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Bright lights, fireworks, colors, and delicacies, what can all these words represent? These are the words that signify one of the most renowned Hindu festivals, Diwali, or the “Festival of Lights”. This festival is celebrated by Hindus all around the world and symbolizes the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. Diwali is the last day of the Hindu calendar and is followed by New Year celebrations. This year’s Diwali festival was celebrated with great devotion at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan across North America. Devotees gathered at the Mandir on Diwali Day with family and friends to participate in the Chopda Pujan, a special ceremony for business owners to receive blessings for the upcoming New Year. This is traditionally the day when business owners close their existing account books for the year and open new ones in preparation for the upcoming year. Through chanting Vedic hymns and prayers, hundreds of ledgers were blessed during the ceremony. On the New Year Day, devotees gathered early in the morning to offer their prayers on the first day of the New Year. Devotees graciously greeted each other and spread wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year. All were dressed in […]

Chicago IL: Nov 18, 2012- Indian community organized a dinner party in honor of the Democrats who won during the recent election. The Indo-American Democratic Organization convened the event. The dinner was attended by 500 guests who were supporters of the organization. In addition to the honorable guests, there were also statewide, countywide, local & elected officials present. The dinner had a 3 course cuisine which was provided by Host Committee Holiday Inn. The event was celebrated with classical music. The event organizer was Balvinder Singh who is a Chair person for President Obama’s campaign Organization of America, Devon ave, Chicago . Mehbub Kapadia MD was supporter of campaign. The guest speaker was Indian Consulate General Ms. Mukta Tomar. Democrat Winner Bill Foster gave a speech commenting on the great work the Indian community did for the Nation. Sen. Ira Silverstein was the honorable speaker. Other prominent politicians that spoke at the event included Congresswomen Jan Schakowsky, Rep. Brad Schneider, Congressman Danny Davis, Alderman Debra Silverstein, Rep. Lou Lang, Alderman Joe Moore,and many more. Volunteers supported the Obama Organization extensively and National Democratic Organization. Volunteers made calls in phone banks and canvassed in many cities and communities. The volunteers included […]

Chicago IL: Harinder Pal Singh President and C.E.O. of Management and Information Technology Solutions, Inc. (M.I.T.S.) was honored by Asian Chronicle USA TV Channel Program with the Asian American Humanitarian Award 2012. The award ceremony took place on November 18, 2012 at a dinner banquet at Sheraton Four Points Hotel, in Schiller Park, Illinois where more than 250 guests mostly Asian Americans of Chicago attended the event. The program included musical entertainment. Harinder Pal Singh was cited by the executive producer Lourdes Mon to be a benefactor of the Center for Elderly Care, a non-profit institution in Amritsar Punjab India, where thousands of needy elderly have received free medical care and other help over the years. Mr. Singh is an educator and a mentor who has helped hundreds of laid off and unemployed Asian American Professionals in Metropolitan Chicago area. He re-trains them by imparting new marketable skills and helps them get employed to be able to make a living again in tough economic times. His company M.I.T.S. is a premier training and consulting company in Project Management, Information Technology and Medical Informatics, with three locations Schaumburg, Oakbrook, and Gurnee Illinois. The Asian Humanitarian Award is given annually by the […]

Chicago IL: The Shia Muslims of North America observed Muhharam on Thursday November 22, 2012, at Ramada Inn, 780 North Avenue, Glendale Heights, IL, 60139. This month is a time of mourning for the Holy prophet’s grandson, Imam Hussein. He is a man that stood for righteousness and piety. His sacrifice, believed by the Shia Muslims, is a sacrifice for all of humanity. This is a very auspicious time and is dedicated to Imam Hussein and his brother, Hazrat Abbas. Shi’i Muslims around the world annually dedicate the first ten days, called ‘Ashura, of their new year(and continues through forty days, called Arbayeen) to commemorating a battle that took place nearly 1400 years ago, in 680 A.D., on the tenth of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar. The battle took place between Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, whose name is Husayn, son of Imam ‘Ali and Fatima Zahra, the only daughter of Prophet Muhammad, and the Islamic empire at the time. Many of those living at the time of Husayn looked to him as someone who clearly resembled Prophet Muhammad in his teachings and in the way that he lived his life—more than anyone else alive at that time. In […]

Chicago, IL: On Sunday November 25, 2012, the American Association of Radiologists of Indian Origin (AARI) held its annual meeting and dinner at Gaylord India Restaurant located at 100 E. Walton Street in the heart of downtown Chicago. Over 150 radiologists from America and abroad attended the event. AARI Mission is to provide support and information helpful to the needs of American radiologists of Indian origin and to function as a venue for charitable, educational, cultural and networking activities, for members to share common ideas and discuss mutual concerns. AARI started in 1975 and functions as a venue for charitable, educational and cultural activities. Furthermore, it creates a forum that allows members to share common ideas and discuss mutual concerns. Keynote Speaker, Dr. Swaminathan, who is Past President of Illinois State Medical Society highlighted the future of Radiology and new sweeping changes coming to the Medical field in view of Obama’s re-election. Larger share of health care budget will be consumed by changes taking effect in Obama care. This will increase Medicaid enrollment amounting up to 50% of healthcare budgets. Due to low rate of re-imbursement by Medicaid and to decrease the overhead, trend will continue towards decreasing independent practitioners […]

Chicago, IL: On Sunday, November 11, 2012, HDF hosted “Walk in Her Shoes: A Fashion Show Dedicated to Women’s Empowerment” at The Meadows Club in Rolling Meadows, IL. The couture fashion show featured collections by designers HSY, Mina Hassan, Nomi Ansari, Faiza Samee,Sana Safinas, Satya Paul, and Manish Malhotra, presented by Studio Elite. An exquisite stage adorned with crystals and white mums was provided Professional Party Planners. HDF combats extreme poverty by “Helping people help themselves.” Their powerful, Holistic Model is comprehensive and is focused on lasting change in 5 key areas – Education, Health Care, Economic Growth, Social Mobilization and Sustainable Environment. HDF’s goal aligned with Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 3, is to Promote Gender Equality & Empower Women. HDF’s concrete programs empower women to live, learn, earn and lead their communities. “HDF envisions women to participate actively & equitably in all spheres of life, and to play a fulfilling role in the development of their society.” Fakhia Rashid, Executive Director of HDF. HDF’s Chicago Chapter hosted this prestigious event for girls’ education. One of HDF’s most imperative programs is Education & Literacy: Educating women and girls provides the single highest return on investment in the developing world. The […]

Chicago IL: The Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago (PCS) kept up it’s long tradition of participating in the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade held on the day of Thanksgiving, Thursday November 22, 2012 on State Street downtown Chicago, luckily under an unseasonably fair weather sky and thousands watching and cheering in person. This was PCS’s 5th time in the parade highlighting Indian culture. The parade was televised live on WGN TV Channel 9, WGN America, and also streamed live on internet for worldwide viewing from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m, and also rebroadcast at 1 pm to 4 pm on CLTV on the same day where millions watched from home. Celebrating its 79th year, the McDonald’s® Thanksgiving Parade is Chicago’s premier holiday event. PCS was a part of more than 100 spectacular contingents proudly marching the parade route North on State Street from Congress to Randolph Street inspired by a cheering crowd of thousands. “PCS has been participating in this parade since 2005, it gives our Indian community a great exposure in the mainstream, and it shows our commitment to celebrate the American festivals,” said PCS President Baljit Singh Sidhu. “The theme of the PCS decorated float and it’s contingent was […]

Chicago IL: Holiday Inn presented ‘The South Asian Bridal Expo 2012 from 11:00am to 5:00 pm on Sunday, November 11, 2012 at Holiday Inn, 3405 Algonquin Road, Rolling Meadows, IL. Bridal Expo started with “Dholmastersherlock” Shirish Shah from Chicago and his Troupe of brightly adorned dancers that practically danced on air, mesmerizing the crowd around. If you looked closely you could see the music infiltrating into the audience and a few shoulders actually bouncing to the beat! Top Vendors specializing in Jewelry, Boutiques, Mandaps, Hair and Makeup Artists, Décor and Floral, Gift Favors, Photographers/Videographers, Invitations, DJs, Wedding Planners, Hotels, Caterers and Graceful Equines which provides white mare for the groom to ride during the Baraat ceremony participated in this event. Public and Vendors came from near and far to attend this year’s expo whose back-drop seemed like a getaway well worth the travel. The event took place at the Holiday Inn Express of Rolling Meadows, with its island inspired banquet hall, taking us from the windy city to a Goan retreat. The Fashion show was a two part extravaganza featuring two distinct designers. Trusha Mehta of “Palkhi” dominated the first half with her large array of glamorous, and very much […]

Chicago IL: Bright lights, fireworks, colors, and delicacies, what can all these words represent? These are the words that signify one of the most renowned Hindu festivals, Diwali, or the “Festival of Lights”. This festival is celebrated by Hindus all around the world and symbolizes the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. Diwali is the last day of the Hindu calendar and is followed by New Year celebrations. This year’s Diwali festival was celebrated with great devotion at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett, IL. On November 13th, devotees gathered at the Mandir with family and friends to participate in the Chopda Pujan, a special ceremony for business owners to receive blessings for the upcoming New Year. This is traditionally the day when business owners close their existing account books for the year and open new ones in preparation for the upcoming year. Through chanting Vedic hymns and prayers, hundreds of ledgers were blessed during the ceremony. On November 14th, devotees gathered early in the morning to offer their prayers on the first day of the New Year. They graciously greeted each other and spread wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year. All were dressed […]

Chicago IL: Shariq Sidz ‘s “Dil Toota” Video Premiere Party & an exclusive performance was held on ‘Sunday’ November 18th 2012 at Eclipse Entertainment Lounge, Chicago Illinois. Shariq Sidz is an upcoming singer from Chicago who is making a big name for himself already in the music industry. He has performed with names such as RDB, Rahim Shah, Jawad Ahmed and many more. However, it was time for Shariq to shine on his own and let the world know what his music is all about. He released his debut single “Dil Toota” and celebrated with his hometown fans at the video premiere party at Eclipse Lounge. The ambiance of the event was very classy and everyone was dressed to impress for the red carpet pictures. As the event started, fans were welcomed by two lovely MC’s for the night, Omehabiba Khan and Sabih Nawab. The fans were treated to videos about Shariq’s past, his childhood and even some messages from important & influential people in his life such as other singers, RJ’s, models and actresses. It takes countless hours to create a music video and everyone had the opportunity to watch behind the scenes footage of the making of “Dil […]

Rolling Meadows, IL: The Indian American Medical Association of Illinois held its 32nd Annual Meeting and Banquet on November 17, 2012 at the classy Meadows Club reflecting on highlights of this past year. Dr. Aruna Vade, President of IAMA thanked her team and members for a successful year in fulfilling the vision and goals of the IAMA such as supporting the Free Clinic, educational and community awareness seminars. The key note speaker for the evening was Dr. Shrinivas Shanbagh Medical Director of Reliance company of India. Dr. Shanbagh addressed how health education and emphasis on preventive health care led to increased participation and compliance with preventive measures among employees in his organization. Dr. Malliswari Challapalli, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist said that the successful measures implemented by Dr. Shanbagh could serve as a blue print for all organizations and industries throughout the world. The Guest of honor Congressman William G Foster spoke to members elaborating the need for reform in immigration policy to recruit and keep talented people in USA. Golden Stethoscope Awards were created by IAMA to encourage research among students, residents and fellows. The first prize went to Rahul Bijlani, 2nd year Medical Student for his innovative research on […]