Month: March 2018

Chicago, IL: The Federation of Indian Associations Chicago (FIA) celebrated India’s 69th Republic Day by holding a Community Event at Shree Swaminarayan Temple, Itasca Illinois on Sunday, Jan 28 2018. The event comprised of a blood Donation drive, a Health and Wellness Camp, Information on Medicare and Medicaid benefits, Information and advice on Taxation, College counselling, and Passport and Visa help. The event attracted more than one thousand people from the community who took advantage of the various services offered. The Blood Collection Drive was conducted by Heartland Blood Centers. The Health and Wellness Camp saw more than 25 doctors in attendance comprising of dentists, Internal Medicine, Orthopedic, Optometric, Cardiologist, Chiropractors, Urologists, Physiotherapists and Podiatrist taking care of people, around 325 people had their blood and other vitals checked, and more than 55  had an on the spot EKG taken for their heart issues, while others went on to see other doctors with their general and specific health issues starting rom dental issues, general and specific health issues, orthopedic issues, heart issues not to forget muscle and joint issues. There were booths with experts and counselors giving people advice on Medicare and Medicaid, in home help for seniors, taxation advice, and […]

Chicago IL: Right after a vibrant Lohri, Hari Om Mandir buzzed with activity once again on the 28th of Jan, 2018 to celebrate three Functions together, namely: Basant Panchami, Saraswati Pooja & the Republic Day of India. The temple was once again beautifully decorated to highlight the three different themes and keep up the spirit of each Festival. Yellow, the color of Basant, was seen to dominate…Yellow flowers, the people dressed in Yellow, Yellow Food served as Prasad & Langar, the Deities adorned in Yellow etc etc. The walls were also decorated with kites flying high, to revive old memories from back home, when Kite Flying Competitions were held on Basant. The Indian Tricolor and the American Flag were also displayed with Pride to commemorate the 69th Republic Day of India. This Day is also considered to be the auspicious day for Maa Saraswati – the Goddess of Wisdom, Learning & Knowledge. In order to bless all the children, a special Saraswati Pooja was organized by the Temple Management. Our two learned Priests, PtRaghubir Dave and PtDharmendra Brahmbhatt, recited Shlokas and sang Vandana in praise of Maa Saraswati, and prayed to the Goddess of Learning to bless ALL the children with […]

Chicago, IL: Diversified South Asian Association (DSAA), a not for profit organization founded by Amit Vatal and co-founded by Shabana Rahman, Shafee Baig and Meliha Vatal organized its official launch on January 27 at Bristol Palace, Mount Prospect, IL. DSAA has been founded on the belief that every child has the basic right to education, nutrition, love and care.  DSAA started with a common dream shared by its core team members, a common dream of the upliftment and nurture of all the children of human kind. “We at DSAA firmly believe that each child has the potential to becoming a responsible part of society and can make a difference in their own lives, their families and it starts with making the difference with one child at a time”, said Amit Vatal, President DSAA. DSAA, through its efforts wishes to create opportunities for children to have a bright, healthy and safe future and help every child live a happy, healthy, disease -free, full of nutrition life and encompassing physical and emotion well-being. It aims to focus on providing opportunities for education and skill development to kids, aide in providing them food and nutritious diet, arranging medical Camps and other related activities. The […]

Chicago IL: Federation of Indian Associations [FIA] Chicago hosted a grand Indian Republic Day Gala replete with colorful celebrations encompassing traditional, patriotic and stunning contemporary dance presentations remarkably depicting the beautiful majestic elements and soul of India that which was enhanced further by the presence of Consul General of India Neeta Bhushan, legendary Sarod maestro & Padma Vibhushan Sri. Amjad Ali Khan along with wife Subhalakshmi and sons Amaan Ali Bangash, Ayaan Ali Bangash – all fused into an extraordinarily memorable Republic Day celebrations on Friday January 26, 2018 at the Meadows Convention Center in Rolling Meadows, IL. The highlight of the evening’s celebrations was the swearing-in ceremony of the FIA Executive Board: Sanhita Agnihotri as new FIA President with Executive Vice President Pradeep Shukla, Vice Presidents: Harish Kolasani, Secretary: Saloni Dar, Treasurer: Satish Dadepogu, Joint Secretary: Chris Aryan, Joint Treasurer: Raj Patel and host of Directors Yoga Balaji, Vijender Doma, ShafeeqKhaja and Shabana constituting the newly elected board for 2018-2019. Chief Guest Consul General of India Neeta Bhushan in her address conveyed her heartfelt Republic Day greetings and congratulated FIA-Chicago for hosting an impressive event in celebration of the Republic of India. Consul General Neeta Bhushan fondly recalled her first […]