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Palatine, IL: Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago in conjunction with the Sikh Religious Society of Chicago Palatine organized an Indian passport surrender certificate camp on Sunday March 13, 2011, at SRS Palatine Gurdwara, 1280 Winnetka St., Palatine, IL 60067, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Ten officials from the consulate of India Chicago office led by Honorable Consul Vishvas Sapkal and many PCS & SRS volunteers joined hands to manage the applicant crowd logistics, and processing of the documents to issue the surrender certificates right there and then. The services were free and open to all. More than 400 surrender certificates were issued. Some applicants had to go back due to incomplete documents. More than 500 people with families started lining up early and the Gurudwara was crowded with anxious applicants. For some of them it was their first time to a Gurudwara (a Sikh place of worship) where one has to remove their shoes and cover their head and no tobacco products are allowed on their person. “We were overwhelmed but deeply pleased with such a tremendous response from the Indian American community at-large, and we are so glad that PCS has been of service to them. It was […]

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The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago (HTGC), in cooperation with Consulate General of India, Chicago organized a spectacular cultural dance event “Inspiring India” by Tanushree Shankar on March 12th 2011 evening at 6:30pm at temple auditorium. With a brief prayer and condolences for recent Japan Earth quake and tsunami victims, Sri Amrish Mahajan Chairman, Public relations, HTGC welcomed Tanushree Shankar and troupe to a loud applause by the audience. Sri Uday Shankar’s work in blending traditional Indian classical dance with modern Western theatrical techniques was revolutionary in mid-20th century India. The same tireless effort has continued with Smt. Tanushree Shankar’s company, which follows the innovative style of dance that Uday Shankar established but also adds its own distinctive flair. The style is not based on any one particular style of dance. Rather, it draws from a myriad of Indian classical dance forms, ballet, and traditional folk dances. The program began with an invocatory item “Durga Vandana” in praise of Goddess Durga, followed by “Vrukshya Vihar”(depicting the naturalistic beauty of the forests), “Maitri”(the celebration of womanhood), and “Pratiksha” (the longing for oneness). The show concluded with the feature presentation “Chirantan”, where the dancers portrayed “Hope and inspiration”. “Chirantan” was an appropriate […]

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Chicago IL: The Association of Rajasthanis in America (ARA) celebrated Holi with their annual function at the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago in Lemont, Illinois on Saturday, March 12, 2011. It was the third Holi event for the organization since they began celebrating this festival. 300 guests attended led by the president, Ram Saini. The event was highlighted with melodious songs by well known singer Shaila Khedkar and dances by the Tarana Dance Academy. The Master of Ceremonies, Gaurav Arora began the event with a welcome note by Sunita Sarup. This was followed by a mixture of songs and dances, including four sensational dances – Kathak and Bollywood show by 26 participants from the Academy. There was also a Rajasthani medley performed by Garima Jajoo, Mahie Gopalka and Anavi Tekriwal. Along with the Indian American community of Chicagoland, several dignitaries including the local politicians Ram Saini (President), Sunita Sarup (Vice President), Kalpana Malani (Secretary), Seema Mahansaria (Cultural Coordinator) Sunita Mantri, and lots of members of Association of Rajasthanis of America were present for Holi Milan. ARA (Association of Rajasthanis of America) was established in Chicago in July 1994 in order to preserve and maintain the Rajasthani culture for Indians living […]

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Itasca, IL: As what the famous philosopher Lao Tzu once said, there are millions of ways one could look at a certain thing. The same is also applicable to plays as in this case the play, entitled “Ja Tari Sathe Kitta”, staged last Friday at Shree Swaminarayan Temple, 21W 710 Irving Park Road, Itasca, IL. Ticket: $30 and up including dinner. The play is about Manav Dholakia who is awarded for his business ventures and he is one of the top notch industrialists living happily with wife, two children and his father. There is a party for his achievements and the who’s who of the society is invited. A stranger Ms. Meera lands up at the party. Everyone is stunned with this unknown guest who comes and unveils Manav’s past. A series of misunderstandings create havoc in his life which transforms into a roller-coaster ride. A series of misunderstandings and comedy of errors takes over transforming this play as a robustly enjoyable romantic comedy for all to enjoy. This situation comedy depicts how the relationship between two persons can be broken, especially how others can know that the relationship is completely broken? Can a truthfully developed relation be completely destroyed? […]

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Merrillville, IN: The Indian American Cultural Center of Merrillville, Indiana held its Ninth Annual Gala Fundraiser on Saturday, March 5, 2011 on a grand scale with nearly 700 Hoosiers of Indian American community participating in the event. This grand occasion was reminiscent of the words of Swami Chinmayananda, who once said, “The success is not in the trophy won but in the race run.” The function raised about $150,000 for the various activities of the Center. The Center is a proud achievement of the Indian community of Northwest Indiana, which, after five years of planning and hard work, opened the center in March 2002. The center is housed in a beautiful building on 14 acres of land and has become the hub of their many cultural and social activities. The Indian American Cultural Center (IACC) of NWIHRC (Northwest Indiana Hindu Religious Center) is a non-profit organization that started nine years ago with a goal to build a Community Center in Northwest Indiana. The center opened on March 9, 2002. With the generous support of the community, the Center expanded the premises in June 2010 to include an expanded community hall and its crown jewel, The Bharatiya Temple of North West […]

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Air Tours Inc. is known to be a “One stop travel shop”. With an initial focus on distinct business of Air Ticketing, we have today evolved as one of the biggest consolidators for many airlines. Growing in the field we have also moved into organizing pleasant and memorable world tours around the globe since the last 10 years. Today, moving further ahead we are also full fledged cruise package organizers. Air Tours Inc. has built a reputation with over 30 years of solid foundation that is based on 3 core principles: cost effectiveness, focused solutions and excellence in service for reliable, honest and efficient travel services. On the 05th of March 2011, Air Tours organized an event for its customers to present all of its 2011 Holiday Packages. The event was a grand success with a presence of 70 guests, who have shown their interest in the next holiday season. Our professional Tour Manager Mr. Zubin Elavia came from India especially for this event and presented a gist about our tour packages for various destinations this year which included Europe, Kenya & South Africa, China, Egypt, Australia & New Zealand, South America and many more. He mentioned very clearly about […]

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Bolingbrook IL: Chamber of Commerce honored Veteran community leader and activist, Mr. Talat Rashid, with prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in a glittering function held at the Bolingbrook Golf Club, 2001 Rodeo Drive, Bolingbrook, IL on Friday, February 25, 2011 to celebrate the seventh Annual Best of Bolingbrook Businesses (“BOBB”) Awards night. This event recognizes various businesses within their respective industries that have shown outstanding performance and community support. In addition, each year the Chamber selects an individual to receive the Business Leadership Award, as well as a Lifetime Achievement recipient. The Lifetime Achievement Award honors an individual that has stepped beyond expectations to make a positive, lasting impact on the community. He has served on the Village of Bolingbrook’s Planning Commission as a Planning Commissioner and was a previous recipient of the Citizen of the Year Award in 2003. His business earned the best business to customer award in Bolingbrook in 2006. In his acceptance address he said, “I am very pleased, very humble and honored to receive this lifetime award from the Bolingbrook Chamber of Commerce. I received this award on behalf of the Bolingbrook community, especially my Pakistani community. I’m also grateful to the Consulate General who took […]

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Chicago, IL: Dr. Ghanshyam Pandey received UIC Researcher of the Year Award in a special ceremony and reception held on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Chicago Rooms, Student Center West, 228 S.Wolcott, Chicago, IL Ghanshyam Pandey, professor of pharmacology and psychiatry, has combined basic and clinical research throughout his career. “It is difficult to think of anyone who has produced such a broad array of pioneering studies,” one colleague says. The UIC Researcher of the Year Award, now in its third year, is given in four categories: social sciences and humanities, natural sciences and engineering, clinical sciences and basic life sciences. Selected by the Campus Research Board and the vice chancellor for research, each winner receives a $3,500 cash prize. For Ghanshyam Pandey, his studies of the neurobiology of the brain have always been closely connected to his concern for the clinical issues facing patients and physicians. Pandey’s research has direct impact on the understanding and treatment of mood disorders, including bipolar disorder and depression. “It is difficult to think of anyone who has produced such a broad array of pioneering studies in the field of biological psychiatry that have had such an impact over such an […]

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Oakbrook IL: Democratic Party of Dupage County organization, (the largest event of the year for the organization) celebrated Presidents Day gala 2011 with great enthusiasm on Sunday February 13, 2011, 5:00PM, at 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, IL. More than 500 people were present at this exciting program. Prominent Leaders from the Democratic Party present were Gov Pat Quinn, Lt Gov Sheila Simon, Atty Gen Lisa Madigan, David Hoffman, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Mike Madigan, John Cullerton and Don Harmon. The Trustees and Executive Committee Members of the IADO, viz., Dr. Ram Gajjela (President), Dr. Ashish Sen (Vice President), Sainath Reddivari (Secretary), Peter Palaparthi (Joint Secretary), Lakshmi Lakshmanan (Treasurer), Dr. Mridu Sekhar (Joint Treasurer), Pramod Shah(Executive Director), Jitendra Diganvker (Directors) were joined by several prominent community Leaders from Indian-Pakistani community, CIOGC representatives, Project M representative, AIPHA, Islamic Center of Western Suburbs and ICNA Chicago representatives. Sunil Shah (President of FIA), Neil Khot, Mayur Patel, and members of the media including Suresh Bodiwala and Dr. Chandrakant Modi from Asian Media USA. As the Master of Ceremony Bob Peickert, Chair, Democratic Party of DuPage County welcomed the guests and kept the audience spellbound with his wit and wisdom throughout the function. Bob Peickert is […]

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Hoffman Estates, IL: Shri Jalaram Mandir located at 425, Illinois Blvd, Hoffman Estates, IL, celebrated Volunteer Appreciation Day with music and masti on Saturday, February 12th, 2011 at 7:00 pm. A sentimental evening “Sur Sandhya” was performed by “Suranjali” in filmy style with old and latest songs, which made the whole atmosphere joyful. More than 200 volunteers enjoyed the special evening. Shree Jalaram Mandir was inaugurated on the March 8th, 2008. It was a dream of many devotees and followers of Jalaram Bapa to establish Jalaram Mandir. With a determination to realize that dream, Jalaram Organization was established in December, 2006. With the help of Generous Donations from many Donors and Volunteers $1.25 Million Dollars worth property was purchased. Saturday, 12 February 2011, was a day to appreciate every single person who had devoted their time towards the Mandir’s progress. In honor of such commitment Jalaram mandir Board decided to have a beautiful way to say thanks to all the volunteers with a Musical night and splendid dinner. At present, Mandir has team of approximately 215 volunteers, who are involved in various activities and perform duties with all their heart. The program was started with Deep-Pragatya by Assistant Priests Shree […]

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Westmont, IL: Valentine day is widely known as the “ Lover’s Day “ Its celebration depicts the signs of love towards the partner or girl friend or boyfriend At this time of the day they exchange beautiful flowers, go for a lunch at the desired hotel or go out for outing when they enjoy reality of life. Valentines’ Day is fast nearing and love is in the air. It is time to have poolside romance, savor the scent of wild flowers and cozy up with the beloved one….. Busy work schedule are set aside as grand plans are being chalked out to make this day sprightly and most memorable. Nightspots and clubs are gearing up for a perfect Valentines’ Day with a wide variety of programs. Love-struck couples are looking for the best spot to make the occasion grand and great. Valentines’ Day was celebrated with much romp and fun in every nook and cranny of the city. Though many couples headed for various clubs and watering holes to make the occasion grand and memorable, several others rushed to ‘Saffron Restaurant’ for a change. The show presented by Shaila Khedkar, professional singer had Music, masti, Hungama and a lot of […]

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Chicago IL: The Indian American Democratic Organization (IADO) of Greater Chicago-land, with leadership of its current president Mr. Mangrola, organized a sponsorship and grass roots community rally for its favorite candidates for upcoming Chicago Mayoral election Mr. Rahm Emanuel. The event took place at North shore banquet hall on Devon Street at about 1 PM on Feb. 13, 2011. The IADO members and grass roots community rally was joined by several prominent community representatives including Dr. Ram Gajjela (President), Dr. Ashish Sen (Vice President), Sainath Reddivari (Secretary), Peter Palaparthi (Joint Secretary), Lakshmi Lakshmanan (Treasurer), Dr. Mridu Sekhar (Joint Treasurer) , Pramod Shah(Executive Director), Jitendra Diganvker (Directors). Others in attendance were Sadruddin Noorani, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Shajan Kuriakost, Prem Balani Sean Chaudhary, Gladson Varghese, Lakshmi Lakshmanan, Balvinder Singh and Ann Kalayil; and Nasir Jahangir, Sher M. Rajput and Dr.Chandrakant Modi (President of Asian Media USA). Rahm also mentioned that he is truly gratified by the strong support of the south Asian Americans particularly the Indian Americans. He thanked community for their eloquent support with their uniquely appealing ‘community rally’ which he says would help him as she continues to vigorously campaign all across Chicagoland. Mr. Rahm Emanuel discussed briefly about following four […]

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Schaumburg, IL: The Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago www.PCSChicago.org (PCS) coordinated a dinner reception for Schaumburg village president honorable Al Larson and the new consul general of India in Chicago honorable Mukta Dutta Tomar. The reception was hosted by Diljit and Mohina Ahluwalia, immediate past chairperson of PCS Chicago. The Ahluwalia family owns industrial businesses in Morton Grove, Illinois. The festive dinner reception by invitation only took place on Saturday, February 5, 2011 at India House Restaurant and Banquets in Schaumburg Illinois. More than 60 guests and PCS officials relished the interesting and educational presentations, Punjabi music, delicious dinner, and the informal evening conversations. Diljit and Mohina Ahluwalia the host family welcomed and thanked the guests and the special guests of honor. Balwinder Singh Girn president PCS Chicago addressed the gathering and elaborated on the mission of the organization and the community service programs like “Rangla Punjab 2011” on April 23, Graduation & Scholarship Award Night on June 12, The Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago Sports Festival in August and soon. Rajinder Singh Mago, the convener of the event screened a DVD “Cultural Safari” about the Sikh American community’s culture, spirituality, foods, festivals and performing arts. Mago also made a […]

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Schaumburg IL: Midwest oldest Punjabi organization (PHO) celebrated the festival of Lohri with great zeal and enthusiasm at India House Banquets 1521 W. Schaumburg Rd Schaumburg, IL on Saturday, January 29th 2011. Over 600 plus people from all over Midwest attended the event with friends and families to celebrate this festival in traditional way. Program started with a Thank you note by the President Lakhbir Singh Sandhu who welcomed everyone who attended. Satnam Singh Aulakh-one of the founding member of PHO highlighted the importance of the festival and cultural background. Chief Guest for the evening was prominent businessman from Milwaukee Beant Singh Boparai who attended the event with his family. Grand Sponsor of the evening was famous businessman of Indian community in Chicago Mr. Jasbir Singh Suga of Suga Builders. Highlights of the cultural bonanza were a skit and play themed on the celebration of Lohri as it is back home, directed by Sukhjeet Kaur Kahlon. Ladies- dressed in their favorite traditional attire were glittery and performed traditional folk dance “Gidha” which was liked by all. Cultural performances were performed by “Dhiyan Chicago Diyan” and “Punjabi Girls of Chicago”. Majority of the performers were born and raised in USA and […]

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Skokie IL: Inspired by the spirit of patriotism and intensified by a show of heartwarming unity, the Federation of Indian Associations-Chicago (FIA) a premier registered community’s umbrella organization of 30 years, hosted their flagship Republic Day gala banquet that was packed to the capacity of the Grand Ballroom at the Holiday Inn in 5300 West Touhy Avenue, Skokie, Illinois on Friday, January 28, 2011. Buoyed by large attendance, enthusiasm and energy, the FIA’s 62nd Republic Day celebrations were distinctly enhanced by a series of colorful patriotic dance presentations made by young Radha Krishan RK-Group and melodious musical selections of Rohit Parikh singing to patriotic themes which were interspersed with inspiring remarks from prominent guest speakers which augmented the festive spirit of the Republic day. Iftekhar Shareef, FIA’s Trustee Chairman in his key note remarks paid rich tributes to India’s majority Hindu population for their magnanimous secular ethos which, he added, enabled them to elect members of the minority communities to India’s highest offices including the office of the Prime Minister, the President and ruling-party coalition chair. Iftekhar Shareef complimented the members of the media including Asian Media USA, Five Star Tribune, India Tribune, India Post, Hi India, Desi Talk, TV […]

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Chicago, IL: On Wednesday, January 26, 2011, Honorable Consul General Mrs. Mukta Tomar celebrated 62nd Republic Day with leading Chicago-land entrepreneurs and citizens to honor the sacrifices our freedom fighters have fought and to remember the work of our Founding Fathers, for giving to us a country where our dignity and individual freedom is assured. She also extended her warmest greetings to all across the country and also to those living abroad at the Indian Consulate located in the heart of downtown at 455 North City Front Plaza Drive, NBC Tower. Over 100 guests gathered from citywide to celebrate this occasion. The event began at 10am as the Honorable Consul General saluted the Indian Flag as she held the rope to release the Indian Flag called “Dhhwaj Vandan” to respect and honor the Indian Flag followed by singing an Indian National Anthem. She also recited the speech given by honorable president of India SMT. Pratibha Devisingh Patil on the eve of republic day on 25th January, 2011 in India. Consul General Tomar was the perfect hostess and radiated with hospitality, courtesy and humbleness along with the entire Consulate General team. 26th January is a very significant date in our nation’s […]

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Bensenville, IL: Urdu Times Presents “Shaam-e-Ghazal a Tribute to Ghazal Maestro- Mehdi Hassan” was held at the Monty’s Banquet hall, 703 South York Road in Bensenville, IL on Friday, January 21, 2011. Mehdi Hassan! A master in music such as Mehdi Hassan deserved the spectacular tribute he had received as not one member of the audience was displeased by his three sons’ performances. His very loyal sons, Kamran Mehdi Hassan, Imran Mehdi Hassan, and Faizan Mehdi Hassan performed wonderfully for their father showing him their love and devotion to him and by helping the audience relives the legendary career of Mehdi Hassan. The gesture was no small act as they showed him the beautiful music he had raised them with and what they have made of it in their lives. The event was stunning as the classical music played by the trio was accompanied by applause for a considerable amount of time while they played. The audience was not only pleased with the performance, but appalled by the very elegance of each word sung, each note hit, each pounding of the Tabla, and each keystroke. Each member of the audience knew what to expect, but received much more than what […]

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Chicago, IL. The Rhythms of Rajasthan presented a fabulous folklore at the Hamdard Center located at 1542 W. Devon Ave Chicago, IL on Thursday, January 20, 2011. Over 50 attendees gathered to discover the magical Rhythms of Rajasthan. The Rhythms of Rajasthan performer consists of 5 members who dazzled the audience with their vocal and instrumental talents. Men were dressed in exotic and colorful attire with multi-colored Paghdis accompanied by Ms. Sevadevi, the dancing queen of the Rhythms of Rajasthan group. This project has been conceived in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, by Nitin Nath Harsh, a folklore promoter. Nitin Nath Harsh has been working with more than 100 folk artists of Rajasthan for the past nine years. He began his career in folklore of Rajasthan with the late legendry folklorist Padam Bhushan Komal Kothari. The vast unending expanse of burning hot sand that makes up the Thar Desert of Rajasthan hosts one of the most vibrant and evocative music cultures of the world. The Rhythms of Rajasthan have been evolved from an idea to create an exciting fusion of traditional rhythms and melodies from this culture. The group captures the romanticism and heroism of the north Indian desert in a visceral hypnotic […]

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Chicago, IL: To celebrate the great leader Martin Luther King Jr. and his message of equal rights for all Americans, Compassionate Care Network (CCN) hosted the Albany Park Neighborhood Council (APNC) at a breakfast meeting to discuss their shared goal of providing access to affordable health care for everyone. The meeting was held at the Muslim Community Center (MCC), 4380 N. Elston Ave, Chicago, IL on Sunday, January 16, 2011at 9:00 AM.. Compassionate Care Network (CCN) meets with Albany Park Neighborhood Council (APNC) to discuss shared goals to provide access to affordable health care. The CCN-APNC meeting brought together those from various faiths and backgrounds to discuss each organization’s initiatives to expand their combined network of affordable health resources to better serve all Illinois residents. Both organizations discussed potential collaboration in programming and goals. APNC shared its progress on developing a “Charity Care” program that would offer hospitalization and in-patient care to the underserved, while CCN introduced its new program of health education workshops for minority communities that suffer from above average incidences of diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Both organizations agreed to support each other in their initiatives and that a shared goal was to develop volunteers within the […]

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Medinah, IL: This year also Lohri was celebrated with great fanfare at Hari Om Mandir located at 6 North 20 Medinah Road, Medinah, IL on Thursday, January 13, 2011. More than 300 people attended the function. The weather during the day didn’t deter excitement of the devotees. Lohri was celebrated with traditional food of Saag (mustard) and Makki (corn) ki roti and lassi (buttermilk), bonfire, tappes, and songs suitable for the occasion. Lohri function has been celebrated in the North India in winter in the month of January. Families get together around bonfire to celebrate Lohri of the new born & newly married and eat foods such as dates, peanuts, bhuga (traditional India sweet and made of milk products) good for health during the winter season. Peoples in the North have migrated to other parts of India and abroad, therefore Lohri festival is celebrated throughout India and even in the foreign lands. Surinder Kalsi, Hansa, Shobaben, Vithal bhai, Naveen bhai and Sarkar family along with the temple priests created a beautiful exhibit of traditional Lohri items. There were models of Charkha, well with utensil to draw water, front of a house with traditional paintings of Diyas (tea lights) and cut […]

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