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Chicago IL: National Federation of Indian-American Associations NFIA hold its17th Biennial Convention during October 12-14, 2012 at Holiday Inn, 3405 Algonquin Rd, Rolling Meadows, IL. National Federation of Indian American Associations (NFIA) Invited guests and keynote speakers: Minister of Overseas Indian affairs Vayalar Ravi, Prime Minister of Trinidad Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Indian Ambassador Nirupama Rao, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, Secretary of State Jesse White, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Consul General of India, Mukta Dutta Tomer, Congressmen Danny Davis, Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Clerk Dorothy Brown, Past & Present Leaders of NFIA Program of the convention was, Inauguration: Friday October 12, 2012 6:30PM followed by Cultural Program and Dinner. Saturday October 13, 2012 9:00AM to 5:00PM Conferences. 7:00PM-11PM Public Meeting, Entertainment program, Award Ceremony, Grand Gala Banquet. Sunday 9AM-12:30PM General Body meeting, Lunch. Convention theme was ‘Unity/Empowerment of Youth and Women’ Message from the President Lal K. Motwani, “I am grateful to all of you for placing your confidence in me by electing me to head this association during the national convention in New York in September 2010, which also marked the 30th anniversary of the illustrious, umbrella organization for the Indian American community. I am proud to say that […]

Stoneham, MA: The month of August saw heavy rains in the city of Jaipur, Rajasthan, and surrounding areas, causing residents of the region to face flash floods, displacement and food insecurity. Thousands were rendered homeless and a few people were killed in the heavy downpour. At the request of district administration, the Akshaya Patra Foundation came to the rescue of the flood victims and distributed over 50,000 meals in the disaster affected areas. From August 22nd to September 8th, 2012, Akshaya Patra distributed food in the low lying areas of Jaipur in colonies such as Bhatta Basti, Shastri Nagar, and Jahawar Nagar. The Akshaya Patra distribution vans were stationed near the water logged areas while food was hand carried to the affected places. The officers from the food & civil supplies department, police and district administration guided the relief operation. The Foundation continued to support the district in relief efforts until the threat had passed. Recently, the District Collector of Jaipur, Sri. Naveen Mahajan, recognized the services of Akshaya Patra during the flood. Sri. Naveen Mahajan awarded a certificate of appreciation to Rathnangada Dasa, Unit President Akshaya Patra Jaipur, who received the honor on behalf of the Foundation. “We are […]

Robbinsville, NJ: Sixteen-year-old Chetna Patel hurried across the parking lot shielding herself from the brisk autumn morning with a plain white sweater covering her vibrant ochre-colored sari. When asked why she was in a rush, she responded saying, “I don’t want to miss a single second of today’s festivities. I have been waiting for this festival for the last four years.” Chetna was not alone. Well-wishers, devotees, and community members from across the region thronged to celebrate the opening of the Satsang Activity Center (SAC), a new home for cultural, social, and religious activities for the Hindu American community in Central Jersey. This once vacant and hardly noticeable plot of land in Robbinsville, NJ has come to life within the last few years. According to one of the Township County Officials, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha’s conceptualization and creation of the Hindu American Religious Center (HARC) has changed the social and cultural landscape of the entire community. The opening of the first phase of the center, the Satsang Activity Center, was celebrated over three days of ceremonies and rituals. The new assembly hall will provide a location for many spiritual, cultural, educational, and recreational activities for children, families, and community members. Several […]

Chicago IL: The quest for spiritual happiness is a practical necessity, not a lofty ideal, says a Swami Mukundananda Ji who finished a one day Retreat on Saturday, October 20, 2012 – at the Holiday Inn, Rolling Meadows, IL. It was a special day Special day of spiritual rejuvenation and frolicking fun. Devotees spent quality time in the inspiring company of Swamiji, nourishing their body, mind, and soul. The program was packed with Bhajans, Leela Descriptions, Discourses, Bhajan Competition, Meditation and on top of it Excellent presentation by Chicago Bal Mukund Center – which runs its Character Building Program for kids in ages 4-16 based on our Vedic Scriptures in Palatine, IL. A new Back to Community program was kick started by J K Yog in Conjunction with Chicago Food Depository on Oct 20, 2012 – where J K Yog is planning to help raise meals for Chicago Community. An excellent way of giving back to Community. J K Yog has been doing back to community programs around the World for decades now. Swami Mukundananda Ji is a spiritual leader whose lectures apply the ancient Vedas, or Hindu scriptures, to the challenges of 21st-century existence. He teaches audiences how to […]

Chicago IL: IDF Project Goodness 2012 and Launching of IDF USA was arranged by IDF India at 6.30pm, on 19th October 2012, at India House Banquet, 1521 West Schaumburg Road. Schaumburg, IL. The Trustees of IDF USA cordially invited elite group of Chicago with family to grace IDF Project Goodness 2012, in spite of short notice and lots of engagements due to Navratri and other reasons, many graced the event. There were number of Photographs Exhibited near the stage depicting various achievements and meetings of IDF with Prominent Personalities of India including Past President APJ Abdul Kalam, Late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Mother Terrasa, Sam Pitroda and many Sports and Bollywood Personalities and their various Projects. Up to 6-30 pm Fellowship and Introduction with individuals prevailed with munching. Mrs. Sunita Latamba- MC of the evening invited all to take their seats and invited Dr. ARK Pillai, Dr. Narayan B. Iyer, Congrssman Joe Walsh, Bhailalbhai Patel on the stage to perform traditional Lamp Lighting. Which was made pious by reciting Mantras by Rohit Joshi and prayer by Mr. Glenn Josepph. Before proceeding starts, National Anthems by USA and India were recited. Welcome and Introduction about IDF was […]

Chicago IL: Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago (JSMC) presented Raas Garba Ramzat on Friday, October 19, 2012 at Jain Center, 435 N. Route 59, Bartlett, IL. JSMC organized Raas Garba Ramzat for the third consecutive year. Purpose and goal for organizing the event was dual, Community Service and Fund Raising. The whirling dancers, clapping hands, distinct sound of wooden sticks struck together, toe tapping music and people wearing colorful clothes marked the Navratri celebration at the Garba & Dandiya Raas. Ticket were $10 (in advance), At the Door – 12, Children under 6 years free Event started at 8:00pm on October 19th with Garba time with Non-stop music provided by Raj & Smruti Pandya group from KY. This followed by Break at 10:00 PM. During Break, various food stalls were available to purchase food at minimal cost. Lamp Lighting Ceremony by Sponsors of the event was organized after Break when Platinum Sponsors and Golden Sponsors were present. After Lamp Lighting Ceremony winner of Garba and Best dress in Groups of 18 years and below and above were declared and Sponsors and Musicians were honored with presentation of Plaques. After that all participated in Garba with clapping. There after Raas time […]

Chicago, IL: On Saturday, October 13, 2012 the Hamdard Center for Health and Human Services held its 20th Annual Gala at the Donald E. Stephens Rosemont Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. It was a celebration of 20 years at with special guest, Khaleel the comedian as the Master of Ceremony. Evening highlights included a high couture Cultural and royal fashion show produced by Sahil and featuring the Royal Bride Collection by Umang Hutheesing, wonderful, live music with Singer Amanat Ali, and an extremely entertaining live auction presented by Michael Espe of Zaffarano Auctioneers. Theme fashion show was of Jaipur, Rajasthan. 750+ people from the South Asian and American Community attended the program. Featuring Musical Guest Amanat Ali was a Pakistani singer who was one of the finalists on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2007. He placed third in the competition and garnered 34,314,257 votes in the final two weeks. Choreographer Farah Khan and Indian ghazal singer Jagjit Singh heralded him as a “great discovery”. Amanat once performed with Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, who paid him five hundred rupees for his performance. Amanat is the son of singer Nazakat Ali. Amanat sand the “Khabar Nahi” song for the 2008 film […]

Chicago IL: Manpasand(Bhavna Modi), Saffron Chat, Mita’s beauty Salon and Payal Shah presented ‘Raas Garba – Master Rana & Group on Friday October 12, 2012 at 8:00 PM at Forestview Educational Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Rd, Arlington Hts, IL. There were attraction of Door Prizes, Best Dress, Best Dancer and Best Group Dancers, (Win Prizes TV, Diamond Pendant, Gift Certificates) and many more. Navratri is a festival dedicated to the worship of a Hindu deity Shakti. During these nine nights and ten days, nine forms of Shakti/Devi are worshiped. The 10th day is commonly referred to as Vijayadashami or “Dussehra.” The Navarathri Festival or ‘Nine Nights Festival’ becomes ‘Ten Days’ Festival’ with the addition of the last day, Vijayadashami which is its culmination. Gujarat’s Navratri Festival, is “a circle of ecstasy” that throbs Non-stop for nine nights with millions of fantastically costumed devotees swaying in a fusion of dance and devotion. Although this festival is celebrated throughout India, nowhere is it performed with more panache and fervor than in Gujarat. The festival is enjoyed by all communities, all age groups and in all cities in Gujarat. People all over the world come to Gujarat especially to enjoy this traditional and […]

Chicago IL: Hari Om Mandir celebrated their 25th Annual Fund Raising Dinner with great fan and fare on Saturday, 13th October, 2012 at India House Banquet Hall, Schaumburg, IL. The program started with chanting of Shloka, ‘Karpur Gaurav Karunavtaram’ by Mrs. Sneh Chaudhary. Thereafter she introduced the MC’s for the evening Mrs. Indu Wadhwa who in turn called Gaurav, RJ from Desi Junction, as her co-host for the evening. Priests performed the Ganpati pooja and BOT Chairman Ayodhia Salwan, along with Rajeev Bharel, President Executive Board and Brij Sharma, Chairman Fund Raising, lighted the lamp. Govind Dhingra sang a Bhajan ‘Aaja Aaja Aajare Tu Gita ke Bhagwan tu Apna Vachan Nibhajare’. After this Brij Sharma and Rajeev Bharel gave welcoming speeches. Brij Sharma spoke about Temple and their importance for immigrants. Rajeev Bharel highlighted the contribution of all senior members who have worked day and night to generate the funds for setting up this temple. He also thanked the members of Fund Raising Committee and the members of both the Board who worked tirelessly to make this event a great success. This was followed by a speech by the Board of Trustees Chairman, Ayodhia Salwan. He apprised every one about […]

Chicago, IL: On Saturday, October 13, 2012 the Hamdard Center for Health and Human Services held its 20th Annual Gala at the Donald E. Stephens Rosemont Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. They celebrated 20 years of humanitarian service with Khaleel the comedian, as the Master of Ceremony. Highlights included a haute couture royal fashion show produced by Sahil featuring the Royal Bride Collection by Umang Hutheesing, enchanting live music by Singer Amanat Ali, and an extremely entertaining live auction presented by Michael Espe of Zaffarano Auctioneers. Historically, India has been globally acknowledged as a country for its rich textile heritage, intricate designs and elegant styles. Theme: “Mogul Royalty” For 200 years a single family dominated India and astonished the world. A family known in history as The Great Moghuls. On Saturday, October 13, 2012 Sahil Exclusive presented two unique collections; a 2013 collection designed exclusively for Sahil by Shefali Hedge and feature collection by Umang Hutheesing. The fashions captured the amazing craftsmanship of both designers and provided a great visual treat to the audience. The models dressed in traditional Moghul Style clothing walked the ramp with elegance and poise. Sahil CEO: Bhavesh Patel; Designer: Umang Hutheesing; Designer: Shefali Hegde, Runway […]