Category: Press releases

Chicago IL: The Federation of Indian Associations-Chicago (FIA) hosted a festive gala banquet in celebration of the India Republic Day that was enhanced by the spirit of patriotism of the Indian Americans filled to the capacity at the Meadows Club in Rolling Meadows, IL to united celebrate the 66th year of the India’s sovereign democratic republic. Buoyed by the sizeable attendance, the fervor of the evening’s Republic celebrations was further augmented with the dazzling dance presentations, melodious musical selections with the entire event enveloped in a festive Indian spirit. After the lighting of the lamp, Honorable Bill Foster represents Illinois’ 11th Congressional District set the tone for the evening by commending India’s republic and India’s abiding commitment to a democratic way of life. Congressman congratulated FIA leaders for hosting a commendable event to mark this significant date in Indian democratic history. Keerthi Kumar Ravoori, FIA’s outgoing president in his remarks eloquently praised India’s triumphant journey of 66years and its enduring spirit of democracy and recalled the golden moments in history when India attained freedom and that which culminated into a sovereign democratic republic of India with constitution to guide its destiny. Keerthi Kulmar Ravoori generously thanked the guests, board members […]

Chicago IL: The Maharudram Committee of The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago, Lemont, IL organized the grand inauguration ceremony of the prelude series titled “Rudra: Who Really is He?” on Saturday Jan 31, 2015. The function was attended by over 700 people and the Sama Rathi Auditorium in the Temple was fully packed. The overflow crowd watched the program live on an overhead display in the Gupta Hall at the Temple. This is the prelude program to the main event “Maharudram and Navachandi Mahayagnam” coming up later this year in June. The prelude is comprised of a series of enlightening discourses and cultural presentations bringing out the spiritual symbolism of Mahayagnas and their contribution to universal peace, welfare and prosperity. The program started sharply at 5:45 PM with a prayer to Lord Ganesha by Sri Vengatesa Sivachariyar, distinguished priest of the temple. Revered Swamiji Ishatmananda, senior monk of Sri Ramakrishna order and Minister In-charge, Vivekananda Vedanta Society of Chicago, and the Honorable Consul General of India, Dr. Ausuf Sayeed, were welcomed to the stage and honored with garlands by Sri Lakshman Agadi, Chairman of Maharudram committee and Sri Bhima Reddy, President of HTGC. The keynote speaker of the evening, Swamiji […]

Chicago, IL: Lohri festival was celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm at American Business Community of Desis (ABCD) on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at Cascade Banquets, 800 West Irving Park Road, Bensenville, IL. More than 200 people attended the function. The weather during the day didn’t deter excitement the members of ABCD. Lohri was celebrated with traditional bonfire, tappes, and songs suitable for the occasion. ABCD members witnessed a lively night of blazing bonfire. The purpose of this festivity was to celebrate Lohri and launch ABCD to help the Indian Business Community promote their business. Lohri function has been celebrated in the North India in winter in the month of January. Families get together around bonfire to celebrate Lohri of the new born & newly married and eat foods such as dates, peanuts, bhuga (traditional India sweet and made of milk products) good for health during the winter season. Since peoples in the North have migrated to other parts of India and abroad, therefore Lohri festival is celebrated throughout India and even in the foreign lands. Many people believe the festival commemorates the passing of the winter solstice as Lohri was originally celebrated on winter solstice day, being the shortest […]

Chicago IL: Honorable Consul General Ausaf Sayeed celebrated India’s 66th Republic Day On Monday, January 26, 2015 with leading Chicago-land entrepreneurs and citizens to honor the sacrifices our freedom fighters have made and to remember the work of our Founding Fathers, for giving to us a country where our dignity and individual freedom is assured. He also extended his warmest greetings to all across the country and also to those living abroad. Indian Consulate is located in the heart of downtown at 455 North City front Plaza Drive, Suite No.850, NBC Tower Building, Chicago, IL. The event began at 10 am as the Honorable Consul General saluted the Indian Flag as he held the rope to release the Indian Flag called “Dhhwaj Vandan” to respect and honor the Indian Flag, followed by singing of Indian National Anthem. He also recited the speech given by honorable President of India, Pranab Kumar Mukherji on the eve of Republic day on 25th January, 2015 in India. While addressing the countrymen, the President also notably recognized the contribution of the Indians living abroad. He covered every aspect of India and Indians who are actively engaged in the progress of the country, their achievements, their […]

Lemont, IL: Telugu Association of Greater Chicago (TAGC) celebrates Sankranthi & Republic Day on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago, 10915 Lemont Rd, Lemont, IL. TAGC is celebrating its 44th year of service and dedication to the Chicago and surrounding areas. The event was attended by over 1000 guests from in and around the Chicago area. Bhogi-Sankranthi is the annual festival celebrating the successful harvest. It is celebrated pompously in the southern part of India. The evening was filled with activities for both the young and old alike. This years’ President, Executive Committee and members of the Chicago Area Telugu Seniors (CATS) of TAGC inaugurated the event by lighting the lamp and welcoming the guests. Over 200 children took part in the cultural programs. The programs ranged from prayer songs to patriotic songs; traditional dances to Bollywood dances, from skits depicting Lord Krishna to dances enacting the entire Ramayana and invoking the Panchabhootams (Five elements) was showcased. Many cultural programs presented as part of the event. Some of highlights of the cultural program were several songs, dances and skit sequences presented by children of the Chicagoland area which constituted Bhagavatham, Ramayanam, events signifying Bhogi and […]

Chicago IL: The 2015 Sankranthi and Republic Day cultural event organized by the Tri State Telugu Association (TTA), Chicago, on the 24th of January 2015, 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 a 7 hour cultural program with more than 320+ performers participating in the event. TTA victoriously celebrated Sankranthi with an event that presented a multi- talented, multi-faceted cultural program of thematic presentations, fashion show, music and dance. The Sama Rathi Auditorium at the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago (HTGC), Lemont, IL was jam packed with proud TTA members and community at large. It was an evening filled with mélange of various styles of Indian classical and modern art forms by local talented children and adults alike. Marking the tradition of Sankranthi and Bhogi the TTA board organized “Bhogi Pallu”, a special ritual performed on the day of Bhogi where 45 little children dressed in colorful clothes are given Aarthi and Bhogi pallu (a special mixture of berries, flower and rice are showered on the […]

Medinah, IL: This year also The festival of Lohri was celebrated with great fanfare at Hari Om Mandir located at 6 North 20 Medinah Road, Medinah, IL on Tuesday, January 13, 2015. As usual attendance was house full. The weather during the day didn’t deter excitement of the devotees. The devotees witnessed a lively night of blazing bonfire. Lohri was celebrated with traditional food of Saag (mustard) and Makki (corn) ki roti and lassi (buttermilk), bonfire, tappes, and songs suitable for the occasion. Lohri was distinguished to honor the day of harvesting crop. The time was considered very auspicious and special to a farmer as it rewarded him of his toil all the year round A week before the Lohri preparations started including decorating the Mandir. A nicely decorated Punjabi Beda (Village) was created by Aarty Singla and team giving the real feeling of being in a Punjabi pind. It was decorated with Chullah, Charkha (Spinning wheel), fresh vegetables, and sugar canes and many small decorative items creating a Punjabi village atmosphere. Lohri is also one of the most celebrated harvest festival in Punjab. It is the time for people to thank God for his kindness and for a plentiful […]

Chicago IL: Hari Om Mandir celebrated the New Year 2015 with 24 hours Akhand Ramayan Path. At 11.55pm on 31st Dec. the Ram Dhun was chanted by all the devotees present in the hall in full enthusiasm to say goodbye to 2014 and to welcome the New Year 2015. At midnight all the devotees greeted each other and sweets were distributed to all as Prasad by temple priest. We experienced an unprecedented number of devotees who visited the temple and celebrated the New Year with the bhog of Akhand Ramayan Path. As usual Mr. Subhash Sharma took the responsibility of the 24 hours Akhand Ramayan Path. The sponsors were Subhash and Kiran Sharma and Salwan family. Hari Om Parivar extends its best wishes for the prosperous, peaceful, healthy, happy and successful New Year – 2015 to everyone in the community. In the congregation, BOT Chairman Mr. Ayodhia Salwan announced the name of the new president Mr. Indrajit Sarkar who is re-elected this year also. He welcomed him saying, “Mr. Sarkar is a very devoted and hardworking President. He continuously brings new ideas and conducts great programs for the benefit of all devotees.” Mr. Sarkar said “I feel blessed and consider […]

Chicago IL: Live2U organized a splendid New Year’s Eve celebration on Wednesday, December 31, 2014 at Meadows Club, 2950 W Golf Road, Rolling Meadows, IL. This event consisted of Bollywood star, Bollywood Comedian, 90 items Cruise Style Food, Open Premium Bar, VVIP and VIP sprawl, DJ by Sohbash Khan, elegant stage decorations, Special Light effects, Excellent sound system and a Special Meadows Club Grand Ballroom Layout for the Best Party Ever. Over all the party had the best of music, entertainment, food and beverages and a midnight champagne toast, which attracted audience from all over the Midwest to enjoy this one of a kind show in Chicago to ring in 2015. Though there were many New Year’s Eve Parties organized all over Chicago land area however Live2U has proved again that when it comes to New Year’s Eve Party in Chicago land area they are the best in town. Live 2U is an Entertainment Power House Specializing and Conceptualizing Live Shows and Concerts, Plays in USA and Canada featuring the most sought after Celebrities in the Indian and Pakistani Entertainment Industry, one that is vibrant and full of life. Live2U and India House joined together to organize this New Year […]

Chicago IL: Ushering the New Year Chicago Style was the highlight of the spectacular New Year bash with Charitable mission as its central focus to help the victims ravaged by HudHud cyclone in Andhra Pradesh, a breathtaking New Year 2015 Bash was unveiled with an eclectic display of music, singing and dance performances augmented by a lavish spread of food as overflowing guests gathered in the Grand Ballroom of the Sheraton Hotel, 3000 Warrenville Rd, Lisle, IL on December 31, 2014 lasting into the wee hours of the New Year day. A large turnout of 600 + party revelers joined this beautiful celebration with family and friends to welcome 2015. This large bash was hosted by Dr Ram Gajjela under the aegis of CDM & HR Group, Nature Resource. He acknowledged the hard work of Ms. Chandini Duvvuri, President, Events Unlimited who was in-charge of the overall Organizing, Décor Design and coordination of this spectacular event. The Core Event team includes Jitendra Diganvker, Noman Khan, Harsha Reddy & Azha syed. Dr. Ram Gajjela, the principal host who is Chicago’s renowned health-care industry figure. In his remarks outlining the primary objective said that the New Year event was hosted with the […]

Elmhurst IL: Ushering the New Year Chicago Style was the highlight of the spectacular New Year bash organized by Ocean Breeze Entertainment. The event was held at Waterford Banquet hall located at 933 South Riverside Drive in Elmhurst, IL on Wednesday, Dec 31st 2014. Despite the bitter cold weather 500 people of party revelers joined this beautiful celebration with family and friends to welcome 2015. The New Year party at Waterford banquet is one of the most talked about event of 31st December 2014. There was open bar from the beginning to end of the party serving premium liquors and cocktails. There cannot be a good India type festivity without excellent food. For that over 300 feet Buffet was provided by India house. This included 10 appetizers, 12 Sweet Desserts and more than 70 different mouth watering international items followed by verity of deserts including attractively arranged fruits. The International varieties tables included Punjabi, Chinese, Rajwadi Gujrati, Khaman Dhokla, Royal Darbar and Fusion India dishes along with fountain of Mango and Chikoo Lassi. Poonam Bhatia rocked the stage right from the word go! She started off with all the 2014 Bollywood chart busters like baby doll, nagada sang Dhol baje, […]

Chicago IL: Hari Om Mandir celebrated the New Year 2015 with 24 hours Akhand Ramayan Path. At 11.55pm on 31st Dec. the Ram Dhun was chanted by all the devotees present in the hall in full enthusiasm to say goodbye to 2014 and to welcome the New Year 2015. At midnight all the devotees greeted each other and sweets were distributed to all as Prasad by temple priest. We experienced an unprecedented number of devotees who visited the temple and celebrated the New Year with the bhog of Akhand Ramayan Path. As usual Mr. Subhash Sharma took the responsibility of the 24 hours Akhand Ramayan Path. The sponsors were Subhash and Kiran Sharma and Salwan family. Hari Om Parivar extends its best wishes for the prosperous, peaceful, healthy, happy and successful New Year – 2015 to everyone in the community. In the congregation, BOT Chairman Mr. Ayodhia Salwan announced the name of the new president Mr. Indrajit Sarkar who is re-elected this year also. He welcomed him saying, “Mr. Sarkar is a very devoted and hardworking President. He continuously brings new ideas and conducts great programs for the benefit of all devotees.” Mr. Sarkar said “I feel blessed and consider […]

Chicago IL: The New Year Eve event at Ashyana Banquets presented by the Indian Event Management (IEM) team was once again a roaring success. Clearly, the banquet hall was charged up with the amazing intensity of folks wanting to see the beautiful Bollywood actress, Anjana Sukhani of Salam-e-Ishq fame along with the other attractions such as the Samba dance performance. The IEM team has been making its name in the Entertainment Industry by first launching ‘Chicago Indian Icon’; then presenting the ‘Bappi Lahiri’ concert and now adding another feather to their cap by this sensational show for 2015 NYE. The five members of the IEM namely , Brij Sharma (President), Pratibha Jairath (Vice President), Sharan Walia (Director of Planning and Management), Raju Bankapur (Director of Entertainment and Execution), Anoop Walia (Director of Public Relations and Business Services) were pleased to announce the Full House show. The hall echoed with excitement and applauded when Ms. Anjana Sukhani walked down the beautiful stairs …All eyes were on her…She greeted the audience as she walked up to the stage for a Charismatic retro medley with professional dancers from Sonia Dance Rhythm Academy and the Chicago ADAA dancers. The event was Grand sponsored by […]

Chicago IL: Beautiful strains of melodious carols, euphonic musical presentations, colorful dances, message centric skits and inspiring sermon marked the spectacular Christmas Party organized by Willow Creek Community Church (WCCC), on Friday, December 19, 2014 at 67 East Algonquin Road, South Barrington, IL. The attendees ranged from toddlers to seniors and were dressed in vibrant and colorful Indian attire. Despite adverse weather over 4750 joined the Christmas ceremony in the main auditorium and 1300 plus in Indian-Style Christmas Party after the service. The purpose was to organize the largest Indian Christmas celebration. This luminous festive event had a sizeable attendance of Christian families complemented by the presence of representatives from the Asian communities, thus making a grand inter-faith and inter-denominational Christmas celebration. Every year 60,000+ people in the Chicago area experience this Christmas tradition over the 6 days leading up to Christmas at Willow Creek Community Church (WCCC). Saray Rodriguez was the coordinator of the event. The program was highly successful with the active support of the Executive Committee of Section 102F, WCC church members and volunteers. The highlights of the Christmas extravaganza was the Indian-Style Christmas Party which was full of entertainment such as live traditional Indian Christmas music, […]

Chicago IL: The holy celebrations become even more joyful when we feel the divine blessings being showered. It turned out to be a pleasant miracle in the middle of December month in Chicago when we had a 50-degree weekend for the holy event of Hanuman Ji Moorti Sthapna. A vast number of devotees have been praying dedicatedly for many months for this day. Devotees of Hanuman Mandir had a pooja for Bhoomi Shudhi on December 14, 2013. Ground breaking pooja was done in April 2014. Hanumanji arrived in Chicago in July 17th with the help of Chamu & Sampath Ramesh and He reached on Mandir ground on August 14, 2014 and resided in a 70-foot top container. He was visited everyday by his devotees and Pooja prayers were performed with Kumkum flowers, dhoop Deep, Prasad & Hanuman Chalisa chanting (even during very cold weather) until Asthan was constructed. On December 9, 2014, Priest Nagendra Rao performed special Pooja from 6:00 A.M. to 9:00 A.M. for Murtisthan with special prayers to make Holy Assan for Hanuman ji. The Sthapna procedure started with prayers on Dec. 12, 2014, to bring out beloved Hanuman ji’s Moorti from its strong shipment container. It was […]

Chicago IL: Beautiful strains of melodious Carols, euphonic musical presentations, colorful dances, message centric skits and inspiring sermon marked the grand Christmas Banquet organized by United Christian Cultural Association [UCCA] at the Bristol Court Palace in Mount Prospect, Illinois on Saturday, December 13, 2014. This luminous festive event had a sizeable attendance of the gathering of Christian families complemented by the presence of representatives from the Hindu, Muslim and Sikh communities — thus implicitly making a grand inter-faith and inter-denominational Christmas celebrations. Chief Guest Consul General Dr. Ausaf Sayeed – in his remarks – sincerely expressed his thanks and appreciation to the organizers for inviting him and added that he always looked forward to the Christmas celebrations with a sense of anticipation year after year. Consul General outlined the role of Christians in building the modern India and how a small minority of Christian population made notably significant contributions especially in the field of imparting quality education students and providing health care services. Consul General also recalled his schooling days at Catholic school and how he is familiar with the values and tenants of Christianity and how he regards them. Following his remarks, Consul General Dr. Sayeed gave away Community […]

Chicago IL: Harish Bhatt, president of the renowned Association of Indian Pharmacists in America (AIPHA), hosted AIPhA’s exciting Annual Diwali Party on Saturday, December 13, 2014 in the Sheraton Lisle, 3000 Warrenville Road, Lisle IL to celebrate the upcoming holiday season with members and their families. AIPHA also took the opportunity to discuss the progress and outlook of the pivotal group to the over 400 guests in attendance. Harish Bhatt was the Coordinators of the event. The program was highly successful with the active support of the Executive Board, AIPHA members and volunteers. The Banquet was attended by dignitaries including Tim Schneider Chairman Illinois Republican party, Dr Yash Amin Director of drug compliance state of Illinois, Fernando Grillo Former Secretary of Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, John Lagattuta Director of Human Resources and Labor relations, Nimesh Jani Elected Trustee of Schaumburg Township, Ryan Higgins Republican Committeeman for Schaumburg Township, Jake Miller Our lobbyist for Pharmacy Association, Aarti Parikh Drug Compliance Investigator, Steve Lawrence Cardinal Drugs and Bill Bodin HD Smith drugs HD Smith drugs and Dale Smith as today they complete 60 years in business. The event will start with the social hour at 6:00 PM where the guests […]

Please join us in expressing our deepest condolences due to the sad demise of our beloved Naren Patel, President & CEO of Medstar laboratory. Narenbhai passed away, on Monday, December 15, 2014, at about 4:36 pm in Chicago. Narenbhai will live for years to come within our hearts. May his soul rest in peace…. Narenbhai always believed in “Simple living and high thinking”. He lived a joyful and fulfilling life. While he was a successful and accomplished businessman, he remained involved in community advocacy and humanitarian work. He believed in “giving back” to the communities, especially to those families who are less fortunate. He had a strong faith in the youth of India and believed that our younger generation must participate in our culture and heritage. Narenbhai resided with his wife Sumitra. They have two sons, Neal and Raj. Neal is the Executive Vice President of Business Development, his younger brother Raj, is the Executive Vice President of Operations. Neal is married to Sonal, and they have two children, Nishal (17) and Shriya (10). Raj is married to Nisha, and they have two sons, Ronak (10) and Raveen (7). A true family man, Naren Patel was close to his sister, […]

Chicago IL: Indian Christian Federation of Midwest (ACF) celebrates Spectacular Christmas Party on Saturday, December 6, 2014 at Levy Center, 300 Dodge Ave, Evanston, IL. This was the first time such an event was held in Chicago by ACF. The attendees ranged from toddlers to seniors and were dressed in vibrant and colorful Indian attire. Despite adverse weather; Over 300 members joined the celebration of Christmas Party. Babu Varma and Clerin Parmar was the Coordinator of event. The program was highly successful with the active support of the Board of the Directors, Advisory Board, volunteers and various churches. The Banquet was attended by dignitaries including Rev. Timothy Rathod, Rev. Dr. John Rathod from Emmanuel United Methodist Church. Rev. Walter Christian, Shailesh Alendry, Irene Christian, Vivek Solanki, Shailesh Christian, Vidhyaben Christian and Ruthben Vyas from Gujarati Christian Fellowship of Naperville and members from Bolingbrook, Gujarati fellowship. Other community representatives Sher Rajput, Vergesh Chako, Mujeeb Ahmed, Vijender Doma, Sunil Shah attended the event. The program start right on time at 6:30 pm. Rev Timothy Rathod performed a prayer followed by dinner served. Delicious dinner, yummy chicken Biriyani, Chicken Chapli Kabob, Testy Begun Bartua, 4 kinds of different Naan, Salad and 3 different […]

Chicago IL: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (Guruji), a Global Humanitarian and the founder of the Art of living foundation, was in Chicago on Oct 23 to 26, 2014 to conduct a happiness program for the people of Chicago. This event was at Hilton Chicago, 720 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL. For the auspicious occasion of Diwali, there was also Lakshmi Pooja on Oct 24, 2014 – 7 PM onwards, at Hilton Chicago.. The Pooja was open to all and free of charge. It was performed amidst cheering of thousands of people present. Attendance at the event was house full. There were many dignitaries present from all different professions such as Political, Entertainment, Education, Business, Medical, IT (Information Technology), along with prominent Community Leaders. Extremely good news was lots of students from university and second generation of USA born youngsters also attendance this event. Acharya Rohit Joshi, of Northeastern Illinois University, a Community Leader and a Hindu Priest who also performed religious Pooja accomplished the Lakshmi Pooja in rituals manner, who greeted Guruji and said he had good fortune of doing pooja with a legendary Guru- men behind Art of Living and his followers. He also mentioned that students, staff and […]