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The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) Chicago, a 501(c)(3) organization, hosted a spectacular, vibrant, and colorful Holi celebration marked by a beautifully decorated stage and premises filled with music, dance, Thandai (a special India drink), delicious food, and singing that depicted glorious Indian culture at the Mall of India, Naperville, Illinois, on Sunday, April 21, 2024. The grand event kicked off with an ensemble by Maharashtra Mandal called ‘Dhol Tasha’. This rhythm got the entire crowd, including the mall visitors, to join in the fun and dance together. The mayor of Naperville, Scott Wehrli, joined in the traditional dance and learned a few steps. This was followed by the emcees Nilabh Dubey (Secretary-General) and Sanskriti Sharma taking over the program by inviting FIA Chairman and Founder, Sunil Shah, President Pratibha Jairath, and Past President Vinita Gulabani on the stage. Chairman and Founder Sunil Shah welcomed on the stage the Chief Guest for the day, Consulate General of India, Somnath Ghosh. This was followed by welcoming the Mayor of Naperville, Scott Wehrli, Congresswoman Michelle Mussman, Mayor of Oakbrook, Larry Herman, and the Alderwoman of Aurora, Shweta Baid. On the stage, the dignitaries were joined by Advisory Board members Pinky Thakkar, Sushma […]

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Asian Media USA © Chicago IL: Poets from India enthralled the audience with laughter at the Hashya Kavi Sammelan organized by the UP Association of Greater Chicago on April 21 st, 2024, at the Ashyana banquet, Downers Grove, Illinois. Three outstanding poets invited from India to perform were Arun Gemini, Shambhu Sikhar and Mumtaz Naseem. These poets kept the audience spellbound with hashya poetry, comedy, gazals, and geets for about three hours. Mr. Shikhar and Mr. Gemini both recited outstanding poetry with satire and comedy. Mrs. Naseem recited several beautiful gazals and geets. The audience enjoyed every moment of this unique program organized by the UP association.  The event started with a formal welcome by Dr. Subhash Pandey, the chairman board of trustees of UP association. He mentioned that the UP Association started this tradition of ‘Kavi Sammelan’ in 1991 to promote and preserve Hindi language outside of India. He said that this annual event of the UP Association has been extremely popular and well received by people in the Chicago area. Dr. Pandey also thanks the International Hindi Association of North America for promoting the national language, Hindi and collaborating with UP association in conducting Kavi Sammelan in Chicago […]

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Asian Media USA © Chicago, IL: On Sunday, April 7, 2024, the Sindhi Association of Metropolitan Chicago (SAMC) hosted a joyous celebration of Cheti Chand, the Sindhi New Year, at the elegant Ashyana Banquets in Downers Grove. The event was a resounding success, drawing attendees of all ages and featuring a delightful blend of cultural performances, prayers, and delectable Sindhi cuisine. The Cheti Chand festival was graced by several dignitaries, including Mr. Somnath Ghosh, Consul General of India in Chicago, who served as the chief guest, along with prominent community figures such as mayor of Oakbrook Larry Herman, mayor of Schaumberg Tom Dailly, 3 times mayor of oakbrook Dr. Gopal Lalmalani, and Aurora Alderwomen Shewta Baid. All the guests of honor were welcomed and greeted with Sindhi Topi, Scarf and Dhol upon their arrival. The festivities commence with traditional Behrana and Prasad, followed by a lively Jalsa experience. Attendees participated in heartfelt prayers and paid homage to Jhulelal, the Sindhi deity, led by Dr. Gita Rupani and Manju Dadlani. Henna Ballaney and Ria Matta took the stage, captivating the audience for the entire cultural program. Namish Nagdev, a talented 9-year-old, eloquently conveyed the importance of Cheti Chand, emphasizing acceptance, unity, […]

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This book describes end to end playing techniques of Mridangam and elab T. S. Nandakumar’s Book, “Intricacies of Mridangam” Released This book describes end to end playing techniques of Mridangam and elaborates unique concepts in Music “My style in Carnatic Music, especially playing Mridangam, an ancient South Indian classical percussive instrument is very unique,” says T. Shankaranarayanan Nandakumar, while describing the objective of writing of his new book, “Intricacies of Mridangam”  is being released in hardcover both Barnes and Nobles and Amazon. “I want to pass on this rich knowledge and skills that I have received from my Masters to the new generation, who are often not familiar with the nuances of this ancient musical instrument.” World renowned for his mastery of the Mridangam and with expertise in various other percussion instruments, including konnakol (vocal percussion), thavil, ghatam, kanjira, and morsing, Nandakumar is a well-known south Indian music artist, showcasing his versatility in Carnatic music and has devoted his entire life to the cause of popularizing Indian classical music around the world. Nandakumar developed a string interest in music at a very young age. Throughout his professional career, he has accompanied many well-known names in Carnatic music and continues to […]

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Asian Media USA © Chicago, IL: Prayagraj Hule is a renowned Vedantic Scholar. He recently concluded a 5-dayseries on self-help at the International University of Vedic Wellness in Streamwood, IL. His talks resonated with people across Chicago land, leaving a profound impact onthe youth and individuals of diverse backgrounds. This universal message transcended race and religion, offering knowledge that spoke to the shared human experience. In collaboration with the University, Prayagraj will offer youth and adult retreats in 2024 as well as online sessions throughout the year. For more information contact Aparna Kulkarni 847-306-7616 or [email protected]. Unearthing Human Nature Vedanta is a science which deals with human beings. An encyclopedia which has the compilation of subtlest thoughts related to human relationship with the Transcendental Self. Rendered by, several enlightened sages of India. These great people dedicated their lives thousands of years ago to reflect upon the mystery of human origin, purpose of living and constitution of human inner nature. The effort of such crystalline contemplation culminated in the Vedanta philosophy, which decoded the apogee of happiness. Present day humans are disconnected with their roots and live in ignorance about this state of Bliss. The Labyrinth Today, the world over alma maters and […]

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Asian Media USA © Chicago, IL: The Federation of Indian Associations, Chicago (FIA), elevated the celebration of India’s Republic Day to new heights on January 28th, at the prestigious Matrix Club in Chicago. This momentous occasion, dedicated to honoring the adoption of the Constitution of India, transcended expectations through a symphony of grand celebrations, patriotic fervor, and a vibrant tapestry showcasing the rich cultural diversity of the nation. The 2024 Republic Day festivities orchestrated by FIA were a testament to the organization’s unwavering commitment to excellence, featuring a diverse array of events, impactful community service initiatives, and a spectacular grand show that unequivocally underscored India’s profound unity in diversity. A noteworthy highlight of the evening was a breathtaking performance by acclaimed artists from India, led by the talented Shahid Rafi, the son of the legendary Padmashree Mohammad Rafi, revered as the Greatest Voice in Indian Cinema. The evening not only celebrated the heritage of the Indian Republic but also served as a beacon of cultural brilliance and artistic prowess. The inaugural moments of the event unfolded in the timeless Indian tradition, symbolizing the illumination of knowledge and wisdom through the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. Standing as custodians of this […]

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Asian Media USA © Chicago, IL: FIA, Chicago in partnership with the Consulate General of India Office in Chicago organized an OCI camp at Manav Seva Mandir, Bensenville, Il on Dec 10 th, 2023. The camp was attended by more than 500 people of Indian descent families. The camp had focused mainly on two issues faced by the Indian diaspora – OCI Card and Passport issues. Consul General Hon. Mr. Somnath Ghosh was magnanimous enough to extend all the support from his office and more than six consulate staff members manned the inquiry and processing desk to answer and process the paperwork for OCI Cards. The event, aimed at providing comprehensive assistance to the Indian diaspora and OCI cardholders, witnessed enthusiastic participation from the community. The collaborative efforts between the Federation of Indian Associations and the Consulate General Chicago Office once more highlighted the commitment to fostering strong ties and enhancing support for the Indian community abroad. Unprecedented Interest: The overwhelming response from the community, as evidenced by more than 1000 telephonic phone inquiries, showcases the high demand for OCI services and assistance. Community Engagement: The Federation of Indian Associations, Chicago initiative, and full support from the Chicago Consulate Office, […]

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Asian Media USA ©  Chicago IL: The Diwali party presented by Pratibha Jairath and Ashok Potdar was held at Ashyana Banquets and was once again a full house event and a melodious celebration of joy and happiness. Beautifully decorated Ashyana ceilings and jazzy, vibrant colors of the outfits of the audience brought life to a quiet and dreary fall evening. The lamp lighting ceremony included the Guests of Honor and sponsors including Anil and Sweety Loomba, Sunil and Rita Shah, Bhupinder & Anita Beri, Pinky & Dinesh Thakkar, Mayur Ganger and partner Ashok Potdar. Mrs. Rita Sunil Shah recited Shree Sidhivinay prayers beautifully during Lamp lighting. Mr. Sunil Shah presented Diwali Greetings to all. Ms Jairath reminded the audience of the significance of Diwali such as victory of knowledge over ignorance, which turned into her recent initiative, a Not-for-Profit organization ‘Vidya Jyoti’s. She mentioned the accomplishment of being able to help 1015 students thus far. Mr.  Mayur Ganger, who had opened his heart as a great sponsor was presented by Mr. Anil Loomba and Dr. Bhupinder and Anita Beri.  The singing trio Pratibha Jairath, Raju Bankapur, Pradeep Sood kept the audience on their dancing feet throughout the celebration. The program […]

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Asian Media USA © Chicago IL: Diwali is one of the most celebrated festivals across the globe. It marks the return of Lord Ram after killing Ravana and spending fourteen years in exile. The residents of Ayodhya welcomed him by lighting the entire city with lamps. However, a lesser-known event that also happened on the day after Diwali was Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhana hill to protect his devotees. The residents of Vrindavan were conducting a sacrifice to honor Indra. Indra is the demigod responsible for showering rain and rain nourishing the vegetation. Lord Krishna approached his father, Nanda and asked him to offer the sacrifice Govardhana hill because the hill also provided grasses for the cows to graze, beautiful waterfalls and springs. When Indra found out that his sacrifice was stopped, he became very angry and sent the most devastating rainfall to drown the residents of Vrindavan. To curb the pride of Indra and to protect his devotees, Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhana hill for seven days and seven nights on his left pinky finger. “How could a seven-year-old boy lift a mountain on his pinky finger?” This pastime depicts the omnipotent powers of Lord Krishna and is celebrated […]

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Experience of Culture, Spirituality, and Community Asian Media USA © Chicago IL: The Senior Friendship Group Chicago marked the joyous occasion of Diwali with a vibrant celebration on Sunday, November 12, 2023 at Golf Maine Park District, 8800 W Kathy Ln, Niles, IL . The festivities, which spanned from 9 am to 4 pm, brought together members and guests for a day filled with cultural delights. The event commenced with a delightful breakfast featuring an array of Diwali delicacies, including Ghooghra, Cholafli Mathiya Farsi, Puri Chawanan, tea, and coffee. The beautifully adorned venue, embellished with exquisite depictions of Ganapatidada and Lakshmi Mata, was a testament to the meticulous efforts of Meghna D Vora, who orchestrated the enchanting decor. President Harshadbhai Parekh extended heartfelt Diwali and New Year wishes to all attendees, outlining the day’s program. A collective Aarti of Ganapati Dada and Lakshmi Mata, performed by both members and guests, set a spiritual tone. Smita Parekh presented prayers of Sarva Dharma and Mayurashtakam, adding a divine touch to the celebration. In a special segment, November birthdays were celebrated, including the festivities for Sunilbhai Shah. The entertainment quotient soared as Jeetendraji, Amitbhai, Pratibhaji, and Ritaben Shah showcased their musical talents, creating […]

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Asian Media USA © Chicago IL: In a heartwarming display of compassion and community spirit, Shri Shirdi Sai Mandir , Rolling Meadows, IL hosted a blood drive in association with American Red Cross Society on Sunday, October 15th, 2023 which left an indelible mark on the local community. The event drew participants from all walks of life who came together to make a difference in the lives of those in need. The sacred halls of Sai Mandir became a sanctuary not just for spiritual solace but also for the noble act of donating blood. The drive, organized by the temple volunteers, saw an incredible surge in participants, showcasing the unwavering commitment of the community to saving lives. Sai Mandir’s blood drive is a testament to the potential for goodness with humanity and the difference that can be made when we come together for a common cause. As the event concluded, smiles and gratitude filled the air and the temple’s premises resonated with the collective hope for a brighter, healthier future. Photographs and Press release by: Staff writer Suresh Bodiwala Chairman Asian Media USA Cell: 847-420-4789    E-Mail: [email protected] Disclaimer: Asian Media USA Asian Media USA press releases are event oriented and published after careful review and examination of the […]

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Asian Media USA © Chicago IL: Hari Om Mandir, Medinah, IL hosted the Annual Fundraiser Dinner, at the Pearl banquet, Roselle, on Sept 16, 2023. Patrons, Founder Members, Devotees, Community Leaders from various Social Organizations, joined hands to raise Funds for the cause of Community Services, Growth & Development, Future Expansion Projects of the Mandir. The gala evening started off with a red-carpet Welcome for all the Guests who attended the Program. A huge Backdrop with the Mandir Logo was set up at the Entrance, and it was an honor to be clicked there for a memorable evening. Photographers were ready to roll their cameras and capture every guest who walked in…exhibiting their best attire and joyous mood! Very soon the venue became a hot favorite for friends and families to take pictures and make their presence at the function, a day to remember. The program formally started with an auspicious Diya Lighting Ceremony, amidst chanting of Mantras by the Mandir Priests: Acharya Ram Naresh Vajpayee & Shastri Dharmender Bhatt. Chaiman BOT, Brij Sharma, President EB, Vipan Wadhera, Chairman FundRaising Committee, Anil Saxena and Prem Salwan from Salwan Trading lighted the lamp and the program was kicked off with a […]

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