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Chicago IL: Kala Utsav, A cultural extravaganza was organized in cooperation with over 20 Indian Community Organizations in the Midwest on Saturday, August 23, 2014 at Copernicus Center, 5216 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago. Kala Utsav was the brain child of Consul General of India, Dr. Ausaf Sayeed and his dream became a reality with the assistance of various cultural groups and community organizations. Kala Utsav gave a platform for various Indian cultural groups to showcase their best performance and expose their abundant talent. It was instituted to bring to the fore front top-class performances in both Indian music and dance. The categories included Indian Dance (Classical, Folk, Bollywood & Modern, Indian Music (Classical, Devotional, and Instrumental). The organizing committee members were: Kiran Chouhan, Vinita Gulabani, Pranita Jain, Brian Keigher, Harish Kolasani, Beena Patel, Kanti Patel, Naren Patel, Hema Rajagopalan, Keerthi Ravoori, Kshama Shah, Iftekhar Shareef, Rita Singh, Dr BK Sinha, Hina Trivedi, Jatinder Singh Bedi, Santhosh Varghese, and Vandana Walia. Participating Organizations included: Aekluvya Aashram, Anila Sinha Foundation, Assam Association of Greater Chicago, Bharathanjali School of Dance, Bollywood Rhythms, Kala Eternal Rhythms, Kalapadma Dance Academy, Kalapriya Center for Indian Performing Arts, Mudra Dance Academy, Natya Dance Theater, Nrityamala Dance Academy, […]

Chicago IL: Naren Patel, President of Vishwa Gujarati Samaj USA was very happy to see close to 1500 people attended the program and received so many compliments in person and via email. It was truly an amazing program, complete fusion of Narendra modi’s exhibition, life story, and Independence Day celebration, Janmastmi, Bollywood, cultural activities, food and much more. Everyone appreciated Naren and Mafat Patel for hosting such a beautiful event. Audience was thrilled and fascinated by award winning Oddissi dance, Raas, Garbo, Patriotic Dance Performances, and most importantly an exceptional performance by DID Artist Kamlesh Patel. His message was to keep trying until you get it right. 1500 people were very happy watching Dance India Dance star and President Award winner Kamlesh Patel was the highlight of the program; it was an emotional experience to watch him and his speech was absolutely inspiring. The entire program was more about creating a spirited patriotic environment in which everyone expressed their love and gratitude to our motherland. It also gives us a chance to respect those who sacrificed their lives for us and our country. These feelings ultimately translate into creating a better country and society. ‘What Better Way to Support and […]

Chicago IL: Mrs. Shantaben Bodiwala, beloved mother of 3 sons, 2 daughters and grandmother, and great grandmother of 5 children passes away on Thursday, Aug. 14, 2014. In Chicago area. She got married in India at tender age of 9 yrs. Despite obtaining only primitive education which was norm on for a women those days. Like a true matriarch, Shantaben , despite overcame many obstacles. With her sheer resolve, intelligence and common sense, she raised big family of her children with true Hindu Tredetational values needed to be thriving and respectful in society living with pride dignity honesty moral values and humbleness. One can value the care and nurturing of any tree by not just by good looks of the tree but most importantly by the fruits it bears. Similarly her lifelong devotion can be viewed in the extraordinary achievement of her children. Outstanding and Well known person among south Asian Diaspora, chairman of Asian Media USA Mr. Suresh Bodiwala summed up this by stating “all I am or ever hope to be, is due to guardian angel Mom.” no other individual has been as influential in turning us in to phenomenon that somehow retains the mystical aura while continuing […]

Chicago IL: Naren Patel, President of Vishwa Gujarati Samaj USA was very happy to see close to 1500 people attended the program and received so many compliments in person and via email. It was truly an amazing program, complete fusion of Narendra modi’s exhibition, life story, and Independence Day celebration, Janmastmi, Bollywood, cultural activities, food and much more. Everyone appreciated Naren and Mafat Patel for hosting such a beautiful event. Audience was thrilled and fascinated by award winning Oddissi dance, Raas, Garbo, Patriotic Dance Performances, and most importantly an exceptional performance by DID Artist Kamlesh Patel. His message was to keep trying until you get it right. 1500 people were very happy watching Dance India Dance star and President Award winner Kamlesh Patel was the highlight of the program; it was an emotional experience to watch him and his speech was absolutely inspiring. The entire program was more about creating a spirited patriotic environment in which everyone expressed their love and gratitude to our motherland. It also gives us a chance to respect those who sacrificed their lives for us and our country. These feelings ultimately translate into creating a better country and society. ‘What Better Way to Support and […]

Chicago IL: Punjabi American Organization (PAO) organized , their 10th annual, a very entertaining event “Teeyan Da Mela for on Sunday, August 03, 2014 at Meadows Club. It is a great honor and proud for Punjabi American Organization to host ‘Teeyan Da Mela’ for all the ladies in Midwest Region of Great America as this is the only one event which is “Ladies only” where even the very shy ladies come forward and show their hidden talent without any hesitant. More than 600 ladies overcrowded this event. The event hall was over packed with ladies and children dressed in colorful Indian clothes. This year PAO brought ‘Shaukan Mele Dee’ contest from audience along with singing, dancing and enjoying unforgettable open gidha for all ladies in the event. It was of board members of PAO to see all ladies on Dance Floor dancing away and enjoy this sunny summer Sunday. Teeyan is such an important meaning for Punjabi culture. Ladies as a mother/daughter are so respected and loving to families to share the warmth of keeping families together. Punjabi Americans Organization aims to promote unity and progress of all Punjabi Indian-Americans. Main purpose of organizing this type of event is to […]

Chicago IL: Vishwa Jagriti Mission of North America (VJMNA) organized 4 days of spiritual and divine retreat at Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago in Lemont, Celebration Campus in Naperville and on the Cruise in Lake Michigan. World Renowned Saint His Holiness Sudhanshuji Maharaj and his elder daughter Dr. Archika Sudhanshu, a soulfull Meditation Mastro graced the blissful event in Chicago from July 24th -27th,2014. On Thursday July, 24,2014 the program was started by a prominent Master of Ceremony Anju Lal at 7-00 pm. Devotees enjoyed the melodious Bhajans sung by Anju Lal, Raju Bankapur, Pratibha Jairath. Founder member of VJMNA, Praveen Verma introduced His Holiness Sudhanshu Ji. Maharaj. Two hours of discourse on “PRAYER”, given by His Holiness, was informative; detail oriented and left audience awestruck. Session also included most popular Vedic prayers and its meaning. On Friday July,25, 2014, Anil Dhutia, Gaurang Shukla & Jagdish Yadav sang the tuneful and devotional Bhajans. Devotees came from different parts of the country and from India to pay respect and to hear the wisdom pearls of His Holiness. Topic was “Karma and Bhagya (Destiny)” which was explained in such a way that each and every one in the audience was totally captivated. […]

Skokie IL: On Monday July 28, 2014 Muslims from all over the metropolitan area joyfully bustled into the Holiday Inn, 5300 Touhy Ave, Skokie, IL to join in on the global celebrations of Eid Ul-Fitr. While there were various venues that held Eid prayers throughout the region, one of the largest turnouts was at the Holiday Inn was at 8:30 am, 9:30 am and 10:30 am. The block was quite a sight to passersby. Groups of individuals in vibrant Indian-Pakistani clothing flooded the parking lots as they made their way to the exquisite banquet hall to commemorate the glorious day. Women in vibrant colored dresses, men in ethic outfits and children, smiling and laughing, filled the parking lots and were pouring into the hotel lobby. As individuals worked through the crowded doorways, volunteers from Eid committee gathered funds to recover event expenses. Demonstrating true Islamic generosity, many emptied their pockets and purses into the collecting bins before taking their shoes off and heading into the prayer halls. Men and women continuously and open-heartedly made space for incoming members so everyone would be able to partake in the namaz. Namaz was recited throughout the morning and afternoon to accommodate the 9,000 […]

Chicago IL: Vishwa Jagriti Mission of North America (VJMNA) organized 4 days of spiritual and divine retreat at Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago in Lemont, Celebration Campus in Naperville and on the Cruise in Lake Michigan. World Renowned Saint His Holiness Sudhanshuji Maharaj and his elder daughter Dr. Archika Sudhanshu, a soulfull Meditation Mastro graced the blissful event in Chicago from July 24th -27th,2014. On Thursday July, 24,2014 the program was started by a prominent Master of Ceremony Anju Lal at 7-00 pm. Devotees enjoyed the melodious Bhajans sung by Anju Lal, Raju Bankapur, Pratibha Jairath. Founder member of VJMNA, Praveen Verma introduced His Holiness Sudhanshu Ji. Maharaj. Two hours of discourse on “PRAYER”, given by His Holiness, was informative; detail oriented and left audience awestruck. Session also included most popular Vedic prayers and its meaning. On Friday July,25, 2014, Anil Dhutia, Gaurang Shukla & Jagdish Yadav sang the tuneful and devotional Bhajans. Devotees came from different parts of the country and from India to pay respect and to hear the wisdom pearls of His Holiness. Topic was “Karma and Bhagya (Destiny)” which was explained in such a way that each and every one in the audience was totally captivated. […]

Chicago IL: Masjid – Al – Huda located at 1081 Irving Park Road, Schaumburg, IL 60193, celebrated “Iftar” dinner on July 22, 2014 to show their brotherly spirit of giving and sharing during the Holy month of Ramadan. Dr. Kalid Abdus Sami and masjid members greeted all the incoming guests numbering more than 200 and started the program with Recitation of the Holy Quran in Urdu and translation in English by provided by Hafiz Faraaz. Dignitaries present included Consul General of Pakistan Honorable Faisal Niaz Tirmizi; Laurie Nowak, Du Page County Board Member, Bob Peickert, Chairman of Democratic Party of Du Page County; Michelle Mussman, State Rep. Dist. 56; Paul Kohnstamm, Campaign Manager for Tammy Duckworth; Rich Jacobs, Dist. Dir. Of Senator Michael Noland; Deborah Bullwinkel, President, Villa Park Village; Sue Walten, Community Activist; Eira Corral; Hanover Park Village Clerk; Judge John Dalton, 16th Judicial Circuit, Kane County; Gerald Bromely Schaumburg Library Trustee; Mike Quiroz, Du Page County Sherrif Candidate; Jean Kaczmarek, Du Page County Clerk Candidate; Tariq Malhance, Former Chief Financial Officer, Cook County; Nasir Jahangir, 2nd. Chair Democratic Party of Du Page County; Zainab Khan, Press and Media Coordinator for Laurie Nowak; Dr. Ashish Sen, President of Indo […]

Chicago IL: On Sunday, July 20, 2014, Punjab Sports Club held its Annual International Kabaddi Cup Festival at Boomers Stadium, 1999 Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg, IL. This sport event turned out to be a big festival of fun, food, live entertainment and sports. Despite uncertain weather in the morning people not only from Chicagoland’s area but from Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin came in large numbers to enjoy this sports plus festival. In the evening a famous Punjabi The Legend Gurdas Maan entertained the audience with his popular songs for more than one and a half hour. More than 5000 individuals attended the engaging day of sports, food, and live entertainment. Punjab sports Chicago has been organizing International Kabaddi Tournament since 2003 when it was a World Cup and was held at this same venue at Boomers Stadium. This is their 12th ‘Kabaddi Mela’. It was heartening to see all board Members being identified by their White Tee shirts with Logo of PSC. It was a rare incident that team of two officers namely Mary Passaglia and Tom Miller from Community Development Dept. Village of Schaumburg also were present to assess food being served. Food was very well served by Clay Oven […]

Chicago IL: Shreejidwar Haveli (www.shreejidwar.org) established by Vaishnav Samaj of Midwest (VSM) located at 440 W Fullerton Avenue, Addison, IL 60101 celebrated its 6th Patotsav (6th Anniversary) and Bhoomi Pujan for building bigger and better Haveli over a period of three days from 18th to 20th July, 2014 in a grand manner. There were unique Darshans of Lord Shrinathji under Pushti Pranali every single day. There was a unique occasion of interweaving two Great events that of Golden jubilee of Pa. Pu. Go. Shri Dwarkeshlalji Maharajshri (Champaran -Kandivali) and Platinum Jubilee of HDH Goswami 108 Shri Indira Betiji Mahodaya. Board Members of VSM left no stone unturned in making this celebration exhaustive and memorable and with the cooperation of innumerable volunteers they successfully executed it. 1st day was allocated to Bhumi Pujan and Celebration of Golden Jubilee of JJ. Patotsav Celebrations started on Saturday, 19th July with Shobha Yatra. The patotsav’s theme was Chaurasi Bethak Manorath. Chaurasi Bethak, literally meaning “84 seats”, refers to the 84 places where Vallabhacharya, a devotional philosopher, gave discourse of Bhagavata in the 15th century. This forms one of the very important concepts in the pushtimarg tradition of vaishnavites in India, and these places are […]

Chicago IL: Chicago IL: Shreejidwar Haveli (www.shreejidwar.org) established by Vaishnav Samaj of Midwest (VSM) located at 440 W Fullerton Avenue, Addison, IL 60101 celebrated its Bhoomi Pujan Cermony and Golden Jubilee of JJ Dwarkeshprasdji and blessings of HDH Goswami 108 Shri Indira Betiji Mahodaya on Friday 18th. July 2014 in a grand manner. There were unique Darshans of Lord Shrinathji Hindola made of Fresh Vegetables under Pushti Pranali under guidance and blessing of Pu. Jiji. The proceedings started with Arti and wishing Happy Birthday on Golden jubilee of Pa. Pu. Go. Shri Dwarkeshlalji Maharajshri (Champaran -Kandivali) in presence and Spiritual Guidance to Shreejidwar Haveli by HDH Goswami 108 Shri Indira Betiji Mahodaya. To commemorate his Birthday A shawl was wrapped up to him with wishes to continue guide Vaishnavs for long. Pa. Pu. Go. Shri Dwarkeshlalji Maharajshri (Champaran -Kandivali) referred to the pinciples laid down by Vallabhacharyaji and advised to follow them scrupulousle which will enrich everyone’s life. There were number of devotees present to witness this event which led to Bhumi Pujan for the upcoming New Nandalaya Project. HDH Goswami 108 Shri Indira Betiji Mahodaya According to Hindu culture, the earth is considered to be a mother. Bhoomi is […]

Chicago IL: Over 400 people gathered to witness talent of Illinois area with outstanding performances of talent by youth. Association of Indians in America, Inc. Illinois Chapter proudly organized ‘Group Dance Competition 2014 -Youth Talent Show on Sunday – July 13, 2014 at Hinsdale Community House, 415W. 8th street, Hinsdale, IL 60521 from 4:00pm. This was really a unique performance by the Best in the Business. High Voltage Dance Performances were presented by 11 top teams from Illinois. This was hailed by more than 400 strong appreciative Spectators. It was full house there was no place to seat including the audience where standing behind to get a glimpse of it. No one wanted to leave. The talent show consisted of performances by youth, as well as a talented group of elders between 60 to 65 years. National Anthem of US and India were sung by Anil Sharma. After this Dr. Ghanshyam Pandey introduced Salil Mishra, President, AIA Illinois, who in his welcome remarks said AIA has tried to achieve its objectives and implement its strategies, He thanked the Board for its support. He welcomed all those present and also applauded the efforts put in by youth. Dr. Ghanshyam Pandey proudly […]

Chicago IL: From June 28- July2, 2014, the uplifting and inspiring presence of His Holiness Swami Tejomayananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission Worldwide, was experienced by hundreds of Chicago land and neighboring states’ families. Pujya Guruji, as he is affectionately called, is currently touring and conducting camps and retreats in the United States as he typically does during the summer months. With over 375 Chinmaya Mission centers worldwide, serving countless families, using the Chinmaya Bala Vihar and Adult classes, it was a rare and blessed opportunity for Chinmaya Mission Chicago to host Pujya Guruji for 5 days. Chicago has two major centers- Badri in Willowbrook, and Yamunotri in Grayslake. The high point of the visit was on June 30, 2014 when hundreds of devotees welcomed Pujya Guruji with the traditional purna kumbha welcome ceremony and celebrated Guruji’s 64th birthday at CM Chicago’s Yamunotri center in Grayslake with devotional Sundarakand recitation, bhajans, and melodious flute concert by Pt Ronu Majumdar. The celebration of the birthday is an annual reminder to the aspirants of the purpose of their life, pursuing of noble goals and living a value based life. The pious, receptive attitude prevalent on such an occasion invokes the grace of […]

Chicago IL: Dr. Geetha and Tom Chitta and FCN Board of Directors invited all to come and enjoy an evening of Fellowship and Thanksgiving on Friday, June 27, 2014 from 5:30 pm at St. James Parish Center 820 N. Arlington Heights Road Arlington Heights, IL. It was a delightful and appreciative gathering of about 200. It was the 12th anniversary and was an appreciation dinner for all the Donors and Well-Wishers of FCN. Dignitaries present were elite group of persons including Mr. Edwin Rondan, Director, and Mrs. Christina Aranda, Mission appeal Coordinator, from the Office for Mission Education and Animation for the Archdiocese of Chicago and Father Matt Foley, Pastor were honored. Foundation for Children in Need (FCN) was founded by Dr. Geetha Yeruva and Tom Chitta in 2002 in Arlington Heights, IL. The couple has dedicated 12 years of their lives to educate Children, college students, conduct health education and mobile clinics. Mother Teresa is the inspiration of Dr. Geetha who is a physician herself, provides primary health care and medicines on behalf of FCN. Teenage girls are given workshops on health, hygiene and family life and are provided with a book on “women’s health. The main focus of […]

Skokie IL: Whether she changed your diapers, forced you to eat your vegetables or somehow cured your “owies” – Mother’s Day is the holiday to show how much your mom means to you. The international holiday, which is celebrated on different days in many parts of the world, turns 100 years old this year. Abraham Lincoln said “All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” Mildred B. Vermont stated that ” Being a full-time mother is one of the highest-salaried jobs … since the payment is pure love.” Kevin Durant quoted “You sacrificed for us. You’re the real eternal MVP.” This year, as for past 7 yrs. the festivities were held on Mother’s Day, May 11th, 2014. The Dining Room was converted in to the auditorium for the occasion. This year the celebration was organized by Members of International Society for Spiritual Advancement (ISSA). The hall was decorated with fitting decorations to include flowers, garlands with balloons with printed letters and banners “Happy Mother’s Day”. The entire auditorium was full of senior residents and their families. Many residents despite mobility restrictions, made their way with aid of wheel chair, walker and cane. It […]

Rolling Meadows, IL: A capacity audience was a treated to a few hours of scintillating Bolllywood hits by a quartet of talented singers of contrasting styles in a program aptly called Yaadon Ki Baarat on Friday the 13th at the Meadows Club. The program was presented by Hi India publications and supported by The Meadows Club, Big Suchir Restaurant and Hina Trivedi. The show was produced by Classic Productions from Mumbai. The evening commenced with a welcome by the Publisher of Hi India, Mr. Hemant Brahmbhatt, who acknowledged the various sponsors and supporters of the concert and also introduced Mr. Kamlesh Bhuptani, the national promoter of the concert. The concert itself was narrated by singer Rupali Ghogare who delighted the audience with her intros and accompanying couplets. She also entertained the audience with her solos and duets with the male singers, the evocative Shrikant Narayan and the flamboyant Apoorva Shah. The other singer was the glam Bhoomi Trivedi a music reality show winner, who recently made a smashing debut in Bollywood with her sizzling hit from the movie Ram Leela. The accompanying orchestra led by the ebullient Milind Dabholkar on the keyboards lent substance and zing to the vocalists and […]

Chicago IL: Opening Gala for fourth annual Eye on India (EOI) Festival was launched on Thursday, June 5, 2014 at Open Secret Studios, 401 N. Racine Avenue, Chicago. Each year, the Festival aims to bring the best of Indian art, literature and culture to Chicago audiences, as well as to showcase the work of talented local artists. EOI is hosting over 20 events in Chicago and neighboring suburbs. The 2014 program includes a diverse blend of art exhibits, literary and discussion panels, dance, theatrical and cultural performances in venues around Chicago. This year’s a new addition to the program ‘Eye on Innovation’. As done each year, EOI had proudly showcasing local Chicago artists at the Gala, including Fashion Designer Mara Pinto, contemporary art presented by Veranda8, Musician Zeshan Bagewadi and the work of talented students from the Fashion Studies Department at Columbia College, Chicago with a spectacular Multi-Media backdrop by award winning filmmaker Prashant Bhargava. EOI Events include: • Eye on Innovation on June 7th & 8th a curated weekend of unique and interactive programming which highlights the work of creative entrepreneurs, including Bucketfeet, Freebie, Georama, Idea Lemon, Ishi Vest, Meal Sharing, Veranda8, Whitl, Zero Percent amongst others, organized by […]

Naperville, IL: It was cross-border love and harmony that marked Metropolitan Asian Family Services’Asian Heritage Month and mini fundraising gala dinner grand success on May 31st, 2014 at Naperville Senior Center located at 1032 E Ogden Ave. The hall was packed with prominent dignitaries including elected officials, Board Members of MAFS, volunteer, work force, seniors’ members from various centers, and guests. The celebration started with social hour and it was followed by lamp lightening ceremony which was performed by Swami Parmeshanandaji from Bharat Sevashram Sangha of Aurora, IL, along with Board Members of MAFS and other prominent dignitaries present. Dr. Firdaus Jafri – President, MAFS welcomed guests. She praised Mrs. Kumar and staff efforts to deliver solution and to bring much needed social services to the community. She also appealed to donate generously to help MAFS to continue and expand its activities. Keynote speaker Ms. Dorothy Miaso, Executive Director of Literacy Volunteers of America, IL informed the crowd, how Mrs. Santosh Kumar’s philanthropic nature helped Literacy Volunteers of America with her time, skills and resources 25 yrs ago as Vista Volunteer, although she was newly immigrated to United Stated at that time. She also gave her legal skills to shape […]