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Chicago, IL: The 2013 Eye on India Festival (EIF) featured a symposium entitled Words on Water on Sun., June 29 hosted by the downtown Dance Center of Columbia College. Flown in from India were chronicler of Maoist insurrection, Sudeep Chakravarti, and banker turned best-selling novelist, Amish Tripathi. They were joined by Chicago-based psychiatrist Bulbul Bahuguna. Each speaker was interviewed by a knowledgeable local host and the audience responded to all three authors with wide ranging questions. They read out select passages from their books and spoke their minds candidly. Interviewed by Valerie Lewis, Bahuguna described how exposure to the secrets of her trauma patients have been fictionalized into her first novel The Ghosts That Come Between Us, which is about illness, parental abuse in early childhood, love, and coping with the past. The protagonist Nargis is brutally honest in her inner dialogue that we eavesdrop upon through her psychiatrist-author, which is largely why her story is told in the first person. Bahuguna’s own early experiences in India have been projected into the depravity of recently independent third-world nation. Characterizing Nargis’ father as a larger than life showman with an outsized ego, she clarified his hold over victims by pointing out […]

Chicago IL: Launched by the Chicago-based company Indian Event Management Inc. (IEM), the Chicago Indian Icon CII held its second of the three auditions at the Ashyana Banquets in Downers Grove on June 23, 2013. Increasing popularity is evident in the increase in participants in this second CII audition. People participated from different suburbs of Chicago, southern Illinois and neighboring states of Wisconsin and Indiana. The program was watched by thousands on the internet in real-time, in the United States and other regions of the world including India and Africa. Chicago Indian Icon (CII) is a unique, one of a kind, historic, karaoke competition, where young and not-so-young, male and female, come to perform, compete, and display their unique talents in singing Bollywood songs with the hope of transforming their dreams into reality, and win the title Chicago of Indian Icon! Brij Sharma, the president of IEM was enthusiastic about the success of the first audition. “The magnanimous set up, the quality of participants, the feedback from judges, the interaction from master of ceremonies, attentive audience, and food was all raved about. But, this is just a shadow of what is coming in the future” he said. Sunil Shah from […]

New York, NY: Joseph M. Chalil, MD, MBA, FACHE, Senior Associate Director of Boehringer Ingelheim in Ridgefield, Connecticut, was the honored recipient of two separate prestigious awards on June 19, 2013. Dr. Chalil was bestowed with the 2013 Outstanding Asian American in Business Award for his “successful achievements in the field of business” on June 19, 2013 at the 50 Asian Americans in Business Awards Gala on June 19, 2013 at its annual event at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City . The award recognizes entrepreneurs for their role in driving the U.S. economy, and according to Xiaotang Huang of the Asian American Business Development Center, recipients “represent a microcosm of the best of Asian American professionals and corporate executives who are engaged in a wide range of business interests.” Dr. Chalil also received the New York Presidential award for his outstanding contributions to healthcare on Sunday, June 16th during the American Association of Physicians of Indian origin (AAPI) regional conference on June 16th in Westbury , NY . “Recognizing Dr. Chalil’s contributions in the medical field, AAPI has chosen Dr. Chalil to be honored as a great leader of the health care industry, and your commitment to provide […]

Chicago IL: Saturday, June 15th, The B96 Summberbash was held as a yearly concert held in Bridgeview, IL at Toyota Park which show cases performances from the Nations top Pop and hip/hop artist. The 2013 Summerbash consisted of acts from NE-YO, Demi Lavato, Macklemore, Ryan Lewis, Avril Lavigne, Afrojack, Cher Lloyd and many more. Prior to the show, The Pre Bash Stage at the B96 Pepsi Summerbash hosted the Boom Entertainment & B96 National DJ Cometition, where DJs from across the nation, squared off to be the number one contender to represent their city after submitting their entry videos for selection. After hundreds of entries, 5 were selected to qualify into the Semi-Finals. The competitors were Dj Kwest (CA), Dj B (IL), Dj So-Real (IL), Dj Midas Touch (TX), and Dj Mr.Shaw (IL). The Semi-Finals round took place live at Toyota Park in presence of Celebrity Judges such as Dj Flipside (Jumpsmokers & B96 Mixmaster), Trentino (2013 National Redbull Thre3Style DJ Battle Winner), Dj Speed, Marquee (Jumpsmokers) + many more. The enthused crowd of 5000+ screaming fans applauded the top two contestants remaining. Once the competition was over, one DJ that walked away the winner. He is Chicago’s representative, DJ […]

Chicago IL: Father’s Day comes once a year on a day in June. For those of you wondering just why it is that our nation sets aside a special day for fathers, let’s put this in perspective. To begin with, if it weren’t for some random guy named Dad, you wouldn’t be here! When you really stop and think about it, it’s no laughing matter. After all, some guy named Dad cared enough about your future existence to marry your Mom and then hang around for 18 years while you grew from an embryo to an infant to a bratty teenager to a full grown adult. That’s quite some commitment, and a lot of time, money, and effort. Parenting is a two partner project, and it’s only natural to celebrate both partners alike. So, the Fathers get their own day, each and every year, on June 16. Father’s Day means a great many things to a great many people. But most of us will agree that Father’s Day means the day in which you celebrate your Dad’s existence. Father’s Day is the day you bring your Dad a little gift. It’s the day we all say “Thank you for being […]

Merrillville IN: Bharatiya Temple of North West Indiana located at 8605 Merrillville Road, Merrillville, Indiana celebrated its 3rd Anniversary on June 14th and June 15th, 2013. This two day event took place at the Yagashala, Temple and IACC Hall. Indian American Cultural Center of Northwest Indiana (IACC) was instrumental in building the Temple. This temple was constructed to preserve, nourish and advance Indian culture, heritage, religious values and social values. 14 acres of land was acquired on March 1999. On May 6th 2000, Bhoomi Pooja was performed and construction began.. For many who toiled countless hours for over two decades, the dream of building a cultural center finally became a reality. The center was opened on March 9th 2002. Plans to expand the existing building and construct a shrine was formally done on June 9th 2009. The Temple was named as Bharatiya Temple of NWI. This was a historic landmark for the Indian Community of Northwest Indiana. The Grand opening of the Temple – Maha Kumbhabhishekam celebrations were performed on June 18th – 20th & Jain Prathistha Mahotsav on July 17th 2010. This was the first Temple of its kind in the great State of Indiana. During the 3rd anniversary […]

Atlanta Ga: Mrs. Amita Motwani of Indore, India has been crowned the Mrs. India International 2013 in the pageant finals on 18th May 2013 at the Doubletree by Hilton hotel in Atlanta, USA in a well contested finale. Amita is elated to be India’s ambassador and feels honored to represent India at the Mrs. International Pageant 2013. Mrs. Anu Karna, of Purnia, INDIA was declared the first runners up and Mrs. Nidhi Gupta, of Moradabad, INDIA was declared the second runner up after two days of scoring rounds of Interview, Fitness Wear, Ethnic Wear and Evening Gown, judged by a competent panel of judges. The finals show was graced by Mr. Subash Razdan, winner of Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Award 2013 who was the Chief Guest. The show was also graced by celebrities Ms. Pooja Batra – Bollywood movie star and Ms. Reema Khan – Pakistani movie star. Mrs. Pooja Batra, Mrs. Shaveta Jain, Mrs. India International 2012 and Mrs. Adrita Khanna, Director of the Mrs. India International 2013 Pageant and Mrs. India International 2008 & Mr. Piyush Motwani ( Husband of Mrs. Amita Motwani ) crowned the new Mrs. India International 2013, Amita Motwani , after culmination of an entertaining […]

Atlanta Ga: Mrs. Sanam Azeem of Roswell, Ga, USA has been crowned the Mrs. Pakistan International 2013 in the pageant finals on 18th May 2013 at the Doubletree by Hilton hotel in Atlanta, USA in a well contested finale. Sanam is elated to be Pakistan’s ambassador and feels honored to represent Pakistan at the Mrs. International Pageant 2013. Mrs. Rukhsana Hussain of Buford, Ga, USA was declared the first runners up and Mrs. Basma Adeel of Atlanta, Ga, USA was declared the second runner up after two days of scoring rounds of Interview, Fitness Wear, Ethnic Wear and Evening Gown, judged by a competent panel of judges. The finals show was graced by Mr. Subash Razdan, winner of Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Award 2013 who was the Chief Guest. The show was also graced by celebrities Ms. Pooja Batra – Bollywood movie star and Ms. Reema Khan – Pakistani movie star. Mrs. Reema Khan, Mrs. Adrita Khanna, Director of the Mrs. Pakistan International 2013 Pageant and Mrs. India International 2008 & Mr. Mike Parsons ( Husband of Mrs. Sanam Azeem) crowned the new Mrs. Pakistan International 2013, Sanam Azeem after culmination of an entertaining evening where the top 4 finalists competed […]

Chicago IL: Padma Shri Shubha Mudgal delivered a well-attended Sunday afternoon concert on June 09 at the Reva and David Logan Center of the Arts, University of Chicago (UC), as part of the Eye on India Festival (EIF) 2013. Introduced by EIF President Anuradha Behari, the Hindustani classical vocalist was here to lend her voice to the cause of communal harmony. She was accompanied by Aneesh Pradhan on the tabla and Sudhir Nayak on the harmonium. Her concert officially marked the closing, at the UC Smart Museum of Art, of the exhibition on “The Sahmat Collective: Art and Activism in India since 1989,” which was inaugurated on Feb 13, 2013, likewise amidst Hindustani musical concerts and a SAHMAT discussion panel. Mudgal has been awarded the 1996 National Film Award for Best Non-Feature Film Music Direction for the movie Amrit Beej (“Seed of Immortality”), the 1998 Gold Plaque Award for Special Achievement in Music at the 34th Chicago International Film Festival for her music in the film Dance of the Wind (1997), and the Padma Shri in 2000. Hailing from an academic family—both her parents were professors of English literature at Allahabad University—Mudgal was a disciple of Pandit Ramashreya Jha and […]

Chicago IL: Father’s Day is a celebration honoring fathers and celebrating fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society. Many countries celebrate it on the third Sunday of June, but it is also celebrated widely on other days. Father’s Day was created to complement Mother’s Day, a celebration that honors mothers and motherhood. Hari Om Mandir at 6N 020, Medinah Road, Medinah, IL 60157, celebrated in breathtaking manner a novel program, “ Father’s Day Family Fun Friday “ on Friday, 14th June, 2013 from 6-30 PM onwards. Seniors Group of the Temple planned this event. They worked tirelessly for days to organize this program. The participants had come prepared with their best item to regale everyone in the audience. The entire program was very well planned and it started with sumptuous dinner. The program was arranged in Lower Hall of the Temple. The highlight of the program was that it was planned and executed by a team of Seniors. It was truly a fun-filled evening. Lots of Music, Jokes and Entertainment brought enjoyment to everyone. Ayodhiaji Salwan, Chairman wished all the fathers a Happy Fathers Day. He then requested MC Vadheraji to take over the program. Vadheraji started […]

Chicago IL: The Cultural committee of Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple in Aurora, IL, presented an enthralling two day dance festival “Nrithya Samarpanam – Indian Dance festival” on Saturday, June 8th and Sunday, June 9th 2013. Performances by Midwest dance schools and visiting troupes from across the country and India mesmerized the audience. The prestigious dance festival attracted more than 150 participants from across the country and India. Participating schools included: Students of Nrithyanjali School of Dance, Artistic Director, Sushmita Arunkumar Students of NrithyaSangeeth School of Dance, Artistic Director, Sowmya Kumaran Students of Utkala Centre for Odissi, Artistic Director, Ipsitha Satpathy Students of Kuchipudi Natya Vihar, Artistic Director, Sobha Tammana Students of Laasyam School of Dance, Artistic Director, Hema Yaddanapudi Students of Noopura Dance Academy, Artistic Director, Mahalakshmi Varadhan Students of Kalarpana School of Dance, Artistic Director, Radhika Raghuvir Students of NrithyaGeetanjali Dance Academy, Artistic Director, Anupama Rajesh Students of Bharatanjali School of Dance. Artistic Director, Sandhya Radhakrishnan Students of Asha Acharya Performing Arts, Artistic Director, Asha Acharya Adiga Students of SriRanga School of Dance, Artistic Director, Srivani Vokkarane Students of Devaki Janakiraman and Students of NatyaBala Kuchipudi Dance Academy, Artistic Director, LavanyaLatha Jonnalagadda The vibrant performances by all these participants […]

Chicago IL: Eye on India Festival (EIF) 2013 kicked off on Friday, June 7 with a warm reception from the Desi community for actress Shabana Azmi and her husband-partner, scriptwriter, lyricist, and poet Javed Akhtar at the Primitive Gallery in downtown Chicago. EIF President Anuradha Behari announced the lineup of events scheduled over the next five weeks and encouraged everyone to attend, promote, and support the festival. Introducing the artiste-couple, Teamworks Productions President Sanjoy Roy underlined the importance of appreciating the tolerant side of Islam, which is otherwise receiving so much bad press in this deteriorating global climate. Azmi performs in film, television, and theatre. An alumna of Film and Television Institute of India (Pune), she made her film debut in 1974 and soon became a leading actress of the Indian New Wave movement known for its serious content and neo-realism. Versatile Azmi has earned her a record of five wins of the National Film Award for Best Actress, four Filmfare Awards, and international honors. She has appeared in over 120 Hindi films, in both mainstream and independent cinema, and since 1988 she has acted in several foreign projects. Azmi is a social and women’s rights activist, Goodwill Ambassador of […]

Chicago IL: Internationally recognized humanitarian Her Holiness Amma Sri Karunamayi, was honored by both Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon at their downtown offices in the James R. Thompson Center, this Wednesday evening, June 5th 2013. Upon arrival, former Deputy Treasurer of Illinois, Mr. Raja Krishnamoorthi, and renowned pulmonologist Dr. Krishna Sunkara from Chicago, greeted Amma and her party, including Her Holiness’s personal assistants Ms. Vijaya Sindhuri Pulipati and Mr. Michael Stasko. Amma and the Lieutenant Governor shared heartfelt exchanges in a loving first meeting sealed with an embrace from Amma. Lt. Gov. Simon was joined by her husband, Mr. Perry Knop, and Chief of Staff, Ms. Kati Phillips. Her Holiness spoke on the importance of charity in our world and shared some of the details surrounding her many humanitarian projects, which include free housing programs, free schools, a 100-bed free hospital, water treatment projects, disaster relief programs, free food and clothing distributions, leprosy care, remote medical care, women’s welfare programs and numerous peace initiatives. Lt. Gov. Simon then honored Amma by presenting Her Holiness with the “Woman of the Year 2013” Award, in recognition of her selfless service to humanity and her inspirational life dedicated to […]