population of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Middle East and European Countries. Our services include adult day care services, home care services, hot meal program, health education and screening, citizenship and immigration assistance, public benefits assistance, job training, computer training and ESL class, interpretation and translation services, support services for caregivers, medical clinic and health promotion programs. They currently have 7 offices serving 11 counties in the Greater Chicago area. The festivities started with lamp lighting and invocation prayer. The MC of this event was MASALA -T, who is the costar of the worldwide talk show HOTCHAAT. Currently, he is acting in two hollywood movies and working towards being the biggest Bollywood hollywood dual star ever. He had an amazing stage presence and handled the announcements with ease. He invited all the guests of honor […]

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Pyar Mein Kyun' held its 2nd premiere in Chicago

Chicago IL: October 2nd, 2012, Des Plaines – Chicago. It was yet another evening of excitement, as the cast and crew walked the Red Carpet in the Des Plaines theater in Chicago. Pyar Mein Kyun had its 2nd premiere on Sunday September 30th in Chicago, after its much talked about Gala Red Carpet Premiere held in New York city at the beginning of the week. Pyar Mein Kyun is a full-length Bollywood feature film made entirely in the United States, shot primarily in New York and New Jersey. Presented by RKNet Studios and Aary Films and starring Namaste America host Obaid Kadwani and newcomer Khatera Hakimi, Pyar Mein Kyun is a romantic thriller about love between a teenage girl and a 35-year fashion photographer. But all is not so simple in love as the two discover the truth about one another as the story line unravels. The crowd at the premiere got restless in anticipation of meeting the leading actors. As soon as they saw the beautiful Khatera, they screamed in pleasure and rushed to meet her and talk to her. Khatera obliged by shaking hands with them and posing for pictures with them on the Red Carpet. Khatera looked […]

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Reception organized in honor of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister in Chicago

Chicago IL: Sounding more like a Raja-risi (saint-politician) rather than politician per se, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Chauhan impressed the audience at an reception organized in his honor by Friends of India Society International (FISI) and Overseas Friends of BJP at the India Palace Restaurant auditorium in Schaumburg, a suburb of Chicago with his talks on his governance of Madhya Pradesh interspersed with quotes from scriptures and works from intellectual giants like Shri Sankaracharya and Swami Vivekananda. Despite a short notice, over 350 attended crowded the banquet hall. The Chief Minister was on an eight-day tour of the U.S., especially to meet with the World Bank officials and other organizations. . The function commenced by honoring the Chief Minister and his wife, Mrs. Sadhana Chauhan with presentation of floral bouquets by Usha Kumaria and Asha Chandak respectively. The attendees were welcome by Shrinarayan Chandak. He recognized Amar Upadhya, of BJP chapter President and Shridhar Damle, FISI chapter President. He then turned the program over to Vandana Jhingan as the Master of Ceremony. She recognized the sponsors of the event: Amrit Mittal, Naren Patel, Harendra Mangrola, Asha and Anil Oraskar, Chhotulal Patel and Dr. Bharat Barai. Amrit Mittal introduced the […]

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Hindi Lovers’ Club Organize Hindi Divas in Chicago

Chicago, IL: Hindi Lovers Club proudly celebrated ‘Hindi Divas’ on Sunday, October 7, 2012 at the Indo American Center, 6328, W. Devon Ave., Chicago, IL. The program included Musical Welcome by VNS Arts Group. Attendees were served snacks and dinner during the event. Prominent Community members who attended this event were Naren Patel, CEO, Medstar Lab, Santosh Kumar, Executive Director Metropolitan Asian Family Services, Dr. Subhash Pandey from UIC, Vandana Jhingan-TV Asia, Iftekhar Shareef, Chairman FIA, V. K. Kohli Managing Director VNS Arts Group, Sher Mohammad Rajput, Founding Trustee of Indo-American Center, Bina Patel, Dr. Munish Raizada, Jodhsingh Rawat, Ranjana Bhargav, Apna Ghar, Prafull Rami and others. Vinita Gulabani, served as Master of ceremony for the evening and welcomed everyone with her delightful Hindi speech and couplets. Invited guests and advisory board members were called upon for the lamp lighting ceremony, when Mantra was recited by a young kid Lakshya, while Rohit Joshi, chief priest of Northeastern Illinois University chanted holy mantras which was followed by the rendition of National Anthem of both the countries by Shanu Sinha and Kids of Balodyan and the audience present. Vinita Gulabani, gave an introduction of all the dignitaries, starting with Naren Patel, who […]

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The Spirit of Navaratri festival echoes at Dandiya Dhamal

Chicago IL: Vogue Celebrations & Modi Creations Presented Dandiya Dhamal 2012 on Saturday, October 6th 2012 at Renaissance Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Dr. Schaumburg, Illinois. This event was a unique combustion of Garba and Bollywood Celebrities. General audiences can play Dandiya with famous Bollywood Celebrities Tina Dutta (Parineeta & Uttaran Fame). Tina Dutta was on her first U.S. and Chicago trip It attracted more than1,000 attendees. The whirling dancers, clapping hands, distinct sound of wooden sticks struck together, toe tapping music and people wearing colorful clothes marked the Navratri celebration at the Garba & Dandiya Raas dances held over Chicago. Musical Orchestra a rare combination of Music, Masti and songs that is the specialty of Bollywood Group which provided nostalgic music which made whole audience spellbound. Bollywood Group is headed by Minesh Patel who is a leader and singer himself and encompasses efficient people like Shailesh Bhatiya on Drum, Jayesh Solanki on Pad, Kanchan Solanki on Dholak, Hasoo Khatri on Key Board, Vijay Telang as Male Singer beside Minesh Patel and Jyoti Verma, Shilpa and Manisha as Female Singers. Minesh Patel, one of the biggest names in the entertainment industry today, and his orchestra gave a spellbound music of […]

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Bollywood USA 2013 Announces the Global Indian Film Awards to be held in Illinois

Chicago, IL: Bollywood USA 2013 officially announced a Press Conference today to introduce the Bollywood Film Awards taking place in Illinois in 2013. The Press Conference was on Monday, October 1st at 7:30 PM at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel at 11 East Walton Street Chicago, IL 60611 Moving to the purpose of this evening, this press event and reception has been funded entirely through private donations and sponsorships. I won’t name them all but you can see them listed on the back screen as well as on your programs. These people have come together to help announce the 2013 Global Indian Film Awards, which will be the first major Bollywood awards to be hosted in the United States, The awards are slated to take place on June 22, 2013 and will be proceeded by a weeklong schedule of events and festivities. With an expected attendance of up to 20,000 we are excited that the GIFA awards will allow us the highlight the social cohesion and collaboration that strongly ties the entire South Asian diaspora both here and across the United States. It will be a multi-ethnic, multigenerational extravaganza that will highlight our diversity and our unity. Venue and world-wide television […]

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Millennium Cricket League Finals

New Jersey: Millennium Cricket league (founded in 2001) is one of New Jersey’s finest cricket organizations. MCL is made up of many diverse cultures and strives to promote multicultarism within the organization. MCl hosted their Cricket Finals on September 15, 2012 at Weston Park, Somerset NJ. This was the final match between Division A teams the Rebels vs East Coast Titans and Division B Indians vs. Warriors. Umpires for Division A teams were Mihir Patel and Srinivas Chirra and Umpires for Division B were Kenneth Virgo and Venkatesh Raghvan. The winning scores were Indian 129/4 in Over 23, Rebels 220/5 in over 40, Warriors 128/10 All Out and ECT 150/10 All Out. The conductors for the final ceremonies were Punit Patel (Vice President) and Maninder Singh (PRO). The food was sponsored by Jewel of India. The man of the match awards were given to both winning teams. Man of the Match for a team called Indian was Arun Sharma and Man of the Match for a team called Rebel was Jermaine Lawson. Currently there is an 20/20 cricket match going on. More details are available on the league’s website www.milleniumcricketleague.com . Player stats, upcoming games, and team contacts are all […]

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Chicago South Asian Film Festival showcases new era of South Asian films and filmmakers

Chicago, IL: September 24, 2012 – Chicago film aficionados were treated to an array of stellar films, acclaimed artists, and energetic parties at the 3rd annual Chicago South Asian Film Festival. The four-day festival held its Opening Night on September 20th with a star-studded red carpet reception followed by the North American premiere of the much anticipated Bollywood film “Heroine”. Artists who walked the red carpet include acclaimed actor Farooq Shaikh, Lillete Dubey, and Adil Hussain. Indian Consul General Mukta Dutta Tomar, Field Museum President Richard Lariviere, and Columbia College Vice President Dr. Eric Winston were also present to show their support. In his opening remarks, Dr. Winston said “I feel like a proud father” as he expressed his and Columbia College Chicago’s support for the Festival from its inception back in 2010. Over the next three days, the Festival showcased the best of South Asian independent cinema to packed audiences at Showplace Icon Theater and Film Row Cinema at Columbia College Chicago. Moviegoers especially enjoyed hearing the various artists and filmmakers talk about their films and performances in the post film discussions. “Doggoned” director Arshad Khan described how his lead actress almost got arrested as they filmed without a […]

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Shree Jalaram Mandir Hosts annual Fund Raising Dinner for Temple Expansion

Hoffman Estates: IL: Shree Jalaram Mandir, located at 425, Illinois Blvd, Hoffman Estates, Illinois, hosted a fund raising dinner on Friday, September 14 at The Meadows Club, in Rolling Meadows IL. at 7:00 PM. The program had all the great ingredients for a great evening namely religious, friendly and entertaining, while maintaining its purpose of raising funds for the temple expansion. The program was attended by more than 650 devotees from all over the Chicago land area. The event was arranged for raising funds for the ambitious Mandir expansion and murti pratishtha. The overwhelming response of the community since the start of the temple in 2008 has created a real need for expansion of the present 6,400 square feet temple floor and 6,000 square feet of basement floor. Therefore, the volunteers are planning to add 4,800 square feet building on both floors. The expansion will include a Garbha Griha area, larger area for devotees to sit comfortably to worship, coat and washrooms on both floors, a new kitchen, multipurpose basement area for dining and social purposes, as well as rooms for other activities. With the help of the donations, the temple has finished a parking area for 109 cars and […]

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Do Kishore dazzles a capacity audience at The Meadows Club

Rolling Meadows, IL: Do Kishore, the much anticipated tribute to the legendary Indian singing star Kishore Kumar more than lived up to its expectations as it made its debut at the Meadows Club on Saturday, September 22nd. The concert was conceptualized by Bubble Wrap Communications and presented by Dhrishti. A capacity audience was mesmerized by the scions of the legend, Amit Kumar and Sumeet Kumar, as they took the audience on an emotional journey through the career of Kishore Kumar. After the audience was introduced to the concert by Shebani Kulkarni, the co-founder of Dhrishti and The Meadows Club, the audience was treated to some humorous clippings of some movies of the legendary star. This was followed by the entrance of the two Kishores, Amit & Sumeet Kumar on the stage. And they went on to put on a performance which will be talked about for a long time. Complimented by one of the best orchestras in Bollywood today, the concert featured some of the most memorable tunes sung by Kishore Kumar from the very old to the recent ones and had the audience in raptures. Amit Kumar, a veteran singer of Bollywood has inherited the melodies, music and the […]

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Chaalo Gujarat 3rd Day 09-02-2012 Sunday

Edison, NJ: Chaalo Gujarat, World Gujarati Conference 2012 was organized by the Association of Indian Americans in North America (AIANA) in New Jersey, USA during Friday 31, August to Sunday 2, September, 2012 at the Raritan Expo Center. Theme of third Chaalo Gujarat event was Gujarat, Gujarati, Gujaratism. There were plenty Cultural and Art Performances arranged successfully during three days’ long Conference. Everybody present there, enjoyed fully the Culture of Gujarat, its Art, literature and Gujaratism. Three days extravaganza under one roof conducted by Sunil Nayak, the person behind all these tremendous work, always love to experiment with and try to present something new every time. Owed as the biggest gathering of its kind outside India, Chaalo Gujarat attracted more than 30,000 for the duration of the conference. The State of New Jersey even issued a proclamation declaring Aug. 31 as Gujarati Day as recognition of the community’s contributions to the state. Chaalo Gujarat 3rd Day 09-02-2012 Sunday On the third and final day of ‘Chaalo Gujarat’ giant Ratinan Center was overwhelmingly crowded in celebrating the final day of the event. It was a grand success. Under the leadership and dedicated work of Sunil Nayak and his team was big […]

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A stellar performance by Shreya Ghoshal captivates Chicago Music Lovers

Chicago IL: Sahil and L.A. Tan Chicago local promoter presented Shreya Ghoshal Live in Concert at 8.00 pm this Friday, September, 14 2012 at Akoo Theatre (Rosemont), 5400 N. River Road, Des Plaines IL 60018. By On public Demand Shreya sang some old Golden Melodies in addition to her own newer hit songs. Shri Balaji Entertainments was a national promoter of Shreya Ghoshal tour in North America. The program started with entry of Iqubal Jafri as MC and few performances of local artists were presented starting with songs from Ms. Dasgupta, Pasha, a dance with song by Komal Sharma and a young dancer Nisha. All these warmed up the audience those were eager to hear Shreya. Amidst screaming proclamations of love from fans with rhythmic claps and audible hums, Shreya unfolded her repertoire of soothing love songs, delectable duets with up and coming singer Prithvi (who often drew attention with his deep, powerful vocals) and vigorous danceable numbers. In addition Iquabal Jafri played the role of MC as well as sang few songs with his spirited voice and exceptional method. So there was ‘ ‘Tujh mein rabb dikhta hai’, ‘Teri oru, teri oru’, ‘Naino ko dheere dheere’, ‘Tere mast mast […]

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Chaalo Gujarat gave Miss Gujarat USA platform to young Gujarati girls

New Jersey: Edison, NJ: Chaalo Gujarat, World Gujarati Conference 2012 was organized by the Association of Indian Americans in North America (AIANA) in New Jersey, USA during Friday 31, August to Sunday 2, September, 2012 at the Raritan Expo Center. September 1, 2012 First time in North America, Chaalo Gujarat hosted a pageant for young Gujarati ladies across the country, titled Miss Gujarat USA 2012. Eight highly intelligent, beautiful and talented young women, representing thousands of Gujarati girls in the US, who strive to keep their culture and values alive, despite living so far away from Gujarat. Never before has any pageant had the kind of platform or audience that Chaalo Gujarat will provide for Miss Gujarat USA contestants. In an effort to involve the Gujarati youth in the event, Miss Gujarat USA serves to demonstrate the pride Gujaratis have in the next generation. Shradha Amin from New Jersey was chosen as Miss Gujarat USA 2012 during the World Gujarati Conference 2012, Chaalo Gujarat on September 1, 2012. Other title holders were first Runner up Meera Thakrar and second Runner up Ekta Khetia. Miss Gujarat USA 2012 pageant was an undeniable success at this year’s Chaalo Gujarat. Featuring eight young […]

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Dhanya Dhara Saurashtra & Kutch Gaatha, Spectacular Multimedia show at Chaalo Gujarat

Day-1 Edison, NJ: Chaalo Gujarat, World Gujarati Conference 2012 was organized by the Association of Indian Americans in North America (AIANA) in New Jersey, USA during Friday 31, August to Sunday 2, September, 2012 at the Raritan Expo Center. Theme of third Chaalo Gujarat event was Gujarat, Gujarati, Gujaratism. There were plenty Cultural and Art Performances arranged successfully during three days’ long Conference. Everybody present there, enjoyed fully the Culture of Gujarat, its Art, literature and Gujaratism. Three days extravaganza under one roof conducted by Sunil Nayak, the person behind all these tremendous work, always love to experiment with and try to present something new every time. Owed as the biggest gathering of its kind outside India, Chaalo Gujarat attracted more than 30,000 for the duration of the conference. The State of New Jersey even issued a proclamation declaring Aug. 31 as Gujarati Day as recognition of the community’s contributions to the state. A spectacular Multimedia show encompassing “Dhanya Dhara Saurashtra & Kutch Gaatha” was an enigma in itself to watch was an amazing experience. On the first day, everybody relished the Cultural and Artistic Media Show based on Kutchh and Saurashtra region the only such program arranged within the […]

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Sher-e-Punjab Sports and Cultural Club Chicago holds successful International Kabaddi Cup and Volleyball Tournament

Chicago IL: On Sunday, September 02, 2012, the Sher-e-Punjab Sports and Cultural Club held its Annual International Kabaddi Cup and Volleyball Tournament at Busse Woods Forest Preserve, Elk Grove Village, IL. This sport event turned out to be a big festival of fun, food, live entertainment and sports. Despite uncertain weather in the morning people not only from Chicagoland’s area but from Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin came in large numbers to enjoy this sports plus festival. In the evening a famous Punjabi folk singer Baljit Malwa from New York entertained the audience with his popular songs for more than one and a half hour. Chief guest was S. Ajit (Jay) Singh Walia of Wisconsin and Guest of Honor was S. Jasbir Singh Depty from Indianapolis IN. In the open highly physical and competitive Kabaddi Cup matches the first prize was won by the host Shere Punjab Sports & Cultural club, Chicago team by defeating Kings Sports Club Sacramento (California) team with 33 ½ points against 30. The first prize of was sponsored by S. Jaswinder Gill brother and S. Nazar Singh Gill of Waukegan, Illinois. The second prize did go to runner-up team of Kings Sports Club, Sacramento. The second […]

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The ‘Ooh La La Tour’ Of The Evergreen Disco King Bappi Lahiri

Chicago IL : : Renowned Bollywood music director and singer Bappi Lahiri, popularly known as Bappida, performed live in concert at 9:00 pm, on Friday – August 24, 2012 at Copernicus Theater (Former Gateway Theater), 5216 West Lawrence Avenue Chicago, IL 60630 The magnificent Theatre was packed with a phenomenal number of people who attended this Concert. Bappi Lahiri, the heart-beat of Bollywood music and Cinema, who is a playback singer, mesmerized enthusiastic crowd for about 3.5 hour. Tickets for show ranged from $25, $35, $50, VIP and VVIP. Manpasand (Bhavna Modi) is national promoter and The Local promoter of Chicago show was Manpasand (Bhavna Modi), Payal Shah and Noor Tejany. The concert was started as 9: 00 pm. After the warm up of the orchestra, Instrumental musical song started with and Purvi Dalvi sang ‘Aao Tumhen Chandpe Bichhaye.. Pyar Bhare Sapne Sajaye, Chhotasa Bangla Banae,Ek Nayi Duniya Basae’. Alka sang, Satyam Shivam Sundaram-Ishwar Satyahai, Shiv Hi Sunder Hai, Jago, Uthkar Dekho, Jivan Jyot Magar Hai, Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram’ Sunny a young singer sang a song,’Ek Hasinathi, Ek Diwana Tha, Kya Ummar Thi, Kya Zamana Tha’ and Rup Tera Mastana, Pyar Mera Diwana’ Dipalika Chaudhari sang a song composed by […]

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Patriotic Fervor of Pakistan's independence Parade on Devon avenue

Chicago IL: Pakistan’s official Independence Day was Sunday August 14 however Chicago’s Pakistani parade committee decided to postpone the celebration until Saturday, Aug 25th 2012 due to Ramadan. They would celebrate their 65 years of independence from British rule by having their 24th annual Parade and Taste of Pakistan festival. The parade stepped off from Devon and Damen Saturday 12:30 noon, 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 over considerable number of people on Devon Avenue. The weather was sunny and hot (90 degree farenhight). It turned out to be a beautiful parade after all. The parade began at 12:30 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 of green and white were amongst the few […]

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Pakistan's Green & White flag Flutters Over Bolingbrook Village Hall for the past 21 Years

Chicago IL: Pakistan Independence Day Celebration with Jawad Ahmed was organized by Association of Pakistani Americans in Bolingbrook from Noon to 11pm, Saturday, August 25, 2012 at Bolingbrook Village Clerk, 375 W Briarcliff Rd, Bolingbrook, IL. Admission was free to all. Bolingbrook residents celebrated entire event Pakistani style. 21st Flag Hoisting Ceremony was also part of “The Taste of Pakistan”. It was A fun filled Day for the whole family with Live Music, Food, Booths and Merchandise of Middle Eastern origin. It was a record breaking event, People came all the way from Ohio and Iowa. According to village official it was around 12,000 to 14,000 people which broke all previous records. Pakistan’s independence day which is also known as Yom-e-Azaadi is celebrated on 14 August every year. Pakistan gained its independence on 14 August 1947 from its British colonizers. The festivity began at noon, but around 3:30 p.m. when things really get rolling. Evening event start at 6:30 pm opening with Islamic prayer. Before Flag Hoisting there was Quiz conducted by Jibran Illyas and winners were given prizes. Traditional flag hoisting which was conducted at 7:00 p.m. National Anthem of America and Pakistan were sung. All local political officers, […]

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The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago hosts its Semi Annual Fund Raising Dinner

Chicago IL: The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago popularly known as HTGC in Lemont IL hosted its semi annual fund raising event that included a captivating music concert and a banquet style dinner in the Rathi Auditorium of the temple on Saturday August 18, 2012. This year’s focus of the fund raiser was on two capital projects – kitchen upgrades and installation of an elevator in Ramalaya. The kitchen and the dining hall were last renovated in 2003 and as the number of meals served during weekends and festivals increased several fold, expansion of the kitchen became an absolute must. With increasing number of elderly devotees, the need for an elevator can not be overemphasized. Collecting funds for these projects estimated to be around $240,000 becomes a tall order and this was the theme of the speeches by the temple president Dr. Gopal Srinivasan and finance committee chair Dr. Rohini Udupa. Mr. Bhima Reddy and Mr. Satish Amruthur gave a slide presentation later, detailing the kitchen and the elevator plans. The event started with a social hour at 6:00 PM as the guests started coming in. Everybody enjoyed the tasty Hors d’oeuvres while relaxing, mixing with their friends. The main […]

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