FIA Chicago celebrates India’s Republic Day despite inclement weather conditions

Chicago IL: In spite of the stubbornly freezing blizzard conditions marred by prolonged power outage, the spirited celebrations to honor the India’s Republic Day hosted by Federation of Indian Associations-Chicago [FIA] by no means diminished as more than two hundred guests converged at the Meadows Club in Rolling Meadows, Illinois on Sunday January 26th, 2014.

The celebrations were enthused by infusion of spontaneous ‘Antaskhari’ singing led by a group of ladies who further excited the guests with impromptu dancing to the drum beats. After the restoration of the power, the celebrations took a more formal shape with outgoing FIA president Hina Trivedi thanking the guests for gathering in the spirit of celebration to honor India’s Republic Day.

Later, President Hina Trivedi invited two long-standing illustrious community leaders Dr. Bharat Barai and Dr. Ram Gajjela and a community worker Mrs.Yasmeen Khan and presented them with FIA Community Service award for their outstanding yeoman services rendered to the community and for their ardent support to FIA. The awards were jointly presented by Rishikant Singh, Naren Patel, Iftekhar Shareef, Ajai Agnihotri and Gulzar Singh.

Iftekhar Shareef, Trustee Chair in his remarks thanked the guests for their gracious presence in spite of the intolerable weather conditions and added that their presence bears testimony to their deep-rooted patriotism for the motherland India. Iftekhar Shareef thanked the devoted Trustees and FIA’s core leadership team for their commendable effort in hosting the event in such a short notice. Iftekhar Shareef made a special thanking remarks to Meadows Club staff and especially Madan Kulkarni for the beautiful arrangements made in-spite of bad weather and electricity failure by Common wealth Edison for an hour which delayed the event.

Keerthi Kumar Ravoori, the new FIA President thanked the FIA Trustees, leaders and the member-organizations for bestowing their faith in electing him to the office of the FIA presidency and pledged that he will strive hard to take up the reigns of FIA leadership to showcase the finest of Chicago’s vibrant community through forums and events.

Rishikant Singh, Air-India Manager who was the honored guest extended Republic Day greetings to the guests and briefly outlined the history of Air-India and its long-standing commitment to provide valuable services to the diaspora all across the globe. Naren Patel, CEO of Medstar Labs who was a special guest of honor took to the podium and congratulated the FIA team for hosting such a remarkable event to commemorate India’s Republic day.

The celebrations continued with group dance presentations followed by Chicago’s popular songster Bhupender Singh and his co-singers took to the stage and belted old Bollywood hits which led to spontaneous free will dancing by the guests till late into the cold night. Some of those who attended the event include Mr. Niranjah Shah, Ajai Agnihotri, Babu Patel, Kanti Patel, Chandresh Brahmbhatt, Gulzar Singh, Dr. Panna Barai, Usha & Om Kamaria, Dr. Heyer Paul, Ajeeth Singh Dr. Srinivas; while Minhaj Akhtar emceed the evening’s program.