Category: Newspaper Links

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: 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: Desi Fest 2012 was presented by Desi Times at Boomers Stadium, located at 1999 Springinsguth Road in Schaumburg. Grand Opening Ceremony commenced at 5:30 pm on Friday, 21 September, 2012. The main event was held from noon to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 22 2012. DesiFest 2012 displayed a beautiful hand painted Mural from India which was specially painted by a famous artist, Aejaz Saiyed from India. Measuring 10ft x 50 ft, it was the World’s largest hand painted mural, symbolizing peace and featured world leaders Mahatma Gandhi, Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Martin Luther King Jr. – each a follower of peace and unity who’s ideologies are followed all around the world. The world’s largest mural on canvas was envisioned by event promoter Monty Saived and created by Indian artist Aejaz Saived. DesiFest2012 brought together the beautiful cultures of India and Pakistan, and allowed visitors to experience the distinct cultures of the 2 countries with focus on food, jewelry, clothes, beauty pageants, fireworks and entertainment. The festival was open to the public and attracted a large gathering. Local vendors displayed their merchandise in a fun-filled festival complete with dance performances and other entertainment for the little ones, including […]

Chicago IL: Festivity is in the air as Chicago land is all set to celebrate the Diwali once again. Having considerable Indian presence, mood in Chicago is upbeat Indian community members and the Temple are geared up to celebrate. Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago (JSMC) celebrated Diwali Gala on Friday, November 10, 2012 at Jain Center, 435 N. Route 59, Bartlett, IL. Purpose and goal of organizing this event was dual, Diwali Celebration and Membership Appreciation Dinner. The auditorium was fully packed with about 600 people This was a ticketed event with VIP and Regular seating passes for $20 and $10 respectively for JSMC Life members. Non-Members paid additional $5. Diwali is a festival of utmost importance in the Indian subcontinent. It is celebrated with exceptional enthusiasm across the country by people of every sect and religion. People light diyas (cotton string wicks inserted in small clay pots filled with oil) to signify victory of good over the evil within an individual. As with other Indian festivals, Diwali signifies many different things to people across the country. While in North India Diwali celebrates Rama’s return to Ayodhya after the defeat of Ravana and his coronation as king, in Gujarat, the […]

Chicago IL: Punjabi folk dance Bhangra teams from Columbia university, George Mason University, Duke university, Washington University, and independent traditional teams from Chicago “Ministry of Bhangra”, and “Ankh-E-Gabroo” from New York competed in the 8th PCS Chicago International Bhangra and Gidha Competition held on Nov. 3, 2012 at Des Plaines Theater in Des Plaines Illinois. Dr. Bhupinder Singh Saini of Pain Management Milwaukee Wisconsin was the chief guest. More than 800 attended this colorful high energy performing arts show punctuated with hilarious comedy by Jus Reign of Canada, and stellar performances of Gidha by Punjab Sports and Culture Club of Cincinnati Ohio and a variety fusion dance by Chicago Dhamaal. More than 120 male and female performers from all over the country participated in this event. The competition this year was among the Bhangra teams only. In addition to the great Bhangra competition experience, the participants had a lot of fun games and dancing during pre-event social mixers, post-event networking parties, meals and celebrations like a youth festival. “Ankh-E-Gabroo” an independent traditional bhangra team from New York won the Bragging rights to the 2012 PCS Chicago Bhangra Championship first place trophy and $1500 cash prize sponsored by Punjab Sports 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: Chinmaya Mission Chicago Badri and Yamunotri Centers together held its annual fundraising gala on Sunday, November 4th, 2012 at the renowned Waterford Banquet and Conference Center, located at 933 South Riverside Drive, Elmhurst, Illinois. The Mission holds their annual gala to help its growth and continue serving the Chicago area Indian community. Over 700 individuals attended this heartwarming event, which had speeches by Swami Sharananandaji and Swami Ishwaranand of Chinmaya Mission Los Angeles. More than $200,000 was raised in donations. There were also remarkable cultural performances presented by students of Bala Vihar. The theme of this year’s banquet was “Gratitude is the Attitude’. Distinguished dignitaries in attendance were Prof. and Mrs. Bala Bala Chandran, Dr. Gopal Lalmalani, Amrit Mittal, Nand Kumar and Dr. Lata, Dr. Sudarshan Sharma and Nituji, Mr. Rishikant Singh, Gen Mgr of Air India, Chicago, Mr. & Mrs. Sanjay Sharma, Finance Mgr. of Air India, Chicago, Dr. Bharat Barai, and other prominent Indian community members. The evening commenced with a traditional PurnaKumbha, Invocation, Gurustotram Chanting, welcome for the Acharyas, Honorable Head Table Guests, accompanied by Vedic Chanting that was rendered by Sevikas of the mission. The Acharyas then proceeded to light the lamp and paid […]

Chicago IL: Bollywood Milestones 1961-2011 musical charity concert was organized by Ekal Vidyalaya from 7:00 PM to 11:PM, on Saturday April 14, 2012 at Glenbard East High School, 1014 South Main St, Lombard, IL. Ekal had invited two young rising singers Samir Date and Dipalee Somaiya from Mumbai to help celebrate the milestone and raise more funds to continue their mission to eradicate illiteracy among the children of rural and tribal India with holistic empowerment. It was the singer’s twenty first performance of the tour that will span across several cities over the next five month period when in all forty two performances are to be staged. As always, Ekal included a extravagant dinner in its modest ticket price. All the attendees were served the dinner at around 5:00 pm. that included Puri, Mix Vegetables, Dudhi Halwo(Sweet), Fulwadi(Farsan),Chana, :Dal, Rice.. (food prepared by BAPS). After the dinner, the program started at around 7:00 pm. First of all Aum Stuti was recited. Yash Desai and her group recited Prarthna. Guest of Honor Mr Mafatbhai lighted a lamp with Ekal Chicago Chapter President and group of kids . Master of ceremony was performed by two youngsters Jugal Doshi and Sonali Majmudar. They […]

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 […]

Bensenville, IL: On Saturday, October 27, 2012 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 and Amba Mataji. The event was held at Manav Seva Mandir located at 101 S. Church Road, Bensenville , IL. and attended by over 400 individuals. Backless cholis, embroidered chania, colorful dhotis and kurtas and a kaleidoscope of saris were all out as Gujaratis in particular and others in general danced to the tune of loud music in Somerset as Navratri began with the usual gusto throughout the United States. 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 and Amba Mata”. The celebrations started when darkness fell and continued till the wee hours of the day. Young and old, men and women danced their heart out in front of Amba Mata. Particularly in the Chicago area which is the hub of the Indian and Gujarati population. Musicians from India made it to […]

Chicago IL: Cine Starz Entertainment – Rafi Hussain. A leading name in the Entertainment World presented Bollywood and Desi Songs with live band Bollywood Badshah Mika Singh performed Live at the Sears Center for the first time ever in Chicago. It was an electrifying performance by Mika along with Professional Dancers. He was accompanied by the beautiful feminine Miss India Finalist Ishita Sarkar and a successful Playback Singer Shraddha Pandit, live on Friday, October 26, from 8:30 PM, at Sears Centre, 5333 Arena – Hoffman Estates, IL. Ticket Rates were: $75, $55, $39. Ishita Sarkar one of the most talented Emcees started the program with her scintillating and gorgeous style. Presenting a Musical Song by Ravi on violin, followed by forceful, talented, upcoming stars Raman Kappor and Aka Singh. Presented popular Bollywood and Punjabi Songs in Hilarious style. Thereafter array of love, romance started with Shraddha Pandit presented an array of songs mesmerizing the audience. Then entered Badshah of music, Mika Singh starting with ‘Ek Dusre Ko Rat Bhar Sone Nahi Denge and ending also with the same songs. In between there was an Ocean of Vigour, Spirit making the entire audience rocking with his spectacular presentation of Punjabi and […]

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: 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 so audience encouraged to dress up. 975 people from the South Asian and American Community attended the program. Over $275,000 was raised for good cause. Beside all Business and professional people, Prominent community leaders there were dignitaries included Bosnian Consul General Elden Kajevic and Pakistani Consul General Zaheer Pervaiz Khan who attended this event. The target was to raised $200,000 however Hamdard Center raised $275,000 of which will go towards their seven programs including the domestic violence division, transitional housing, senior services, youth services, primary and mental health services, and case management. Master of Ceremony: Khaleel the comedian. Khaleel Farooqie […]

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: Metropolitan Asian Family Services, a pioneer in the field of Senior Care in Chicago Metropolitan area celebrated its 20th anniversary on Sept 22nd, at the Meadows Club in Rolling Meadows IL. The evening was graced by elected officials, dignitaries visiting from India, Indian community leaders, seniors and their families. Metropolitan Asian Family Services, a not-for-profit agency provides comprehensive and integrated social services to the immigrant population of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Middle East and European Countries. Our services include adult day care services, home care services, hot meal program, health education and screening, citizenship and immigration assistance, public benefits assistance, job training, computer training and ESL class, interpretation and translation services, support services for caregivers, medical clinic and health promotion programs. They currently have 7 offices serving 11 counties in the Greater Chicago area. The festivities started with lamp lighting and invocation prayer. The MC of this event was MASALA -T, who is the costar of the worldwide talk show HOTCHAAT. Currently, he is acting in two hollywood movies and working towards being the biggest Bollywood hollywood dual star ever. He had an amazing stage presence and handled the announcements with ease. He invited all the guests of honor […]

Skokie, IL: On Sunday, September 23, 2012, the Indo American Democratic Organization hosted its 33rd Annual Banquet at the Holiday Inn Chicago North Shore located at 5300 Touhy Avenue, Skokie, IL 60077. Cocktail Reception was from 5-30 to 6-30 pm. 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 has endorsed Rahm Emmanuel with the election of a new mayor in Chicago. Also IADO is proud to endorse and raised funds for the first ever Indian American and first ever Asian American Alderman for the city of Chicago, Ameya Pawar. Parag Mehta did excellent job as MC. He introduced most of the dignitaries and handled whole program that flourished. He gave entertaining yet most heart throbbing speech enthusing every one towards realities of Democratic Party and President Obama in particular. Parag Mehta is former Director of Training for the democratic National Committee. He is a Communications Specialist with more than a decade of experience […]

DOWNLOAD PICTURES Chicago IL: Sahil and L.A. Tan Chicago local promoter presented Shreya Ghoshal Live in Concert at 8.00 pm this Friday, September, 14 2012 at Akoo Theatre (Rosemont), 5400 N. River Road, Des Plaines IL 60018. By On public Demand Shreya sang some old Golden Melodies in addition to her own newer hit songs. Shri Balaji Entertainments was a national promoter of Shreya Ghoshal tour in North America. The program started with entry of Iqubal Jafri as MC and few performances of local artists were presented starting with songs from Ms. Dasgupta, Pasha, a dance with song by Komal Sharma and a young dancer Nisha. All these warmed up the audience those were eager to hear Shreya. Amidst screaming proclamations of love from fans with rhythmic claps and audible hums, Shreya unfolded her repertoire of soothing love songs, delectable duets with up and coming singer Prithvi (who often drew attention with his deep, powerful vocals) and vigorous danceable numbers. In addition Iquabal Jafri played the role of MC as well as sang few songs with his spirited voice and exceptional method. So there was ‘ ‘Tujh mein rabb dikhta hai’, ‘Teri oru, teri oru’, ‘Naino ko dheere dheere’, ‘Tere […]

DOWNLOAD PICTURES- DAY1 DOWNLOAD PICTURES- DAY2 DOWNLOAD PICTURES- DAY3 Day-1 Edison, NJ: Chaalo Gujarat, World Gujarati Conference 2012 was organized by the Association of Indian Americans in North America (AIANA) in New Jersey, USA during Friday 31, August to Sunday 2, September, 2012 at the Raritan Expo Center. Theme of third Chaalo Gujarat event was Gujarat, Gujarati, Gujaratism. There were plenty Cultural and Art Performances arranged successfully during three days’ long Conference. Everybody present there, enjoyed fully the Culture of Gujarat, its Art, literature and Gujaratism. Three days extravaganza under one roof conducted by Sunil Nayak, the person behind all these tremendous work, always love to experiment with and try to present something new every time. Owed as the biggest gathering of its kind outside India, Chaalo Gujarat attracted more than 30,000 for the duration of the conference. The State of New Jersey even issued a proclamation declaring Aug. 31 as Gujarati Day as recognition of the community’s contributions to the state. A spectacular Multimedia show encompassing “Dhanya Dhara Saurashtra & Kutch Gaatha” was an enigma in itself to watch was an amazing experience. On the first day, everybody relished the Cultural and Artistic Media Show based on Kutchh and […]

  Edison, NJ: Chaalo Gujarat, World Gujarati Conference 2012 was organized by the Association of Indian Americans in North America (AIANA) in New Jersey, USA during Friday 31, August to Sunday 2, September, 2012 at the Raritan Expo Center. Theme of third Chaalo Gujarat event was Gujarat, Gujarati, Gujaratism. There were plenty Cultural and Art Performances arranged successfully during three days’ long Conference. Everybody present there, enjoyed fully the Culture of Gujarat, its Art, literature and Gujaratism. Three days extravaganza under one roof conducted by Sunil Nayak, the person behind all these tremendous work, always love to experiment with and try to present something new every time. Owed as the biggest gathering of its kind outside India, Chaalo Gujarat attracted more than 30,000 for the duration of the conference. The State of New Jersey even issued a proclamation declaring Aug. 31 as Gujarati Day as recognition of the community’s contributions to the state. Chaalo Gujarat 3rd Day 09-02-2012 Sunday On the third and final day of ‘Chaalo Gujarat’ giant Ratinan Center was overwhelmingly crowded in celebrating the final day of the event. It was a grand success. Under the leadership and dedicated work of Sunil Nayak and his team was […]