Category: Press releases

Schaumburg IL: Prominent members of the South Asian community came together on Sunday, March 4, 2012 at India House Catering & Banquets, located at 1521 West Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg, IL to offer their support at a Fund-Raiser for U.S. Congressional Candidate Raja Krishnamoorthi. 70 plus supporters of Raja joined in this gathering. There were many dignitaries present at this auspicious musical night which included Vijay Patel, Ramesh Raval, Dinesh Gandhi, Harendra Mangrola, Jitendra Diganvker, Dr Ram Gajjela, Narenbhai Patel, Beena Patel, Hasan Merchant, Sunil Shah, Nasir Jehangir, Ashish Sen, Babu Patel, Kanti Patel, Dr. Hardinder Khaira, Sudhir Patel, Anu Sikri, Needhi Gupta, Rinki Talati, Mridu Sekhar, Shefali Patel, Deep Patel, Manish Patel, Nishi Patel, Sema Patel, Umang Patel, Susan Daniel Patel, Jiya Patel, Vandana Jhingan from TV Asia, and Suresh Bodiwala from Asian Media USA The program started at 8 pm, Vandana Jhingan welcomed Raja and all invited guests. Mike Murray, Deputy Campaign Manager Raja for Congress showed Raja’s TV Ad and the following presentation: 8th District Voting Profile (Good News): There are 22,541 registered (they can vote) South Asians in the 8th District. 1,492 of these likely voters are South Asian, or 4.2% of the primary voting universe There […]

Chicago IL: Bluestar Mortgage (Bhupen Patel) & Manpasand(Bhavna Modi), presented Mumbai’s No. 1 Super Hit Comedy Drama, “Tu Che Lajawab” on Friday – March 2, 2012, at Swaminarayan Temple, 21W 710 Irving Park Road, Itasca IL. This being the first Gujarati play to come to Chicago in 2012 this laughter-riot was SOLD OUT. It was attended by 600 plus people despite the bad snowy weather. It was also attended by prominent community leaders. Bhavna Modi, the National and local promoter of the play who has always bought quality plays to USA was encouraged by the response. She reflected 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. Sarita Joshi has returned to USA after a decade. She is the incomparable Queen of Gujarati Theater and her performance, the applauses and the subsequent standing ovation proves the fact. Cast – Sarita Joshi, Shruti Gholap, Hemant Bhatt, Vikram Mehta, Jai Pandya, Ashwini, Ram Jambhale, Mehul Joshi & Bakul Thakkar. Produced by: Kaustubh Trivedi Directed by: Vipul Mchta Written by: Aslam Parvez, Nilesh Rupapara Sponsors: MedStar Laboratory Inc., New York Life, Merlin […]

Chicago, IL: Mahashivratri Sneh Milan was celebrated by World Spiritual Organization Brahma Kumaris on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at Waterford Banquet 933 S. Riverside Dr, Elmhurst, IL. A spiritual evening was enhanced by Devotional Songs and Ghazals by Sharad Gupta, a renowned singer from Bollywood, India. He also performed movie melodies both old and new, which made the whole atmosphere joyful. More than 700 plus devotees and their families enjoyed this special evening. About ten devotees hosted the event. Didi Mary was the Coordinator of Sneh Milan. Brahma Kumaris were established in USA in the year 1978. The National Head Quarters of Brahma Kumaris is at New York. Spreading Raja Yoga and godly knowledge this organization spreads knowledge and preaches free of charge through its 25 centers. There were many dignitaries present on this auspicious musical night which included Pritesh Gandhi, Hiral Gandhi, Narendrabhai Patel, Jatinbhai Patel, Vivek Bavda- a candidate for Congress in the upcoming election, Thakore Patel, Chandrika Patel, Hermil Patel, Jayant Thakker, Suryaben Thakker, Arvind Thakker, Indira Thakker, Rajnikant Modi, Sarla Modi, Manu Shah, Nalini Shah, Ramesh Dekhadawala, Rohini Dekhadawala, Nalin shah, Chandrika Shah, Kishore Chaugh, Pankaj Parikh, Hema Parikh, Kishore Rana, Sula Rana, Raja Krishnamurti, Dr.Umang […]

Chicago IL: Dulhania Bazaar Expo has done it again! An extravagant display of wedding canopies, colorful sarees, sparkling jewelry, tasty food samples and floral arrangements adorned the exhibits at the 2012 Dulhania Bazaar Expo. The event began at 11:00am and concluded at 5:00pm on Sunday, February 26, 2012 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel, located at 1551 North Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg IL. The Dulhania Bazaar originally debuted in Chicago. This was their 4th Annual South Asian Bridal Expo which was organized by Shy Khan, Prameet Bhargava, Hannya Janjua, and Ehreema Nadir. With more than 4000 attendees, 90 plus vendor booths, and 70 plus vendor companies, the expo was organized to meet the growing stylish tastes of the consumers. The Dulhania Bazaar Expo undoubtedly showcased the best wedding paraphernalia and event planning services in recent times. Invited dignitaries were: Mayor Al Larson, Mayor of Schaumburg, and Mr. Raja Krishnamurthy (candidate for US Congress 8th district). Nothing occupies the collective mindset of Indian Culture as the subject of wedding does. Come wedding season, if you aren’t getting married, then you’re probably attending a wedding! For all of us who want to be part of a very big wedding, Dulhania Bazaar Chicago […]

Rosemont, IL: The Lunar New Year is approaching on the Chinese calendar. Though based on the Chinese calendar, the lunar new year is also celebrated by the Vietnamese, Korean and Taiwanese and other Asian communities. The Thai American community of Chicago hosted the Asian American Coalition of Chicago’s 29th Annual Lunar New Year Celebration in grand style, pomp and pageantry on February 25, 2012, at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare, in Rosemont, Illinois. The theme of this year’s event was “It’s time”. More than 1000 people attended this mega event. A variety of South Asian dances were part of this colorful celebration. The Asian American Coalition of Chicago (AACC), was founded in 1984 and is represented by over 16 cultures including the Bangladeshi, Burmese, Cambodian, Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, Malaysian, Nepalese, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Thai and Vietnamese communities. The Asian American Festival helps to celebrate these rich heritages and diverse histories. AACC organizes and promotes equal opportunities in government, education, economic development, and international affairs in order to advance the integration of all Asian Americans into the mainstream of society. Every year a different Asian community takes turn playing host to the Lunar New Year gala. This year […]

Chicago, IL: Hari Om Mandir located at 6N020 Medinah Rd, Medinah, IL celebrated Mahashivratri with Vedic tradition on Monday, February 20th, 2012. Devotees started coming early morning. The Priests and Manager worked nonstop 24 hours to perform Rudra Abhishek Pooja for hundreds of devotees who visited the temple. Executive Board members Anil Saxena and Sneh Chowdhary spared their valuable time and helped in the organization of the Pooja during the day. Subhash Sharma led the Bhajan Mandli. Deepak & Mona Sharma, Vijay Ghai, Ajay Ghai and several other members joined him in singing Stuties, Shlokas and Shiv Dhun. Apart from Rudra Abhishek Pooja four other Poojas, Pratah, Brahmas, Pratah-Mdhyahn and Sandhya. Importance of participating in Pratah Puja makes the life happy of the participant, Brahma Puja makes the life pious, Pratah-Mdhyahn Puja is that whoever takes part sincerely, it carries no sin and Sandhya Puja relates to Sun and Moon and slowly gives fruit to the Lord Shiva devotees. Temple priests Pandit Dinesh ji, Shastri Yogesh ji and Manager Natwar Bhai along with volunteers Gurmeet Singh and Nikhil put in lot of efforts to decorate the temple for the occasion. Hardev Raj, Naveen Vyas, Nikhil, Mitesh Patel and lot of […]

Chicago, IL: Manav Seva Mandir located at 101 S. Church Road, Bensenville , IL celebrated Mahashivaratri with Vedic tradition on Sunday, February 19, 2012. 16 couple participated in Mahashivaratri Puja. This sacred evening was attended by over 800 devotees witness the special evening Puja ceremony. Two hrs long program was full of deviational activities such as Stuties, Shlokas and Shive Dhoon. Monday February 20, 2012 approximate 450 devotees visited to Manav Seva Mandir for Mahashivaratri puja. The Hindu festival of Mahashivaratri is celebrated on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of the Magh month, February 20th of this year and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Since the Shivalinga or lingam contains both Shiva and Shakti energy, it generates considerable heat. To prevent its adverse effects, an arrangement of a continuous flow of water is maintained on the lingam. The flowing stream of water is similar to an embodied soul in search of self-realization. If one chants continuously like the flowing stream of water; one eventually is able to progress beyond the barrier of time and attain God consciousness. In observance of Mahashivaratri, we encourage all Hindus to chant ‘Om Namah Shivay’ in an endeavour towards a closer spiritual union […]

Oakbrook IL: The Democratic Party of Dupage County, celebrated Presidents’ Day Gala 2012 with great enthusiasm on Saturday February 18, 2012, 6:00 PM, at 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, IL. More than 500 people were present at this grand event. Prominent Leaders from the Democratic Party who attended include Gov. Pat Quinn, Bill Foster, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Congressman Mike Quigley, Cook County Board President Tony Preckwinkle, Bob Peickert plus several State Senators and State Representatives and many of the congressional, state and local candidates. The Trustees and Executive Committee Members of the IADO, viz., Dr. Ram Gajjela (President), Dr. Ashish Sen (Vice President), Sainath Reddivari (Secretary), Peter Palaparthi (Joint Secretary), Lakshmi Lakshmanan (Treasurer), Dr. Mridu Sekhar (Joint Treasurer), Jitendra Diganvker (Directors) were joined by several prominent community leaders from Indian-Pakistani community, CIOGC representatives, Project M representative, AIPHA, Islamic Center of Western Suburbs and ICNA Chicago representatives. Sunil Shah (Founder President of FIA Chicago IL), Mayur Patel, and members of the media including Suresh Bodiwala Chairman of Asian Media USA. As the Master of Ceremony Bob Peickert, Chair, Democratic Party of DuPage County welcomed the guests and kept the audience spellbound with his wit and wisdom throughout the function. Bob Peickert is […]

Chicago IL: Indian American Medical Association Charitable Foundation Clinic welcomed dignitaries to their open house on Saturday, 18th of February at 2645 W Peterson Ave Chicago Il 60659 from 11:30 am to 1p.m. This afternoon was clearly a celebration of the two important Chicago philanthropist of Asian Indian origin. Mr Mafat Bhai Patel of Patel Brothers and Mr. Narenbhai Patel of Medstar labs. The first plaque was dedicated in honor of Chanchalben Mafatbhai Patel who exemplified her vision that now stands as her legacy- Patel Brothers Grocery stores. Today, her passion lives on in the heart of the hundreds of medical and non medical professionals who contribute to the IAMACF clinic. Their expertise helps patients in a priceless manner for short term, long term and crisis medical conditions. The second plaque was dedicated in honor of Medstar labs that has graciously sustained a full functioning lab at the clinic. The board and all its volunteers appreciate their support. Many family members of IAMACF Board members Mafatbhai,& Narenbhai were present. In addition IAMACF Board members, Kishore Chugh, Beena Patel, Kris Zala, Drs- Jitender Dassani, Rajesh Sharma, Rambha Radha Krishnan, Sudah Velamati, Sanjay Amin, Brij Malani and Usha Nimmangada, IAMA was represented […]

Chicago, IL: Kalapadma Dance Academy Chicago celebrated their 17th Annual day Event with students and their families, friends and prominent leaders of our community on Saturday, February 11, 2012 in Niles West High School Auditorium, 5701 Oakton Street, Skokie, IL . Students of Kalapadma, ranging in ages from 3 to 50 yrs, adorned in colorful costumes, dazzled the audience of about 600 art lovers of Greater Chicago land area. It was 3 hours of pure entertainment that consisted of Indian classical as well as folk, Gujarati and Hindi Bhajans, Bollywood, tribal and fusion dances which were presented by more than 105 students. Such a grand show was made available to the audience at no cost. Dr. Jayashree Raju was the Chief guest. Many other dignitaries and VIPs who graced the show were Mr. Narendra Patel, president and CEO of MedStar Labs, his wife Mrs. Sumitra Patel, Mr. and Mrs. Dixit, Beena Patel, Mr. and Mrs. Om and Usha Kamaria, Mr. Rohit Joshi, Mr. Raja Krishnamoorthy, and many other community leaders and business leaders. The event marked the sheer celebration of Indian heritage, culture, dance and music. The students, the Artistic Director, Ruth Varghese, the President, Santosh Varghese, and all those […]

Mount Prospect IL: Ten Shining Star Awards were presented as a highlight of Mount Prospect’s 19th annual Celestial Celebration held Saturday night, February 4, 2012 at Bristol Court Banquet Hall, 828 E. Rand Road, Mount Prospect, IL. Those Selected Are Positive Influences Within Community. All were honored with Shining Star awards for their good works in ten different categories. A large crowd of over 350 residents and guests enjoyed the tropical theme “Prom Night with the Stars” as they attended the gala affair sponsored by the Village’s Special Events Commission. Each year the Mount Prospect Special Events Commission honors individuals and organizations that help to make our community a great place in which to live and work. The Shining Star Awards are awarded on the basis of nomination by community leaders; by business people; by residents; and by men and women who work here, people interested in the community, people like you. A Shining Star is a person or organizations that has made a significant difference in the lives of others due to their commitment to a cause or to lift the burden from someone less fortunate and making Mt. Prospect a better community. The event was coordinated by Mount […]

Chicago, IL: Indian Dental Associations of Illinois (IDA of IL) celebrated Annual Dinner and Dance Event with members and their families, friends and prominent leader of our community on Saturday, February 4th, 2012 in the renowned Waterford Banquets, 933 S. Riverside Drive, Elmhurst, IL 60126. More than 200 people attended this event. The attendees especially women in their colorful dress and saris enjoyed a social hour of cocktails and appetizers with friends and colleagues. There were number of Labs and Surgical Implant Companies, Access Health Clinics and Accountants and Dental Specialists and Dental companies who sponsored for this event. There was also opportunity to stop at about twenty sponsors’ tables and learn about their specials and obtain free samples and prices. There was special arrangement to obtain a portraits by a professional photographer. Following the social hour, doors to the grand ball room were open to welcome the crowd A welcome address for the guests by secretaries Dr. Raj Puri and Dr. Zishan Bader followed. The sponsors were recognized at this time. A brief description of the sponsor’s products and services was presented. The president Dr. Imaad Shaikh spoke about the achievements of the IDA of IL under his leadership […]

Chicago IL: Federation of Indian Associations, Chicago, successfully hosted 63rd Indian Republic Day celebration and banquet dinner at Waterford Banquet in Elmhurst, IL on January 29, 2012. This colorful event was attended by around 400 people including prominent state government representative, political candidates and community leaders. The prominent personalities who attended the event are Illinois State Treasurer Dan Rutherford, State Senator Kirk Dillard, candidate for State Representative Michelle Mussman, Candidate for U.S. Congress Raja Krishnamoorthy, Judge Ketki Steffen, Elmhurst Mayor Peter DiCianni, Hanover Park Mayor Rodney Craig, Dupage County Circuit Court Clerk Chris Kachiroubas, Candidate for U.S. Congress Farah Baqai, Judge Aurelia Pucinski and Candidate for State Representative William R Adams. Emcee for the gala event was Sanjeev Singh . The evening began with American national anthem sung by sole American Idol contestant from local Indian American community Ms. Ashika Sachdev followed by Indian national anthem by Shreelekha Mohanty. In continuation of long cherished tradition, program formally began by lamp lighting ceremony. During the lamp lighting the entire board of FIA including Founder of FIA Chicago IL and Former President Sunil Shah, current President Onkar Singh Sangha, Executive Vice President Rita Singh, Vice Presidents Monty Syed, Dhitu Bhagwakar, JB Singha, […]

Chicago IL: The 2012 Sankranthi and Republic Day cultural event organized by the Tri State Telugu Association (TTA), Chicago, on the 28th of January 2012, under the auspices of the TTA Board of Directors, was a feast to the eyes and kept the audience glued to the seats from start to the end. The spirit of Sankranthi and patriotism was brought forth in vibrant colors with the cultural program. TTA victoriously celebrated Sankranthi with an event that presented a multi talented, multi faceted cultural program of skits, fashion show, music and dance. The Samarathi Auditorium at the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago (HTGC), Lemont, was packed with art lovers. An amazing performance by the local talent with a spectrum of flavors ranging from Classical to semi-classical dances, theme based productions on ’ New beginnings’, ‘Sankranthi and Republic Day’, as well as movie dances kept the crowds mesmerized the entire duration. The cultural show started on time with a beautiful rendition of ‘Gananayakaya’ by about 35 students of Smt.Vasanthi Iyer. This was followed by an excellent recitation of the sanskrit slokas ‘Suryashtakam’, signifying Rathasapthami, by students of Dr.Hemalatha Burra, the renowned Sanskrit Professor, Retired Principal from Sri Sathya Sai University in […]

Chicago IL: Federation of Indian Associations-Chicago [FIA] hosted a colorful 63rd India Republic Day Gala that showcased heightened patriotic fervor and nationalism by the packed enthusiastic guests at the Meadows Club Convention Center in Rolling Meadows, Illinois on Friday, January 27, 2012. The India Republic Gala was set in motion with a string of colorful bhangra, garbo, patriotic, bollywood and american-jazz dance presentations by a group of talented youngsters which was preceded by a grand ‘sankranthi’ dance presentation from a group of young girls with colorful traditional costumes representing Telugu Association of Greater Chicago [TAGC] which set the tone for a grand festive evening. The evening festivities were presided over jointly by FIA President Satish ‘Sunny’ Gabhawala and Trustee’s Chairman Iftekhar Shareef. Chief Guest Hon. Toni Preckwinkle, President of Cook County, in her remarks, extended warm India Republic Day greetings and hailed India as a great democracy and commended its people for ushering remarkable progress in all fields. Cook County President Preckwinkle took the opportunity to push the candidacy of Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democratic candidate for the 8th congressional district characterizing him as the best choice by Indian American community to get Indian presence in the US Congress President Satish […]

Chicago, IL: Honorable Consul General Mrs. Mukta Tomar celebrated 63rd Republic Day On Thursday, January 26, 2012 with leading Chicago-land entrepreneurs and citizens to honor the sacrifices our freedom fighters have fought and to remember the work of our Founding Fathers, for giving to us a country where our dignity and individual freedom is assured. She also extended her warmest greetings to all across the country and also to those living abroad. Indian Consulate located in the heart of downtown at 455 North City front Plaza Drive, Suite No.850, NBC Tower Building, Chicago, IL. As usual guests gathered from citywide to celebrate India’s 63rd Republic Day. Mrs. Mukta Dutta Tomar implicit charge at the Consulate of India in Chicago in August 2010. Prior to this she served as a Deputy High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh. She also served in Indian Embassies across the world including in cities such as New York, Paris, Yangon, Kathmandu, and Madrid. The event began at 10am as the Honorable Consul General saluted the Indian Flag as she held the rope to release the Indian Flag called “Dhhwaj Vandan” to respect and honor the Indian Flag followed by singing an Indian National Anthem. She also […]

Chicago IL: Telugu Association of Greater Chicago celebrated the harvest festival of India, “Sankranti” with a spectacular cultural program on January 21st, 2012 at the Rama Temple auditorium, in Lemont, IL. Over 800 people were in attendance at this grand event, which was meticulously organized by the executive committee members of the association. Telugu Association of Greater Chicago (TAGC) is a non-profit organization devoted to the awareness and promotion of Telugu Heritage and Culture in the mid-west region headquartered in Chicago. The Association was originally founded in 1971 and incorporated as a non-profit organization by the year 1978. What was once a brain child of small group of individuals, TAGC has grown to be one of the oldest and largest Indo-American organizations in the United States. TAGC celebrates and organizes various Telugu festivals annually and encourages participation by members and well wishers at these events. As a part of Telugu culture promotion, TAGC organizes three festivals every year: Sankranti, Ugadi and Deepavali in addition to hosting an annual picnic in summer. TAGC Membership is open to all who have common interests. TAGC programs are also open to non-members who will be required to pay a small entry fee. As a […]

Chicago IL: Sri Venkateswara Swamy (Balaji) Temple, Aurora, Illinois observed Tyagaraja Aradhana on Saturday, January 21; this was the 23rd year of this event at the temple. On the Indian (Hindu) calendar Pushya Bahula Panchami marks the day Carnatic music’s Saint-Composer Tyagaraja attained Samadhi in the year 1847 at Tiruvaiyaru in Tamil Nadu, India. Accordingly, devotees of Carnatic music and Saint Tyagaraja all over the world observe the Aradhana around this time. On Saturday about a hundred and forty people performed Saint Tyagaraja’s Kritis in programs that lasted about eight hours. Balaji temple follows its own unique tradition of the Aradhana. The program started promptly at 11 AM with Sita Rama Kalyanam. At appropriate points during the Kalyanam, a group of seven children rendered four Utsava Sampradaya Kritis (USK) of the Saint – Shobhaane (Pantuvarali), Nagumomu galavani (Madhyamavati), Kouvai unnaade (Devagandhari) and Sita Kalyana Vaibhogame (Kurinji). These haunting melodies elevated the Sita Kalyanam to a delightful marriage of music and ritual. After the Sita Kalyanam, the program continued at the Sannidhi, as done in Tiruvaiyaru, with Chelulara (Kharaharapriya) performed by a violin-led group, followed by Guruleka (Gouri manohari) violin solo. The Pancharatna Kriti group was next, in which about fifty […]

Chicago, IL: Manav Seva Mandir located at 101 S. Church Road, Bensenville , IL celebrated Makar Sankranti by performing Nav Grah Puja on Saturday, January 14, 2012. More than 25 couple participated in Nav Grah Puja which started at 5:30 PM. This sacred evening was attended by over 400 devotees witness the special evening Puja ceremony. Donation for performing Puja was $51.00 per family. We need the blessings of the all nine planets known as Navagraha’s to have a life that is free from various types of problems that may trouble us from time to time. Navgraha The nine (nava) major celestial bodies (Grahas) of Hindu astronomy. These celestial bodies are Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Chevvaai/Mangal (Mars), Budhan (Mercury), Guru/Brihaspati (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu (North Lunar Node) and Ketu (South Lunar Node). What is Navgraha Shanti Puja? The nine “grahas” or planets in our horoscope influences one’s daily performance which influences one’s future performance or karma, desires and ultimate outcomes. Each of these nine planets exerts positive and/or negative influence in our lives, which is called “dasa” and it can be predicted by expert called Jyotish from one’s horoscope. Navagraha Shanti Puja is undertaken to reduce the negative […]

Chicago IL: Janvi was granted her angel wings on January 14, 2012 following a brief illness. Makar Sankranti is a major harvest festival and consider to be divine day for Hindu culture. Her final days were spent surrounded by family and friends. Janvi had touched so many in some small way throughout her short, yet very memorable, life. Janvi’s life would seem too short to many; however, those who came in touch by her understood that the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives. Her gentle smile could melt the hearts of those around her. Though she never spoke a word her voice and thoughts could always be heard. Janvi was born on September 26th 2001 with a rare genetic disorder resulting in mental and physical handicap since birth. This made her appear frail. Despite these obstacles, she possessed strength, perseverance, and an ability to overcome incredible odds. Sweet, funny, friendly, spunky…these are but a few words that come to mind when we think about Janvi. Janvi, with her chubby cheeks, pigtails, endearing personality and beautiful eyes, immediately won everyone’s hearts. With her courage she led us to believe that each day is a […]