Tag: News Letters

DOWNLOAD PICTURES Chicago, IL: ABC7 Chicago Anchorman Ravi Baichwal, and Professor James Whelan of the Kelley School of Business, Indian University headlined a special fundraiser on Sunday, June 3rd, 2012, from 5:00 pm-9:00 pm, supporting Chinmaya Organization for Rural Development (CORD)’s successful social programs in India. CORD has been offering sustainable development programs in rural regions of many Indian states for the past 30 years. CORD’s services are focused on improving health, education, and support for the disabled, social justice, local self-governance, decreasing poverty and solving many environmental issues. The fundraiser event had an attendance of 500 people and featured scrumptious Indian dinner, high-powered fusion Indian performances (Bhangra dances) and two comedic acts, hosted at Waterford Banquets, 933 South Riverside Drive, Elmhurst, IL. It was broadcast on the ABC 7 10:00pm News showcasing anchorman Mr. Ravi Baichwal’s address to the crowd emphasizing the spirit of giving in the South Asian community and the impact the evening would have on the people of rural India. Professor James Wahlen, who has collaborated with and visited CORD sites in the past, commended the organization on its global ethos, which has an astounding local impact. This event was spearheaded solely by the second generation, […]

» Read more

DOWNLOAD PICTURES “In the midst of your daily work, in the tumult and storm of life, pause for a while, again and again.” “In the , MOMENT you will clear your heart, forgiving all who you think have wronged you. This can envelop the world with powerful positive vibrations ushering a New Age. The Master said, I have but only one tongue. If I had a Million Tongues, I would still utter the one word: Give! Give! Give! And the best giving is Forgiving.” Asian Media USA © Chicago IL: Dada J. P. Vaswani, the head of Sadhu Vaswani Mission, Pune, India was in Chicago with his presence at a Spiritual Discourse in English on “Slow Down Your Pace” followed by an interactive Q&A session , on Sunday June 3rd, 2012 from 5pm at the Marriott Oak Brook,1401, West Street, Illinois 60521. All those attending got an opportunity to ask Beloved Dada their innermost burning questions and got comfort in his answers that only he can provide. The Program included one hour of Bhajans sung by a renowned singer from London, Dr. Harish Wadhwani. There was also an Exhibition of photographs of Sadhu T.L. Vaswani as well as Pujya Dada. […]

» Read more

DOWNLOAD PICTURES Monmouth Junction NJ: Support Organization for Kids In Need (SOFKIN) presented Rhythm 2012 on June 2, 2012 at South Brunswick Cross Roads South Middle School, 195 Major Road, Monmouth Junction, NJ. Approximately 500 people attended this prestigious and “most awaited” event that started at approximately 5 pm. Rhythm 2012 event is an Annual Fundraiser to support SOFKIN homes and to raise the awareness in the community about SOFKIN. SOFKIN is a non-profit organization. Their mission is to, “Support the upbringing of the under privileged children, irrespective of name or nationality, cast or creed, race or religion by providing basic amenities, education and medical aid in a secure and healthy environment.” This prestigious event was organized by Chaya Pamula, the Founder of SOFKIN and the managing committee. In the Cross Roads South Middle School, the Rhythm 2012 event was truly remarkable. The backstage and hallway areas, were filled with enthusiastic and smiling faces of children of various ages (6-19 years), waiting to perform on stage. The children were wearing traditional Indian outfits and jewelry, and had unique makeup for the various performances. The air was filled with joy and excitement, as the children were anxiously waiting their turns to […]

» Read more

DOWNLOAD PICTURES The Hindu Temple of Northeast Wisconsin (HTNEW) located at 911 Delanglade Street, Kaukauna, WI hosted their annual fund raising dinner on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 6 pm. This event was held at Liberty Hall Banquet and Conference Center, 800 Eisenhower Dr., Kimberly, WI. The main attraction of this event was Bollywood Singer Poonam Bhatia. She presented “Bollywood Musical Evening” at this fund raising dinner program. The evening was attended by more than 300 guests. Close to $75,000 was raised. This was the Second fund raising dinner the temple has organized. The purpose of this annual fund raising dinner was “Bhoori Virala Danam” meaning “Please Donate Generously”. Masters of Ceremony were Dr. Ravi Vir & Ms. Jayashree Murali. They did an excellent job by communicating with audiences during the entire program. The event was coordinated by HTNEW Committee Chairpersons members, Executive Committee (Officers), Board of Directors and Volunteers. They worked very hard to make this event a very memorable one for the guests. The following dignitaries, City of Kaukauna Mayor – Gene Rosin and his wife; Alderman – Tom McGinnes, his wife Mary; From Appleton- Attorney Bruce Chudacoff and his wife Nancy graced this event. Goals and Immediate […]

» Read more

DOWNLOAD PICTURES Chicago IL: Indian Gujarati Samuday of North America Celebrated Gujarat Day / 52nd Anniversary Of The State Of Gujarat celebrated with Honorable Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Of Gujarat Live Via Satellite by Electronic Media at 5:00 PM, Saturday, May 19, 2012 at Jain Temple, 435 N. Route 59, Bartlet, IL 60103. In Auditorium was full to its capacity accommodating more than 1500 Gujaratis and also many Non Gujaratis as well as Americans. Apart from Gujarat, Chief Minister Narendra Modi’s, 45-minute speech in English and Hindi listened by over 10,000 people in USA. Major Participating Cities: Chicago, New Jersey, Atlanta, New York, Columbus, Toronto, Houston Texas, Los Angeles, Tampa, Phoenix. All, 12 cities in USA and Canada was simultaneously connected through videoconferencing. Mr. Modi talked about the progress of Gujarat in various sectors. From Tokyo to Tennessee and from Moscow to Mombasa, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi enjoys immense international popularity Midwest Ismaili Pipe Band, performed at the Gujarat Day Celebration. They travelled through Temple Hall way to Auditorium, Stage Escorting Dignitaries and there after moved round the entire Auditorium, befitting to Traditional Beginning, which added to the dignity of the Graceful Event. Sumptuous Dinner supplied by BAPS was […]

» Read more

DOWNLOAD PICTURES Chicago IL: On eve of the NATO Summit in Chicago, US Congressman Danny Davis of the Seventh Congressional District of Illinois presented the Golden Eagle Award 2012 to Her Holiness Amma Sri Karunamayi : Bhagavathi Sri Sri Sri Vijayeswari Devi, Founder President of S.M.V.A. Trust, Sri Manidweepa Mahasamsthanam, Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh,India , in recognition of her selfless service and dynamic leadership in providing numerous welfare programs for the underprivileged. Congressman Danny Davis’s Multi Ethnic Advisory Task Force presents the Golden Eagle Award annually to an individual who has made an exceptional difference to humanity usually during the Asian American heritage month. On arrival, Amma was greeted by a band of Westside drummers, buglers and trumpeters. The colorful processional included several Chicago Westside elected officials, Bishops and Pastors of various Churches and Community leaders. The flower girls Hampton sisters, five year old Micah and four year old Morgan showered rose petals on the red carpet as Amma and Congressman Davis reached the dais. It was a truly East meets West welcome. Ms.Tanya Prabhakar, a law student and the Youth Chair of Congressman Danny Davis’s Multi Ethnic Advisory Task Force served as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the glittering […]

» Read more

Chicago IL: Soham Dance Space, an Indian dance studio on a pioneering mission, hosted Spring Fest, a Launch Pad Event featuring an Open House and Performance at the Vittum Theater in Noble Square, 1012, N Noble Street, Chicago IL between 1-00 pm to 6-00 pm on Sunday, May 5, 22012. Spring Fest seeks to expound on the unique vision of Soham Dance Space and invites art supporters to join the cause of launching this Community Arts Endeavor to new heights as it builds toward its 5th Year Anniversary in September and incorporates as a Not-For-Profit Organization. Anjal Chande is an accomplished dance artist and founder of Soham Dance Space. She has trained herself under Smt. Hema Rajagopalan of Natya Dance Theatre and later studied under renowned gurus of India: Bhagavatula Sri Seetharma Sarma of Kalakshetra, Smt. Jayanthi Subramaniam, and Smt. Bragha Bessell. She is an exceptional performer and innovative dance-maker, having performed worldwide and received numerous awards and critical acclaim. As an educator, Anjal wishes to instill in students a curiosity for India’s profound culture, a passion for the arts, and the creative capacity to live a dynamic life. At the open house, attendees could register for Classes, participate in […]

» Read more

Chicago IL: Manav Sadhna presented a thought provoking program “United We Prosper, Divided We Fall” at Athenaeum Theater located at 2936 North Southport Avenue, Chicago, IL on Sunday, May 6, 2012 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Manav Sadhna is engaged in constructive humanitarian projects encompassing life of 8000 people in the slum communities that is located mainly surrounding the Gandhi Ashram in Ahmedabad, India. Health, hygiene, nutrition, values-based education and empowerment projects are carried out with a deeply spiritual approach to service. “Manav” means “person” in Hindi and “Sadhna” is “spiritual practice.” At Manav Sadhna, they strive to see and serve God in the heart of each person they meet. Their philosophy is to “love all, serve all” and they are deeply inspired to by Mahatma Gandhi’s values of truth, peace and compassion. The message of Mahatma Gandhi is shared by children from the slums of Gujarat through dance and music in 10 major US cities. The program had a very successful tour throughout India. From India to America, EKATVA Features 16 Indian Children Sharing Music, Dance, and Message of “Oneness”. About one of every six human beings on this planet lives in poverty, according to the United Nations. […]

» Read more

Chicago IL : Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Live in Concert rocked Odeum Center, 1033 N Villa Ave, Villa Park , IL. On Saturday – May 5th, 2012 with yet another unforgettable performance show. Rahat mesmerized enthusiastic crowd (sold out Concert) for about 4 hours. Last year also he performed here. “It is huge public demand that brought him back this year too”, said by Vibrant Media Group organizer of the event. Tickets for show ranged from $35 to $200. Pakistani singer and composer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, who launched a concert tour of the United States and Canada. The concert tour, which began April 14, 2012 in Fort Lauderdale, will take Khan to 15 cities in the United State and 4 cities in Canada. Concert in Chicago was 8th show of his US tour and last show will be on June 9, 2012 at Las Vegas. Aims to give his audience a state-of-the-art show with a bigger orchestra, better lighting and sound while retaining the essence of his Sufiyana style of music. He was received by the audience with standing ovation and sang hits from various Bollywood films which rocked the crowd and kept the audience spellbound. The audience enjoyed […]

» Read more

Chicago IL: Association of Indians in America, Inc. (Illinois Chapter) held their Inaugural Function of AIA National Executive Committee and Annual Banquet and Dinner on Sunday, April 29, 2012 at Ashyana Banquets, 1620 West 75th Street, Downers Grove, IL. During social hour everybody greeted each other and enjoyed a casual evening accompanied by soft drinks and delicious snacks. The cultural event and banquet dinner followed thereafter with the Honorable Dorothy Brown, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County as the Guest of Honor. Beena Patel, the charming and dynamic MC of the evening proudly announced the election of Dr. Ghanshyam Pandey, as the National President of AIA. The program started with the American National Anthem performed by Nishal Patel (Grandson of Naren Patel) which was followed by the Indian National Anthem performed by Mr. Anil Sharma. Welcome address was delivered by Mr. Surinder Rametra, Vice President, AIA, and he welcomed all the invited guests and members of AIA. Cultural program started with a group Dance presented by Payalia Dance Studio, Choreographed by Trupti Patel, and this was followed by a Hindi Song sung by Nishal Patel. Thereafter Beena Patel introduced Dr. Ghanshyam Pandey, a renowned Research Scientist, Philanthropist and […]

» Read more

Chicago IL: Hand in Hand USA, a non-profit organization for humanitarian aid celebrated their 10th anniversary with a program that comprised great inspiring speeches along with good entertainment and excellent food. Over 250 people enjoyed this event held at Ramada Inn in Glendale Heights on Saturday, April 28. Entering guests were treated to some delightful hors d’oeuvres after the registration. The program started on time with a prayer song “Jyoth se Jyoth Jalathe Chalo” by Ms Shaila Khedkar followed by introductory remarks by Mr. Puneet Mansharmani, Master of the Ceremony and Smt. Durga Chunduri, President of HIH USA.She gave a brief report about the Organization and their current humanitarian projects in India which are Balashram, Outreach Medical Programs, Health clinics, Disaster Relief and.. so on. It was mentioned that the Balashram in Orissa started with 40 children initially in 2004 and has gradually grown to 360. Dr. Gopal Lalmalani, mayor of Oak Brook who delivered an inspiring keynote speech and encouraged the guests to give charitably their time and money. He started with an eloquent message, “Give, give and give. One who truly gives – lives,” re-instated wisely the privileged message he brought from his Master Dada Vaswani in Pune, […]

» Read more

Chicago IL: Punjabi Heritage Organization celebrated “Vaisakhi 2012” highlighting the traditional Punjabi culture. People dressed in Punjabi suits and colorful turbans, and kids wearing colorful costumes added to the grace of this cultural gala, which was held from 5:00 pm onwards on Saturday, April 28 2012 at TAFT High School, 6530 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Chicago, IL. Kids of all ages and adults participated in this mega cultural event which were highlighted through 22 performances of popular Punjabi dances, Punjabi songs, comedy and ofcourse world famous Bhangra and Gidha. This program was a pure representation of Punjab and Punjabi community in USA with primary focus on keeping up with their traditions, values, heritage and glory. Participants and spectators from all over Midwest attended this cultural gala and enjoyed every bit of it. The entire program was nicely coordinated and the audience of more than 500 enjoyed the whole program until finish. Vaisakhi also known as Baisakhi, is an ancient harvest festival celebrated across the northern Indian subcontinent, especially in the Punjab region by the Sikh nation as this day commemorates the establishment of the Khalsa. The beginning of the Harvest Season and birth of Khalsa usually 1st. of Vaishakh (Usually […]

» Read more

Rolling Meadows, IL: Dhrishti presented “The Legend Returns” a live music concert by Pankaj Udhas. This event began at 8:30 PM on Friday, April 27, 2012 at the elegant Meadows Club Grand Ballroom located at 2950 W Golf Road, Rolling Meadows, IL. Celebrating 30 years of his musical journey, it was an unforgettable performance. Legendary Ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas mesmerized an audience of 912 in a sizzling five hour program. In a concert which was memorable both for its quality and content, Pankaj Udhas changed the content of the concert to include several light classical and older renditions of his, to cater to a very animated audience. The concert which finished at 1.30 pm drew repeated standing ovations from the attendees. Sajni Entertainment, founded by Mayur Ganger has been bringing world class entertainment year after year to the audience of Midwest region. They have been enthralling millions of people over the years with sold out shows. Sajni Entertainment has brought some of the biggest names in the Indian and Pakistani entertainment industry to Chicago. This year they organized Pankaj Udhas show in Chicago. Pankaj Udhas is an Indian singer, credited in the Indian music industry, along with other musicians like […]

» Read more

Chicago IL: A team of leading scientists, artists and business leaders currently touring 10 North American cities this spring, delivered a series of cutting-edge presentations entitled “A New Paradigm: Veda, Consciousness, the Ramayana, and the Self.” The tour includes visits to San Diego; San Francisco; Vancouver; Fairfield, Iowa; Chicago; Toronto; Montreal; Boston; New York; and Washington, DC. www.newparadigmtour.org The Chicago New Paradigm presentation took place at The Meadows Club in Rolling Meadows, (Chicagoland area) and featured a pre-event social hour. A dinner followed the presentation. Thousands of people were notified of the event, which sold out quickly. Even though 650 registered, hundreds more continued to stream in at various stages throughout the evening. The event explored the meeting point of science and spirituality by presenting pioneering research that reveals the Veda and the Ramayana as blueprints of our body and the entire universe. Extensive research on these breakthrough discoveries has also documented collective benefits for society, including the potential for creating world peace. The event featured a video presentation of 1,000 Vedic Pandits in Maharishi Vedic City, Iowa, chanting the Veda. The speakers at this event come from diverse backgrounds. Tony Nader, M.D., Ph.D., neuroscientist and researcher, headlined the event […]

» Read more

Chicago IL: The Indian American Medical Association’s Charitable Foundation, which operates a free community health clinic in Chicago’s West Ridge community, hosted a Fundraising Dinner and Semi Annual Meeting on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at the Waterford Banquet, 933 S. Riverside Drive, Elmhurst, Illinois. Money raised will benefit the clinic, which is run by Volunteers, Doctors and Providers of Medical Services such as Free Lab Tests and Free Medication. The event was well attended by physicians, politicians, Chicago’s prominent businessmen, community leaders and general public. Fundraising Target was $100,000 however despite the country’s challenging economy, more than four hundred members participated in the event and generously pledged donations totaling $75,000. The Chief Guest of this program was Pat Basu, M.D., M.B.A. Chief Medical Officer: Virtual Radiologic, White House Fellow 2010-2011 and Dr. Raju Ramanathan-Cook County Hospital, Chicago CEO. Dr. S. waminathan, past president of the Illinois State Medical Society, Mafatbhai Patel, CEO of Patel Brothers, Hiran Patel (National Republic Bank), Mr. Naren Patel, Chairman of Medstar Laboratory Inc. and President of AIA and Care and Share, Beena Patel Chief Deputy Clerk Cook County and many more attended this program. Booth: Seasons hospice, Yoga & Veda- Ramayana spiritual booth, NLVS medical […]

» Read more

Chicago IL: Gujarati Samaj Chicago (GSC) Proudly presented Sangeet Sandhya starting at 7:00PM, Saturday – April 21st, 2012 at Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner Street, Des Plaines, IL 60016. Recently renovated Deplane Theater was filled to its capacity. Over 500 plus audience enjoyed the program till midnight. It was an evening of Beautiful Nostalgic Melodies specially directed to the grown-up audience of 1st or 2nd generation Desi, Performed by renowned SARGAM Musical Group. GSC President Suryakant Patel and his wife Urvashiben Patel warmly welcomed the audience and assured them of memorable evening. The program was sponsored by Dr. Manish Pandya. Mr. Jitubhai Bhagwnkar, owner of this historical theater was also participated actively to promote the event. Female singer Nalini Parikh started the program in her melodious voice with ‘Ishwar Satya Hai Satya Hi Shiva Hai Satyam Shivam Suneram’. Then she continued with other hits like ‘Sathya Sathiya….’ ‘Badmash Dil Tujhe….etc interrupted by thunderous applause and scream of “Once More” from the pack. program was amplified by live colorful and rhythmic energetic dance performed by Shama Shah and Madhuri of Bharat Natyam Mudra Dance Academy. This organization established and running since 1993. It’s director and team has trained nearly 100 students […]

» Read more

Chicago IL: Hari Om Mandir, celebrated Ramnavami Mahotsav whole heartedly on Sunday, the 1st. April, 2012 at 6N020 Medinah Rd, Medinah, IL. Prayers started on Saturday, 11:00am onwards and Ramayan Path reading was undertaken from 11:00am. Bhog Ceremony was on April 1st, 2012, when Ramjanam was celebrated at 12:00pm with Ram Dhoon ‘Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram’ and Bhajans. Aarti was done at 1:30pm and Ladoos were distributed to celebrate the occasion. Then all the devotees took Mahaprasad and dispersed chanting Shree Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram. Rajan and Aarty Singla, Sanjay and Shelly Gandhi, Raj and Meenu Jeethi, Hemant and Indhu Bhalla along with Tangri family did a wonderful arrangement for the Prabhu Ka Bhandara which went on for 24 hours. Ramnavami was celebrated on April 1st this year to proclaim the birth of Shree Ram, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. A major festival lasting 9 days will be celebrated all over India with many special events filled with religious fervor and gaiety. The most notable being the day-long readings of a 1,000 page poem from the Ramayana, a book about Shree Ram’s life. Other practices such as singing of hymns, reciting of Ramraksha Stotra […]

» Read more

Chicago IL: Bollywood Milestones 1961-2011 musical charity concert was organized by Ekal Vidyalaya from 7:00 PM to 11:PM, on Saturday April 14, 2012 at Glenbard East High School, 1014 South Main St, Lombard, IL. Ekal had invited two young rising singers Samir Date and Dipalee Somaiya from Mumbai to help celebrate the milestone and raise more funds to continue their mission to eradicate illiteracy among the children of rural and tribal India with holistic empowerment. It was the singer’s twenty first performance of the tour that will span across several cities over the next five month period when in all forty two performances are to be staged. As always, Ekal included a extravagant dinner in its modest ticket price. All the attendees were served the dinner at around 5:00 pm. that included Puri, Mix Vegetables, Dudhi Halwo(Sweet), Fulwadi(Farsan),Chana, :Dal, Rice.. (food prepared by BAPS). After the dinner, the program started at around 7:00 pm. First of all Aum Stuti was recited. Yash Desai and her group recited Prarthna. Guest of Honor Mr Mafatbhai lighted a lamp with Ekal Chicago Chapter President and group of kids . Master of ceremony was performed by two youngsters Jugal Doshi and Sonali Majmudar. They […]

» Read more

Chicago IL: The students from the Indian Students Association (ISA) at the University of Illinois at Chicago presented a beautiful Cultural Show that showcased dance styles prevailing all across India and featured other talents as well such as singing on Saturday, the 31st March, 2012. Dance and Music program was held at the UIC forum in auditorium. This year, the show’s theme was “The Beginning of the End. It all ends on 3.31.12, are you ready?” Along with Bollywood Music, the show was fused with mainstream hits by American artists that helped to define this growing generation of Indian students. Family and friends of performers packed the UIC Forum on campus for the show. The auditorium was hustling with excited Parents and Friends of the performers and invites. The show featured acts such as the Jungli Jawanis, M6 Crew, Brownwashed, Pyaar Mein Twist 2, Dhalumni, Sandburg Fusion, UIC Nazaara, Chicago Dhamaal, Dilinois, UIC Dangeraas and UIC Bhangra. Many were from other Chicago universities like DePaul also. The show had twelve main acts. Most of the teams were not exclusively UIC students and so many of the acts had students that belonged to different Chicago universities like DePaul. Along with the […]

» Read more

Chicago, IL : Honorable Consul General of Islamic Republic of Pakistan Mr. Zaheer Pervaiz Khan celebrated National Day of Pakistan On Friday, March 23, 2012 with leading Chicago land entrepreneurs and citizens to honor the sacrifices of their freedom fighters who have fought and to remember the work of their Founding Father Jinnah, for giving to them a country where dignity and individual freedom is assured. Consulate General of Pakistan is located in the heart of downtown at 333, N Michigan Ave. This event was held between 6:00 to 8:00 pm. As usual a large number of Prominent Pakistani community Leaders Businessmen, Journalists, Citizens, Americans Politicians and invited guests gathered to celebrate Pakistan’s National day. This event was also attended by Ms Samreen Khan, Senior Policy Advisor, Office of the Governor, Ms. Vriti Jain, Representative of Office of Chicago Mayor and Ms. Pat Michalski from the Office of Cook County Treasurer, Maria Pappas as well as many members of the diplomatic community in Chicago, including Mrs. Mukta Tomar Counsel General of India. The event began at 7:00PM with welcoming speech, followed by Recitation from the Holy Qur’an (Mr. Mubasher Feroze). The Honorable Consul General saluted the Pakistan Flag. National Anthems […]

» Read more