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Chicago IL: On Sunday, October 30th, the Indian National Overseas Congress Organization hosted its Annual Banquet at the India House Banquets located at 1551 Schaumburg Rd, Schaumburg, IL. The paramount objective of the event was to announce the Michigan sub chapter of Indian National Overseas Congress and to honor; Ms. Alka Lamba, senior leader of AICC (All India Congress Committee). Doors opened at 6:00pm with meet and greet session for V.I.P’s with the dignitaries beginning at 6:00pm for one hour. The dignitaries and the V.I.P’s were then escorted to the main hall where 600 plus people were waiting to welcome them. The event commenced with appetizers and cocktails. Lovedeep Singh Dulat, Executive Secretary and the Banquet chair made it a well organized event. Anju Katiyal, Arvind Sidhu and Hardev Sahu, all board members since the launch of the organization were seen busy taking care of all the guests and making sure that the event went smoothly. Avind Gakhal was very instrumental in planning the whole event. The Chief Guest of the evening was Alka Lamba who is a senior leader of Congress, AL Larson, Mayor of Schaumburg and Raja Krishnamoorthi an aspirant to contest for Congressman were Guest of Honors. […]

Chicago IL: Midwest Asian American Center or MAAC celebrated its Annual fundraising dinner on Saturday, October 29th, 2011 at India House Banquet Hall, 1521 W. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg, Illinois,60194. A delicious buffet dinner with non-vegetarian and vegetarian options allowed for a palate of delicious food. There was a cash bar that was open at 6:30 P.M. and the program started at 8:00 P.M. The MAAC board of directors invited the people to support MAAC on its educational, cultural and social work by attending and sponsoring its fundraising dinner and cultural evening. Entertainment was provided by the Jesse White Tumblers and R K Dance Academy. There were 250 plus people who attended to celebrate the event. The event began with a Welcome speech given by Vandana Dalal (Executive Director), who was the coordinator and organizer of this event along with her MAAC team. Vandana said, “I do the event every other year, but this time I am doing this event two consecutive years in a row. The state cut funding; therefore I am happy that we could do this event this year. We do everything with education, which helps us to move our cause forward, to help provide classes, services, and […]

Chicago, IL: Vishwa Gujarati Samaj USA (VGS USA) Board of Directors & President Naren Patel Celebrated Diwali on Friday October 28, 2011 at the Waterford Banquet located on 922 Riverside Road, Elmhurst IL. The event was also attended by VGS members, [the event was complementary to the paid members] invited guests, friends and family. The extravagant celebration began at 7 pm. Vishwa Gujarati Samaj Global President Krishnakant Vakharia and Kusum Kaul Vyas the Joint General Secretary travelled from India to join the celebration. Mr. Hitesh Master and his orchestra conducted music for Garba, Bhajan, melodious Bollywood and Gujarati Lokgeet. The event kicked off with the Deep Lighting Ceremony with the chief guest VGS Worldwide President, Mr. Krishnakant Vakharia. Joining Mr. Vakharia was VGS USA President, Mr. Naren Patel, Hiren Patel [NRB Bank]Mafat Patel, Neal & Raj Patel from Medstar Laboratory, Inc., Dinesh Gandhi, Beena Patel, Sonal Shukla, Tushar Chotalia, Vinod Parikh, Kishore Chugh and Dr. Yash Amin. They wished all guests Happy Diwali and a Happy and Prosperous New Year. Nishal Patel, the grandson of Naren Patel came up on stage to enlighten the audience what Diwali truly represents. Next, the VGS, USA Secretary Beena Patel was acknowledged for her […]

Chicago IL: Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna (Padma Vibhushan ) and Pt. Ronu Majumdar (Grammy Nominee), along with accompanying artists, rendered a soul stirring concert to a ‘sold out’ audience of close to 700 people on Sunday, October 23, 2011. The concert was organized to commemorate the 18th sthapana anniversary of Lord Badrinarayana Murti in the shrine at Chinmaya Mission Chicago’s Badri center located in Willowbrook, IL. The Grand Concert, held at the Sama Rathi auditorium in HTGC, was a tribute and celebration of the community oriented service that Chinmaya Mission Chicago has been providing to the Chicagoland area families for the past 30 years. Mission is dedicated to educating our children, adults and families as a whole, fostering self-development through right understanding of our religious principles and practice of value-based living. Mission continues to offer weekly classes, lectures and discourses, including periodic camps and retreats to support and strengthen our families. With 2 vibrant centers, Badri (in Willowbrook, IL) and Yamunotri (in Grayslake, IL) over a1000 children and hundreds of families are involved in the Mission classes held each week. You can get details about all the Mission activities by visiting www.chinmaya-chicago.org or contacting Mrs. Rajul Bhalala at 847-302- 2383 (or) […]

Bolingbrook, IL: On Saturday, October 23rd, the Vaishnav Samaj of Midwest (VSM) presented Rass/Garba by Bollywood celebrity and Playback singer Vinod Rathod for the benefit of Shreeji Dwar Haveli. Vinod rocked the auditorium with his orchestra of 10 performers. This was the second time such an event was held by the Vaishnav Samaj of Midwest in Chicago metropolitan area that attracted thousands of participants at the Bolingbrook High School, 365 Raider Way, Bolingbrook, IL. Indulged by mesmerizing voice and music by Vinod Rathod and his orchestra, the program started by Garba performed by thousands of participants wearing colorful dazzling clothes doing whirling dances with clapping hands. Dandiya Raas were performed with equal enthusiasm by distinct rhythmic synchronized sound of wooden sticks struck together, toe tapping music marked the Navratri celebration. Navratri is worship and celebration of Durga Mata to mark by her victory of good over evil. The Navratri celebration also marks a festival of nine nights during which Hindus worship other equally significant goddesses namely Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati, the goddesses of health, prosperity and knowledge respectively. Nine days of Navratri and 10th day of Dussehra are celebrated by all Hindus with some regional variations, the most famous elaborate […]

Schaumburg, IL: Gujarati Samaj Chicago organized a Diwali gala dinner and musical evening Friday, October 21 2011, at India House restaurant located in Schaumburg, Illinois. The evening was attended by about 612 guests. The evening started with social hour with many choices of delicious tasteful appetizers and soft drinks to neutralize sting of spicy dishes. MC for the occasion was the ever green Bharti Desai, who kept the crowd fluid, attentive, and involved for total length of the program. Deeva lighting ceremony was performed by President Suryakant Patel and his wife, Urvashi. Addressing the gathering, current President Suryakant Patel wished everyone a Happy Diwali and Happy New Year! He said, “Diwali marks the attainment of moksha or nirvana and to rejoice conquering of evil Ravan by Lord Ram. Let us thank, pray, and celebrate for all the blessing by supreme Bhagavan.” He outlined objectives of the Samaj that “We are glad to be serving the Chicago Metropolitan area for many years. Our goals are to encourage people to explore and learn about rich Gujarati culture. Together let us keep this light lit for life and joy for many years to come.” Suryakant Patel told Mr. Suresh Bodiwala and Dr. Chandrakant […]

Bensenville IL: A successful Fund Raising Dinner event was organized in the Mahalakshmi Hall of Manav Seva Mandir on the evening of Saturday, October 15, 2011. More than 500 devotees participated on this day to support and help the temple and enjoy the evening full of social gathering melodious music, hear about the activities and progress of the Mandir and an excellent dinner. The program started with traditional Deep Pragatya ceremony performed by the chief guest Shri Chhotalal Patel and his wife accompanied with vedic mantrochchar by priests of the temple. Master of ceremony for the program was Dr I.K. Patel, who conducted the entire program smoothly and effectively. The chairman of the trustee board, Dr Bharat Barai welcomed the guests for joining the dinner and reported the activities and the progress of the temple. He also outlined the objectives of raising additional funds. These are modifications and additions to the temple structure, help the ongoing activities such as health care facilities, youth program, programs for seniors, provide more activities for children and provide better celebrations of the religious festivals. The gala evening started with a bhajan song “Satyam Shivam Sundram” performed by Shaila Khedkar and also bhajans performed by […]

Rolling Meadows, IL: Pratham Chicago held an intimate and moving Gala at the lovely Meadows Club on October 14th 2011 at The Meadows Club, 2950 West Golf Road, Rolling Meadows, IL. Pratham supporters enjoyed delicious cuisine, exquisite performances, motivational remarks and comical addresses throughout the evening. Around 350 people attended the gala. Pratham was founded on the belief that education is a fundamental right. The renowned organization aims to eradicate youth illiteracy in India by supplementing already existing programs. Their motto “Every Child in School and Learning Well” emphasizes that not only should every child have access to education but that the schooling is effective and that students are learning at internationally accepted standards. Pratham has been internationally recognized for its inexpensive, cost-effective, and easily scalable methodology. They have recently received countless honors including 1010 Kravis Prize, 2010 Gold EMPIIndian Express Indian Innovation Award and the 2009 CNN-IBN Indian of the Year Award. The event commenced with appetizers and cocktails during social hour where a silent auction took place. Prabha Vibha Singh welcomed acknowledged the numerous individuals that made the event possible and thanked everyone for their attendance as well as their continued support. The lamp lighting ceremony was followed […]

Chicago IL: The Consulate General of India, Chicago hosted a symposium on ‘Opportunities for Innovation in Indian Agriculture Sector’ on October 4, 2011 at Chicago. The University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Michigan State University and The Chicago Council on Global Affairs were partners in the event. The conference brought together over 100 regional and international agriculture experts from the government, academia and the corporate world to share information and experiences in Indian Agriculture and articulate the challenges & opportunities for innovation in the Indian Agriculture Sector. A fifteen member business delegation from FICCI also participated in the Symposium. Mr Sam Pitroda, Advisor to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India on Public Information Infrastructure & Innovations and Dr Robert Easter, interim Vice President, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign were opening keynote speakers and Dr Marshall Bouton, President of The Chicago Council on Global Affairs presented the luncheon keynote address. Mr P.K Basu, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt of India made a presentation on policy initiatives conducive to the development of this sector. He stressed that market led extension, development of efficient supply and value chains, building agriculture infrastructure, climate resilience are some of the priority areas for the ministry […]

Skokie, IL: On Sunday, September 25th, the Indo American Democratic Organization hosted its 32nd Annual Banquet at the Holiday Inn Chicago North Shore located at 5300 Touhy Avenue, Skokie, IL 60077. Doors opened at 5:30pm with dinner beginning at 6:30pm. Tickets were $100 per person and included annual membership in the organization. Students with a valid ID could buy tickets for $40. IADO was incorporated in March of 1980. Its mission is to lobby on behalf of the Indian American community on issues of immigration, affirmative action, education, social security, healthcare reform and hate crimes. Additionally, they strive to get Indian Americans to participate in the political process from voting to running for office. In 2011 IADO was given the opportunity to endorse Rahm Emmanuel with the election of a new mayor in Chicago. Also IADO is proud to have fundraised for the first ever Indian American and first ever Asian American Alderman for the city of Chicago, Ameya Pawar. The evening began with singing of the national anthems. Ms. Hema Sathia sang the American National Anthem and Ms. Monica Sharma of Kalapriya Dance School sang the Indian National Anthem. IADO President Harendra Mangrola welcomed everyone and thanked guests for […]

Monmouth Junction, NJ: A Red Diamond Affair, an independent event & wedding planning company, hosted their Allure Bridal Showcase on Sunday the 25th of September 2011 from 11 am to 6 pm at Chutney Mary located at 3793 US Highway 1 South Monmouth Junction, NJ. For one afternoon, the banquet facilities of Chutney Mary were transformed into an enchanting Bridal Showcase for the modern bride and groom. The show featured dazzling exhibits from elite wedding professionals offering the latest in mandap décor and centerpieces, DJ and entertainment services, digital photo/video and even belly dancers. More than 20 vendors and several hundred people attended this unique Bridal Showcase. According to Ms. Jennifer Modi, owner of A Red Diamond Affair, “Our goal is to simply provide an elegant and stylish atmosphere where REAL brides and grooms can connect with top wedding industry professionals to help streamline their wedding planning process.” The Allure Bridal Showcase is an event designed to help a bride and groom navigate their way through the entire wedding planning process. Brides and grooms can find everything from a wedding planner and their dream wedding decorator, to the right DJ, photographer, makeup artist, and baker all under one roof. The […]

Chicago IL: On Saturday, September 24th 2011, Naren Patel alongside his two sons, Neal and Raj Patel hosted Medstar Laboratory’s annual party this year on the infamous boat, “Spirit of Chicago” at Navy Pier in celebration of Medstar’s soaring success and hard dedicated work throughout its ownership under the Patel family. Medstar Laboratory, Inc. is obviously a remarkable company, showing true strength in a time where many companies are unable to overcome these economic times. Medstar Laboratory, Inc.’s business has grown dramatically, allowing the Medstar family to “give back” to the community at the same time. Last year, Medstar Laboratory, Inc. held its party at its newly built, technologically advanced facility in Hillside, Illinois. The party was eventful as it started boarding at 7:00 pm and once all guests had come onto the ship. At 7:30 the introduction to the party began with Naren Patel’s sister, Beena taking the microphone and immediately clutching the attention of all those on board. Beena spoke about the Medstar family and how they have grown to such extremes as a result of their loyal clients and dedicated staff. She continued by acknowledging that this event was to exemplify Medstar’s sincere appreciation for their clients’ […]

Rolling Meadows, IL: Drishti in support of Vidyaranya Kannada Kuta Charitable Fund (VKKCF) presents a live musical and audio-visual tribute to India’s genius composer RD Burman. This event is begins at 6:00 PM on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at Meadows Club Grand Ballroom located at 2950 W Golf Road, Rolling Meadows, IL. It was a completely sold out concert with over 800 people at this dinner theater event. Many prominent leaders of Chicago land attended this event. It was a co-incident that, the founder of Dhristi and partner of Meadows Club, Mr Madan Kulkarni and his wife Shebani Kulkarni were also celebrating their marriage anniversary today. In a unique way of celebration, the started with charity. The program anchor was renowned stage and regional film actor Rahul Solapurkar. Rahul is also popular as the anchor of the famous Black & White musical which will once again be featured at the Meadows Club on Sunday, October 16th 2011. There were excellent performances by the following singers: Jitendra Abhyankar, Hrishikesh Ranade, Swarada Gokhale, Priyanka Barve & Saahil Gokhale. Small snippets by Amin Sayani, Gulzar, Javed Akhtar, were also shown. It was an overall amazing tribute to a musical genius who was far […]

Chicago IL: Pakistan’s official Independence Day was Sunday August 14 however Chicago’s Pakistani parade committee decided to postpone the celebration until Sunday, September 18, 2011 due to Ramadan. They would celebrate their 64 years of independence from British rule by having their 23rd annual Parade and Taste of Pakistan festival. The parade stepped off from Devon and Damen Sunday afternoon, and the festival continued until 7:30 p.m. at Warren Park. The Parade was organized Pakistan United Parade Committee, Greater Chicago. Pakistan’s independence Parade attracted over 10,000 people on Devon Avenue. The weather looked gloomy with rain prior to start of the parade, but it must have been a blessing from Allah because the rain had stopped instantly 10 min before the start of the parade. It turned out to be a beautiful parade after all. The parade began at 12:00 noon and ended at 2:00 PM. The event all together was a fun filled family day. The streets of Devon were flooded with families screaming in pride “Pakistan Zindabad!” and “Happy Independence Day!”. Men, women, and children all were dressed for the occasion. Women wore their beautiful and colorful traditional dresses. The men wore their traditional white outfits with a […]

Chicago IL: Amrish Mahajan hosts a tribute to Mehdi Hasan by Talat Aziz musical show in Chicago. The national promoter of this show is Saregama PLC. This extraordinary event on 7:00 pm, Saturday, September 17, 2011 at the Gateway Theater located at 5216 W. Lawrence Ave. Chicago, IL. Tickets rated from $20, $35, $49, $69, and $100 per person. Talat Aziz pays tribute to his Ustad – The legendary singer Mehdi Hasan Saab to enthrall the audience with Mehdi Saab’s most popular ghazals like Rafta Rafta & Zindagi Mein along with Talat’s super hit ghazals from Umrao Jaan, Bazar, Daddy. Over 700+ people enjoyed this musical event. Prior to Talat Aziz musical show in Chicago there was a “MEET and GREET” with Talat Aziz on Thursday, September 15th from 7:30pm to 8:30pm at the newly opened boutique “The Studio Elite”- 2556 W Devon Ave Chicago, IL. There were few prominent leaders and news media were present. Invited guests for Talat Aziz was Prominent Businessman from Milwaukee Mr Darshan Singh Dhaliwal and his Associates, Raghu Nayak, Mr & Mrs Jude Cresto of Air India, Vinesh Virani of Art of living, Munir Akhtarn, Dr Murtaza of Pakistani community, Rana Javed of Pakistan […]

Bartlett IL: The Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago (JSMC) organized Mela 2011 on September 17th, 2011. There were about 10 unique events running in parallel throughout the day! It reminded of a true traditional Indian style Mela. The event was fully sold out with overwhelming response from JSMC families and nearby community members. Over 1,700 people attended this event and made it a remarkable and memorable festival. Over 19,000 Mela tickets were sold for Food Fest and Carnival Games. Everyone enjoyed over 35 unique Indian, Non-Indian, Jain delicious verity food items prepared and served by various JSMC community groups of volunteers. Mother Nature blessed the outdoor fun fair with beautiful sunshine and a cool breeze throughout the day. Outdoor games and carnival games kept kids and young adults entertained throughout the day. For the first time, JSMC organized JSMC Got Talent competition as part of the Mela. Out of 30 performances between two age groups, five from each age group were selected by the panel of Judges. In the final Finale of the talent competition, top three winners were selected in each group. The vendor fair was a major attraction of the Mela. 35 vendors from the Chicagoland area ranging […]

Bensenville, IL: On Friday, September 17, 2011 the Gujrati Samaj Chicago (GSC) Board of Trustees, members of executive committee and volunteers hosted colorful Raas Garba festivity on the occasion of Navratri. This annual sacred event is celebrated in honor of Godess Durga Mataji. The event was held at Manav Seva Mandir located at 101 S. Church Road, Bensenville , IL from 7 PM till about 1 AM and attended by over 300 individuals. The Mahalaxmi hall of Manav Seva Mandir was transformed in to a huge dance floor to accommodate hundreds of bare feet moving in to thunderous drumbeats in swirling circles around deity Hindu Goddess “Durga”. The musical group of Bharati Desai provided music. Band Information: Band Name: Swar Bharti Group Singer: Bharti Desai Band Manager / Organizer: Amit Desai Key Board player: Vedant Patel Dhol player: Ishwaer Patel and Shree Mahavrat Mangira player: Amit Desai Timbani player: Himansu Brahmbhatt Sound system: Arun Modi The beautiful music is one of the most foremost pillars of the Navratri Garba celebration. The drums, dholak and all sort of instruments coming together with melodious voice by group leader and singer Bharati Desai & Group. Music for Navratri festival has to keep balance […]

Chicago IL: The 29th Health Fair was successfully completed at Midwest Swaminarayan Temple in Itasca Illinois. The goal was to provide medical check up to all those who may not be able to afford medical services due to insurance and medical coverage problems. The widely publicized Health Fair provided medical check up to more than 405 participants. The event took place on Sunday, on September 11, 2011 in the main hall of the temple, and was sponsored by the temple, Lohana Association of Greater Chicago, Gujarati Samaj and Kadva Patidar Samaj. Long lines of participants early in the morning show the success of this activity for the last several years. As per Jayantibhai Thakkar, this was the 29th Health Fair coordinated by him. The first one was started at Manav Seva Mandir back in 1989 and he continued this service also in other temples. It is important to recognize his selfless and dedicated work on people’s health check up, by which more than 8,500 patients have benefited so far. More than 25 doctors and 100 health professionals provided their volunteer services on this day. Registration and front desk services were provided by Manubhai Shah, Naliniben Shah, Bhupendra Thakkar, Nareshbhai Dekhtawala, […]

Chicago IL: Geetha Mandalam celebrated its 34th Annual Onam Celebrations on Saturday, September 10th at Apollo Elementary School, 10100 Dee Rd., Des Plaines, IL. On this occasion, More than 500 people attended this festival of flowers, feast and frolic show. Geetha Mandalam is a Hindu Religious organization established in 1978 by a group of Malayalee Hindus here in Chicago. Geetha Mandalam meet and conduct group prayers every last Saturday of the month, they also conduct various other activities and celebrating Onam, is one of their main function Significance of Onam Onam is an ancient festival which still survives in modern times. Kerala’s rice harvest festival and the festival of rain flowers, which fell on the Malayalam month of Chingam, celebrated the Demon King Mahabali’s annual visit from Patala (the underworld). Onam is unique since Mahabali has been revered by the people of Kerala since prehistory. According to the legend, Kerala witnessed its golden era during the reign of King Mahabali. Everybody in the state was happy and prosperous and the king was highly regarded by his subjects, so much so that even the gods under Indra became jealous of Mahabali, and they approached Mahavishnu claiming that Mahabali is now equivalent […]

Chicago IL: The first-annual Shekhar Aravind Unity Cup was held over Labor Day weekend, featuring some of the best and most exciting cricket ever seen in the Chicagoland area. Shekhar “Sheks” Aravind was the young and dynamic President of the Midwest Cricket Conference, whose life was cruelly cut short on August 2nd, 2011 in a tragic boating accident on Lake Michigan. Shekhar’s cricketingfamily decided to honor his memory by making his vision of the Unity Cup a reality – and with only 3 weeks to prepare and organize, led by the tireless and energetic Atif Shaikh and his band of merry voluteers, put on a 12- team cricketing-tournament that was by consensus the best-ever seen in the midwestern states. Invitations were sent out to all the cricket-leagues in the Central-East region to participate. Representative teams from Michigan Cricket Association, Minnesota Cricket Association, American Cricket Conference (Chicago) and Bolingbrook Premier League (BPL) participated – as did MWCC teams from Wisconsin (the Milwaukee Bucks), and downstate (dubbed the StLouis Rams, featuring players from StLouis, Peoria and Moline). In addition, there was a Under-24 team (the Chicago Cubs), and 4 Chicagoland teams drafted NFLstyle by their captains (the Bulls, Bears, WhiteSox and Fire). […]