Day: 7 May 2013

Chicago IL: Chicago Tamil Sangam proudly staged Kalki R. Krishnamurthy’s magnum opus “Ponniyin Selvan” Tamil Drama on May 4, 2013 at Oswego East High School Auditorium, 1525 Harvey Road, Oswego, IL at 4.00 PM. It was a magical night indeed, bringing to life King Rajaraja Chola and his dynasty that ruled in the 10th century. With 40 artists, 50 stage props, over 150 lighting clues, countless hours of practice sessions, and a team of dedicated volunteers made this event a grand success. Over 900 people attended this outstanding production and applauded the effort of the entire team. The arduous task of writing the script condensing the story of over 2400 pages to a three hour play was penned down by Bagirathi Seshappan of Abirami Fine Arts, California. Auditions were conducted for the more than 40 characters on September 8, 2012. The artists were judged for appearance and Tamil speaking skill in order to stay true to Kalki’s portrayal of the characters. Some of Chicago’s well known Tamil drama artists, Chandrasekhar, Ranga, Mani, Vidya and many more are part of Ponniyin Selvan. Shobana Suresh, Kalai Somu and Kamala Babu designed the costumes adhering to the original illustrations of Artist Maniam, when […]

Chicago IL: Colorful Bhangras and Giddas, vintage Punjabi folk songs and the beat of the Dhol highlighted the Baisakhi celebration hosted by United Punjabis of America (UPA) on Saturday, April 27th at Cascade Banquets in Bensenville, Illinois. The evening was remarkable for its cross-generational appeal, the little kids enjoying learning about Punjabi heritage and culture through arts and crafts and the adults having a chance to network and sing and dance. The activities for the kids were well planned and executed by the team of Gauri Mittal and Deepali Punwani. They also created the beautiful centerpieces for the tables using colorful daals. Rupa Puranik, a henna artist, was kept busy by a steady stream of women interested in having mehndi applied to their hands. The very versatile Pratibha Jairath (UPA vice president) and the energetic Shammi Mittal (UPA Events Coordinator), both Baisakhi Committee members, served as the MCs, kept the audience entertained with their shayari and enthusiastic introductions. Madhu Uppal, a UPA Board Member and a member of the Baisakhi Committee, introduced the guest of honor, Dr. Pramod Vohra, the Dean, Northern Illinois School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, and his wife, Anju. . Dr. Vohra shared his belief in […]

Chicago IL: Federation of Indian Associations-Chicago [FIA] hosted a ‘kick-off’ event to formally announce a series of events in celebration of India’s Independence Day at a luncheon hosted on Sunday May 5, 2013 at Punjabi Dhaba Banquet Hall on Devon Ave. in Chicago. Alderwoman Debra Silverstein [50th ward] joined by State Senator & Committeeman Ira Silverstein, Hina Trivedi, Iftekhar Shareef and a host of FIA Trustees joined together to light the lamp signaling the ‘kick-off’ that will set in movement the hosting of a series of grand-scale events in honor of India’s Independence which includes Grand India Independence Day Parade, Gala Banquet and Flag-hoisting ceremony in Chicago’s downtown. In her remarks Alderwoman Debra Silverstein said “Indian Americans are an important part of the City’s 50th ward and I commend you for bringing such vibrant richness and diversity to the ward. Ald. Debra Silverstein further added that Indian Americans have helped to bring flourishing business establishments on Devon Ave and pledged that she will work with the community to foster growth and development of adding more businesses in the sprawling India Town in her ward. Ald. Debra Silverstein thanked the kids for presenting beautiful dance presentations and said steering children in […]

Chicago IL: Shree Rama Navami Mahotsavam was celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm on Saturday 20th April 2013 at Chinmaya Mission Chicago – Yamunotri, 30877 N. Fairfield Rd., Grayslake , IL . The event was presided over by Swami Sharananandaji (resident Acharya) and Shree Sita Rama Kalyana Mahotsava puja was performed by priest Sundaresham Gurukkalji, supported by dedicated Mission volunteers. Bala Vihar children performed a beautiful Dance Drama “Navadha Bhakti” depicting the nine forms of Bhakti to the Lord. Over 400 people attended this grand event. The program started at 8.30 am with the grand celestial wedding ceremony of Lord Rama and Sita Devi, performed with chanting of mantras and accompanied by traditional wedding songs sung by Bala Vihar children and Mission volunteers. Several devotees participated in the puja followed by Ashttothara Namavali recitation and a grand procession of Lord Rama and Sita Devi around the shrine as Mission volunteers sang the auspicious song “Sita Kalyana Vaibhogame.” The puja concluded with a mangalam song performed by Bala Vihar children and Shree Rama Aarti. Swami Sharadanandaji then delivered a short yet meaningful sermon. Swamiji emphasized the importance of the beautiful chapter Sunderkand of the Rama Charita Manas by explaining the importance […]