Category: Press releases

Chicago IL: The spirit of patriotism was truly depicted at Federation of Indian Association’s 66th Independence Day celebration banquet on Saturday, August 18, 2012 and at the Grand Parade held on Sunday, August 19, 2012. The Banquet included a spectacular cultural program which took place at The Meadows Club, 2950 W. Golf Road, Rolling Meadows, IL. Both events were meticulously planned and coordinated by Founder President Sunil Shah, President Onkar Sangha and his team of FIA office bearers. Dignitaries included William Mcleod-Mayor, Village of Hoffman Estates, Ms. Mukta Tomar, Consul General of India in Chicago , Rodney Craig- Mayor of Hanover Park, Fred Crespo-State Representative, Carole Pankau-State Senator, John Lawson-Schaumburg Township Assessor, Prachi Desai- Bollywood Actress and Chief Guest and Congressman Joe Walsh. One of the main attraction was the presence of the young and vibrant Bollywood actress, Ms. Prachi Desai from Bombay, India. She was the Chief Guest at the banquet and the Grand Marshall at the FIA Parade. Prachi Desai is a well known Indian film and television actress. She has starred in movies such as “Rock On” and “Bol Bachchan” and many popular TV serials. Ms. Prachi Desai expressed her gratitude for bestowing upon her the honor […]

Chicago IL: The patriotic euphoria was domineering as the crowds waving tri-color flags accompanied with shouts of “Bharat Mata Ji Jai” permeated the Chicago’s India Independence Day parade hosted by the Federation of Indian Association-Chicago [FIA] on a crowd-jammed Mahatma Gandhi Marg. in the heart of the India Town in Chicago on Saturday, August 18, 2012. The uninhibited patriotic fervor was abundantly palpable as the parade snaked through a nearly 2-mile march led by a massive Indian flag carried by teenagers with the Scottish Band playing the marching beat interspersed with high-decibel sounds of drum-beats and pulsating music emanating from several floats. Parade Grand Marshal Aftab Shivdasani, the hottest Bollywood star led the extenteded parade with an enduring smile on his face as he waved and greeting crowds of people which was followed by a great convoy of decorated floats laden with colorfully dressed and spirited participants as it gently made its way through on Devon Avenue amidst the cheers and shouts from the crowds lined up on both sides of the street. Before the parade stepped out, the tri-color Indian flag was gently hoisted with saluting hands of the FIA executive board members, community and business leaders encircling the […]

Chicago IL: Federation of Indian Associations [FIA] Chicago held a Grand Gala Banquet in commemoration of India Independence Day on Friday, August 17, 2012 that attracted overflowing guest attendance filled to the capacity at the Meadows Club in Rolling Meadows, Illinois with showcased in great measure the spirit of festive celebrations and patriotic ardor. This evening gala of celebrations and awards presentations were hosted in conjunction with Drishti Arts. The banquet saw the convergence of community’s elite and the eminent at this sold-out evening gala celebrations heightened by music, dance, fine food and celebratory revelry. The banquet brought great musical ensemble with their extravaganza “Aye Mere Waton Ke Logo” a special live-audio/visual musical tribute to Mother India. The evening belted out some melodious patriotic theme musicals of yesteryears which was followed by ‘SAREGAMA’ youthful musical pop and fusion music and songs presented by the cream of young talent from India. Ajai Agnihotri, FIA President welcoming the guests said the evening’s gala provides an outstanding opportunity to showcase our ideals of patriotism and indianness while affording us a collective chance to celebrate India’s great milestone event. Ajai Agnihotri further said “I am honored to have been bestowed with the opportunity to […]

Skokie IL: On Sunday August 19, 2012 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 and afternoon to accommodate the 9,000 enthusiastic individuals in attendance. Despite the large masses, the […]

Chicago, IL: Kanan Cruises, Chicago’s newest and largest private Charter Vessel Boat was the venue for a very special program on August 12, 2012. Over 250 devotees boarded on Kanan Cruise at Navy Pier Lakefront to participate in Amrit Varsha a discourse by Shri Sudhanshuji Ji Maharaj. It was rarest of the rare opportunity to feel soothing effect in this course that was given on Sunday Aug.12, 2012 in sailing voyage in Lake Michigan. Amrit Varsha-a discourse by Shri Sudhanshu Ji, which was followed by Maha Prasad (Dinner). All devotees were inspired motivated and uplifted among the calm water & stunning Chicago Sky Scrapers. The festivity was eventful as boarding started at 5;00 p.m. at Navy Pier. All devotees boarded first & then his Holiness Sudhanshu Ji Maharaj entered the ship. The Program started at 6.15 p.m. by humble devotee MC Anju Lal. Her pious voice captured the devotees right away. The entire voyage discourse comprised of devotional Bhajans by renowned artists Narendra Vashishtha, Anju Lal, Neha Rathi, Mr. Kohli and Tarikhbhai Parikh Ji. It was accompanied by Puran Yyas JI on Tabla, Anilbhai on Manjira and Narendra Ji on Harmonium & Surinder Ji on dholak. Narendraji started the evening […]

Chicago IL: On Sunday, August 5, a lone gunman and home grown terrorist Wade Michael Page, 40 who was neo-Nazi allegedly shot six Worshiper at a Gurudwara in south of Milwaukee. Page’s downward spiral ended when he shot himself after a shoot-out with police. Dead were five men and one woman, Sita Singh, 41; Ranjit Singh, 49; Prakash Singh, 39; Paramjit Kaur, 41; Suveg Singh,84; and Satwant Singh Kaleka, 65, the temple’s president. This massacre happened just after about three weeks following killing of scores of victims by another lone gunman in a movie theater in Colorado. In this killing spree victim included a 6 yrs. old girl. Somber, tearful mourners, most wearing scarves on their heads in the Sikh tradition, greeted victims’ family members with tears and hugs at the Oak Creek High School gymnasium. Family members stood near the six wooden caskets that were each draped with a white cloth. The caskets were lined up under the gym’s basketball net, below a huge screen that flashed images of the victims whose stories were told in this interactive vedio Behind each casket was a large portrait of the victim adorned with flowers. About 5000 mourners attended the memorial service. […]

YAMUNOTRI CAMP – June 18-24, 2012 Theme: Mahabharata stories, Values from Srimad Bhagavad Geeta and Gratitude is the Attitude BADRI CAMP- July 16-22, 2012 Theme: Mahabharata stories, Values from Srimad Bhagavad Geeta and “Serve, Love, Know” For the past 30 years, Chinmaya Mission Chicago has been conducting Vedic Heritage Youth camps for the benefit of children in grade KG through High School. Each weeklong camp focuses on Value-based learning while having age appropriate fun throughout the day. This year, the camps were held from June 18-24 at Yamunotri center in Grayslake, IL and from July 16-22 at Badri center in Willow brook, IL. Both camps concluded with everyone feeling inspired to live a noble value-based life with a higher purpose. During a typical day, children learnt values through stories, games and interactive classes in the morning, participated in sports and games, made theme related crafts and learnt bhajans and stotrams in the afternoon. The vegetarian snacks/juice and meals were lovingly made and served by volunteers throughout the day. Under the guidance of Swami Sharananada, acharyas (teachers) from local centers and other Mission centers in the US came for the week specially to teach the camp material. This year’s theme was […]

Chicago IL: Members of Indian Seniors of Chicago met at Manav Seva Mandir on Saturday 11th August, 2012 at 11.30am for the celebration of Independence Day, Raksha Bandhan, Janmashtami and Birthday of seniors. Around 135 members attended the program. Mrs Hema Shastri, executive Committee member, Mrs Mayura Desai and Shri Bipin Shah opened the commencing of gathering by prayer and Hanuman Chalisa and all the members cooperated to sing with them. Then Hema Shastri, Mrs Bhadra Shah and some of the female members chanted Bhajans appropriate to the celebration of Janmashtami. Shri CV Desai presented the detailed accounts which included 2 days tour to Maharishi Vedic City, Fairfield, Iowa and July 14th picnic. He also congratulated some hard working members who helped during the tour. Tour and Picnic were successfully conducted with the help of various member volunteers. Shri Hirabhai Patel gave highlights recent 9 days member bus tour to include Las Vegas, Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and Hoover dam. He also thanked certain members for cash contribution given to Indian Seniors of Chicago. Shri Narsinhbhai Patel gave the sponserars’ names and the amount and materials they have contributed for picnic and Chimanbhai Patel gave congratulation to those who […]

Iselin NJ – On a beautiful Sunday, the sun shined as over 27,000 celebrated India’s Independence Day. The annual parade, hosted by the Indian Business Association, a non-profit organization, is now in its 8th year. “Thanks to all our sponsors, volunteers, and over 100 organizations that participated, we delivered a great parade to our community” said Kapil Shah, President of the IBA. Commencing at Wood Avenue, on Oak Tree Road, the parade featured a marching band, over 15 floats, dozens of marching groups, and even a horse carriage, the latter courtesy of Wells Fargo. Leading the parade was Grand Marshal and Bollywood actress Prachi Desai and Special Guest Aadesh Shrivastava, a noted singer and music director. Thousands dressed in traditional Indian attire, a tribute to India’s freedom fighters. India became free of British rule on August 15, 1947. Several prominent elected officials attended today’s event, including Woodbridge Mayor John McCormick, Congressman Frank Pallone, State Senator Sam Thompson, Freeholders Polos and Rios and members of the Woodbridge Council. “The Indo-American Community should be proud, this is an amazing event” said Congressman Pallone. The parade route was decorated with American and Indian flags. “The theme of this year’s parade was Our India, […]

Chicago IL: Chicago Bible Fellowship and Mount Carmel Prayer Fellowship hosted 12th Holy Convocation at Best Western Plus Hotel at 1725 E Algonquin Rd, Schaumburg, IL, from August 2nd to 5th, the purpose of the Convocation was to Worship Lord Jesus and hear the word of God. Indian Christians from various states came with much expectation to listen Word of God and ministered by two powerful evangelists from India. Dr. John Wesly – Founder and President of Young Holy team – an International evangelist delivered powerful messages with real examples from Bible reciting the scriptures every evening to the banquet hall packed with audience, Thursday evening on Walking with God – How we need God in our daily lives, On Friday Dr.Wesly spoke on Living Epistles to bear witness for Jesus Christ and Saturday, he spoke on “More than Conquerors” talking about the past conquerors from history, how we need to conquer sin, and satan through power of Jesus Christ in us, many people repented of their sins, and trusted Jesus to save them from their sins and the eternal punishment. Bro.Paul Sudhakar a great expositor of Word of God, expounded the truths of the bible to the believers, on […]

On behalf of Pakistani American community in Bolingbrook I would like to extend the deepest condolences and upmost sadness and dismay at the shooting which resulted in deaths of several of Sikh brothers and sisters and more so the worshippers. My heart goes to the families and friends of the victims of this heinous crime Wisconsin. We condemn the attack on Gurdwara and any other place of worship. This a very tragic and unforgivable incident which should have never occured. We share the same cultural heritage and values of embracing peace and tranquility which depicts message of peace and harmony. We are proud to say that the Sikh community is very peace loving community. God bless all the innocent victims. Regards, Talat Rashid Association of Pakistani Americans Bolingbrook Please visits us @ www.apabolingbrook.com or email @ apabolingbrook@aol.com Copyrights (c) 2010 – Asian Media USA No one shall download or otherwise duplicate the graphics, images, press release and written content from the PDF without our express written permission. Likewise, no one shall reuse the aforesaid things, as the same are the intellectual property of the Company, we hereby reserve all rights Disclaimer: – Asian Media USA “The information in this e-mail […]

Chicago IL: Punjabi American Organization organized a very entertaining event “Teeyan Da Mela Family Style” on Sunday, August 05, 2012 at India House, 1521, Schaumburg Rd. IL 60194. More than 500 families attended this event from Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan. The event hall was packed with family members, Gents, Ladies and Children dressed in colorful Indian clothes. This was their 8th ‘Teeyan Da Mela”. Punjabi Americans Organization aims to promote unity and progress of all Punjabi Indian-Americans. To promote cultural and religious values to their children and make the mainstream aware of their rich cultural heritage, to serve the community through seminars, discussions, forums and to address various issues faced by the different generations collectively. Main purpose of organizing this type of event is to expose women by bringing them out to the outside world from their routine house hold work, offer an opportunity to meet with the community and pass time with amusement and joy, wearing dresses of their choices. It is a great festival in the Punjabi Culture that exists for the young married woman who go to their maiden homes and go on the swings, buy new clothes and go to the festival. Families from Chicago land, […]

Funeral Arrangements for: Sardar Satwant Singh Kaleka, Sardar Sita Singh, Sardar Ranjit Singh, Sardar Prakash Singh, Sardar Suveg Singh, Sardarni Paramjit Kaur Visitation: Friday August 10, 2012 From 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Oak Creek High School Gym. 340 E. Puetz Road Oak Creek, Wisconsin, 53154 Click here for Oak Creek High School website Cremation: Max Sass Funeral Home 4747 S. 60th Street Greenfield, Wisconsin, 53220 414-282-4050, Click here for Max Sass Funeral Home Driving Directions For more information please contact: Ms Ritu Sharma 414-839-4190 Dr. Kulwant Singh Dhaliwal 262-657-9390 Suresh Bodiwala Chairman Asian Media USA Bus: (847) 679-8583 Fax: (847) 679-5336 Cell: (847)420-4789 sbodiwala@sbcglobal.net Copyrights (c) 2010 – Asian Media USA No one shall download or otherwise duplicate the graphics, images, press release and written content from the PDF without our express written permission. Likewise, no one shall reuse the aforesaid things, as the same are the intellectual property of the Company, we hereby reserve all rights Disclaimer: – Asian Media USA “The information in this e-mail and any attachments is confidential and may be legally privileged. It is intended solely for the addressee or addressees. If you are not an intended recipient, please delete the message and any […]

Chicago IL: After seven months of careful planning, The Kachchhi Oswal Jain Association in North America (KOJAIN) pulled itself up by its bootstraps to host a successful 7th annual Sammelan in Chicago IL. KOJAIN was held at the Holiday Inn Express, 3405 Algonquin Road, Rolling Meadows, IL from 27th, 28th and 29th July of 2012. Close to 700 people enjoyed the 3 days Sammelan. Current Membership for KOJAIN is 1138 families in North America and 65 families are in Illinois. Attendees participated in numerous educational seminars, panel discussions and lectures by renowned speakers. The convention also featured Workshops, yoga for adults, meetings and entertainment by eminent artists. KOJAIN includes all Kachchhi Oswal Jains originally coming from Kachchh, Northwestern part of Gujarat State in India. 1400 households have made their homes in North America. Majority of KOJAIN community lives in North America with the biggest concentration in California, New York-New Jersey-Connecticut Tri State Area, Chicago Area, Houston Area, Toronto-Canada Area, Washington DC Area, South New Jersey Area and Atlanta Area. The KOJAIN Sammelan 2008 drew people from USA, Canada as well as people from India. This biennial Sammelan’s theme ‘Panjo Rangeelo Kutch’ was unique for its People, Culture, Art, Architecture, Customs, […]

Maywood IL: On Saturday, July 29, 2012, the Midwest Punjabi Sports Club held its 10th International Kabaddi Cup and Volleyball Tournament at Busse Woods Forest Preserve, Elk Grove Village, IL. More than 1600 individuals attended the engaging day of sports, food, and live entertainment. Punjab Sports Club, Midwest is ”the first sports club of the Midwest area that promotes Kabaddi and various other Punjabi games to the Punjabi community and Culture in Midwest of USA. Participants were male and ranged from the ages 18-40 and were from various parts of North America. Teams came from East Canada, West Canada, New York, Cincinnati, Sacramento, Indianapolis, and Chicago. Volleyball is a team sport in which two teams of six players are separated by a net. Each team tries to score points by grounding a ball on the other team’s court under organized rules. It has been a part of the official program of the Summer Olympic Games since 1964. Though Kabaddi is primarily an Indian game, not much is known about the origin of this game. There is, however, concrete evidence, that the game is 4,000 year old. It is a team sport, which requires both skill and power, and combines the […]

Chicago IL: Manav Seva Mandir located at 101 S. Church Road, Bensenville , IL celebrated Saptadev Katha and Gyan Yagya with devotees on July 21 to July 27, 2012 also 19th Patotsav was celebrated on Saturday, July 28, 2012 and Sunday July 29, 2012 at Mahalaxmi Hall. Saptdev Katha and Gyan Yagya were organized under guidance of Pujya Giriraj Shastriji . Patotsav is a ritual which celebrates the anniversary of the tithi when the murtis were first consecrated. Over 5000 devotees witnessed the special evening of Saptadev Katha and Patotsav. Mandirs and Murtis form the basic element of the Hindu Dharma. A traditional sacred ritual celebrating the anniversaries of Murti-Consecration (Prana Pratishtha) of Mandirs known as Patotsav, the word is a compound of Paat and Utsav, meaning festival. Paat is derived from Patti, a strip of garment tied on the head of a murti. From this evolved Paat. In essence, Patotsav is a Re-Consecration Ceremony, Re-Invoking Paramatma. This stems from the belief that during the whole year, the Murtis lose some Divinity from two possible factors: 1) Any Laxity by the Pujari in offering Devotional Worship. 2) The sheer volume of burden heaped at the Lotus-Feet of the Murtis by […]

Chicago IL: Award-winning Punjabi music icon and actor Gurdas Maan, considered one of the most notable figures in the world of Punjabi music, performed in Chicago on 21st July 2012, Saturday at Copernicus Center 5216 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60630. ‘Live2u’ presented the concert. Gurdas Maan, known to be the legend of Punjabi Folk music and Bhangra wooed the audience with his versatility. His rendition ranging from the foot tapping Bhangra to the serenading Punjab folk songs was indeed a musical delight for Chicago audiences. Live2u is an Entertainment Power house Specializing and Conceptualizing Live Shows, Concerts and Plays in USA and Canada featuring the most sought after Celebrities in the Indian and Pakistani Entertainment Circuit. A group of Young Enthusiastic personalities came together with over a decade of experience in providing World Class Quality Entertainment to Community comprising of Karl Karla and his team. With international hits like Dil Da Mamala and Apna Punjab Hove, and numerous successful albums to date, there is no question that Gurdas Maan is one of the most-respected and talented Punjabi music icons of all time. Having toured the globe and entertained audiences with his lively performances, Gurdas has taken Bhangra music from […]

Chicago IL: Indian Senior of Chicago Enjoys MahaRudra Abhishek with 121 Pandits in Maharishi Vedic City, IA. The atmosphere was surcharged with bliss and silence on Sunday, July 22 as 96 members of the Indian Senior Group of Chicago witnessed a MahaRudra Abhishek with 121 pandits in Maharishi Vedic City, IA. The pandits are among the 1000 pandits in Maharishi Vedic City who have been specially trained for the purpose of creating invincibility for the US and India. The historic visit was organized by CV Desai, (Treas. of Seniors Group), under the guidance of New Paradigm Tour Steering Committee Chairman Bhailal Patel, along with Narsibhai Patel (Pres.), Rasik Shah (VP) and Hirabhai Patel (Secy). Everyone enjoyed a most joyful event. Yash Desai commented, ““I was closing my eyes through the Maha Rudra Abhishek. I had the feeling of the Lord shining inside me and was crying with tears of joy.” Hema Shastri said, ““The MahaRudra Abhishek was excellent. It was my first time seeing 121 pandits. Even though I am a Brahmin, it was new and wonderful to me.” Usha R. Vakharia, MD remarked, “Yagya was very nice experience, especially here in USA, to hear so many pandits recite so […]

Chicago IL : Yeh Cheez Entertainment & Music Melody Entertainment presented, ‘Desi Summer Bash 2012 on Saturday, July 14th, from 7-00 pm onwards at The Meadows Club, 2950 W. Golf Road, Rolling Meadows, IL. The Night that was full of Fashion Shows, Dances, Music, Special Guests, Food and Fun!! An astounding evening was created to entertain the audience with an evening full of variety shows, singing, dancing and beautiful Fashion Shows Noman Khan, Shawn Khan & Tariqe Khan were Directors. Nishma, Annie, Purvin, Asra, Farah, Hiba Khan & Mr. Afghanistan World were Coordinators. Taj Sari Palace & Chandni Exclusive were instrumental in supplying dresses for Fashion Shows. Models were from Yeh Cheez group and Miss India Teen Illinois 1st. Runner-up, Miss India Illinois 2012, Miss India Teen, Miss United America, Miss Teen Canada International 2012. Makeup was by New Moon, Eve Beauty Salon & Tamim Pahilvan. Fahion Shows were by Chandni Exclusive and many more. The Meadows Club Convention and Banquets, Taaza2u.com-Barkat Food Company, Comcast, Hiba Khan-Makeup and Hair were leading Sponsors. Grand Sponsors were Mrs. & Mr. Chaudhary Munir Akhtar, Dr. Siraj ahmed & maharaja Restaurant (Happy Singh) over and above other sponsors include- Bombay grill(Masood Sheikh), Spice 7 […]

Chicago IL: The quest for spiritual happiness is a practical necessity, not a lofty ideal, says a Swami Mukundananda Ji who finished a seven-day residence Saturday, July 14 – at the Meadows Club, Rolling Meadows, IL Swami Mukundananda Ji is a spiritual leader whose lectures apply the ancient Vedas, or Hindu scriptures, to the challenges of 21st-century existence. He teaches audiences how to manage stress through yoga and meditation. “Spirituality is not removed from our mundane practical life,” he says. “If practiced for some time on a daily basis, it helps us in doing all the other activities throughout the day as well and provides us a true Path to Happiness. His program “Path to Happiness” ran from 11:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and 6 to 9 p.m. July 8 through 14. The series was a free and open to the public, but registration was required. Attended by at least 1500+ devotees through the 7 days, the program was a real treat for Body, Mind and Soul. Mr. Madan Kulkarni, chairman of the Meadows Club, says “I was so impressed with Swami ji, the way he communicated, the way he taught Vedic knowledge in practical life and […]