Category: Press Pictures

Asian Media USA ©Chicago, IL: There have been dazzling; glorious Navratri celebrations all across Chicagoland and continuing on the rich tradition Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA) and Support A Child (SAC) hosted their own Navratri Garba Raas with Rex D Souza and Shivani Shah, on Sunday – October 15, 2022 at Bartlett Park District, 700 S Bartlett Road, Bartlett, IL. Shivani Shah is a very famous Gujarati folk singer, and she performs with her group every year during the Navratri festival. The event attracted over thousands of Gujrati families and Indians alike to celebrate the splendor of Navaratri. The attendees ranged from toddlers to seniors and were dressed in vibrant and colorful Indian attire, especially the ladies and children who were seen wearing bright colorful, dazzling traditional dresses with matching ornaments and extravagant hairstyles. The twirling dancers, clapping hands, instinct sound of wooden sticks struck together, toe tapping music and people wearing colorful clothes marked the grand Navratri celebrations at the VHPA and SAC Garba. The festivities began around 7:00 pm and lasted until12:30 pm. The celebration started with the traditional Lamp Lighting ceremony. President Harendra bhai Mangrola spoke fondly about the Navaratri celebrations, saying that, “It keeps a […]

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Asian Media USA © Chicago IL: TAGC Telugu Association of Greater Chicago celebrated Bathukamma, Jammi Pooja and Dusshera celebrations with more than 800-plus guests on Oct 2nd 2022 at SVS Balaji Temple Aurora, IL. Under the TAGC leadership, Bathukamma team took the initiative to make this event a grand success with uniqueness, all along maintaining the traditions. The team decided to purchase Chanderi pattu sarees to celebrate the festival with more enthusiasm. About 200 women wore matching sarees and brought color and uniqueness to set a record among all other Bathukamma celebrations across the world. This initiative was done to support impoverished weavers in South India and help them financially. Venue was decorated with colorful flowers with help of florist Amritha. TAGC President and Board offered saree, flowers, pasupu & kumkum to goddess Parvathi at the temple after the event. TAGC President Uma Avadhuta welcomed all the guests with a brief introduction about the significance of the festival. Uma Avadhuta, Bathukamma chair Vinitha Podduturi along with co chairs Pooja, Madhavi and Pranaya started the event with diya lighting. Delicious vegetarian lunch coordinated by Food Chairs Srinivas Adepu and Ramakanth Jonnala with a wide variety was offered to women and all […]

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Indian American youth Asian Media USA © Chicago IL: From September 23-24th, Chicago hosted an event of utmost grandeur and elegance. It was called the GSA (Global Strategic Alliance) India Expo @75 Curtain Raiser, which was meant to set the scene for the GSA India Expo that is going to occur in December. This Curtain Raiser truly set the bar, and it set the bar high. This event has made it clear the the GSA India Expo will one hundred percent be one of the most impactful events of our time for India’s recognition and cultural diversity. In an event of such spell-binding presence, the Curtain Raiser made it one of its missions to recognize the Indian American youth of the nation for the service they have contributed to both the United States and India. From Arizona to Maryland, 18 Indian American youth under the age of 18 were chosen to receive a timeless and tremendously impactful award on September 24th, 2022. This was the first annual 18under18 Indian American Achievers celebration, meaning that 18 more people will be recognized next year, and the following year, and so on. To make this event as spectacular as possible, the GSA Expo […]

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Celebration Women’s program Asian Media USA © Chicago IL: On Saturday, September 24, 2022, thousands of female devotees and well-wishers of all ages and backgrounds gathered at the B.A.P.S Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett, IL, to joyfully celebrate the 100th birth anniversary of their guru, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj. The event titled “A Beacon of Values, Hope and Faith,” a cultural program organized by women, and for women, took place at over 100 BAPS mandirs across North America. The program centered on an immersive experience where guests could understand and experience the lasting impact that their guru had on individuals, families, and communities. When asked about her thoughts on the program, Yogini Patel, a disciple of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, remarked, “What inspired me the most about today’s program was to hear real women come together and share stories of the vulnerabilities in their lives. It is crucial that women can come together in that way and support each other. It is truly a testament to Pramukh Swami Maharaj that he has created this beautiful space for everyone to come and be vulnerable and be able to share and grow from each other’s experiences.” Rinku Patel, a BAPS volunteer, commented “One […]

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Asían Media USA © Asían Media USA © Chicago IL: More than 6200 peoples attended Shree Umiya Mataji Navaratri Garba with Kinjal Dave that was organized by Shree Umiya Dham Chicago Midwest (SUDCM) on Saturday 17th 2022 at Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Schaumburg Illinois. Mataji Palki was beautifully decorated by SHUKAN mandap and was placed in the center of the venue. It was a well-organized flow from beginning to end. RAJESH DESAI volunteered to lead the project. Narendra Patel & Pankaj Patel committed to support Rajesh Desai in this project Under Rajesh Desai’s direction, KPS & SUDCM formed responsible teams to distribute the responsibilities for managing each area. The Floor Team, Registration Team, Wristband Team, Stage Team, Food Team, Decoration Team, and Raffle Team took responsibility for their respective areas and all teams outperformed beyond expectation. Show was sold out in advance with record breaking ticket sales in Chicago land. Program started at 6.30 pm with Deep pragatya ceremony that was attended by Mafatbhai Patel, Himanshubhai Modi, Mithabhai Patel, Jayantibhai Patel, Bhavik Patel, Harmil Patel, Haribhai Patel, Dahyabhai Prajapati, Prafulbhai Rami accompanied by SUDCM chairman Chhotalal Patel. After a deep pragatya ceremony Kinjal Dave and her team took the stage. Grand […]

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Asian Media USA © Chicago IL: Rowdies have been victorious in six out of eight of their league games that got them a berth directly into the final with 12points for Chicago Premier League’s finals. Hurricanes however seeded number 3 on the top three and have been beaten twice in their encounter with Rowdies. Hurricanes managed to get 10 points by winning five of their eight games to qualify for their finals The final was played between Chicago Rowdies and Chicago Hurricanes at the Skokie Sports Park amidst much fanfare. The event was sponsored by Nirav Foods, Usmania Fine Dining, Sabri Nihari, and Bawa Sports. Amongst dignitaries that attended the event were Mr. Sikander Iqbal (Deputy Director- Cook County), Mr. Pramod C Shah (Clerk-Village of Skokie) Masood Chick (Former President USACA & Former Pakistan Player). Owners of Nirav Foods, Manishkumar Patel and Arif Patel from Bawa Sports were also present at the event. President of (UCL & CPL) Mr. Adil Azeem Khan welcomed all the fans and dignitaries to the match proceedings. Rowdies won the toss and decided to bat first same as the last encounter with Hurricanes. The ground was a little on the damp side from the rains […]

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Asian Media USA © Chicago, IL: The Dawoodi Bohra community of Chicago hosted a two-day event, the Women Entrepreneurs Expo – or “Mashtal” – at their masjid, Burhani Park Complex, at Willow brook, IL from 10am to 6pm, Saturday September 10 & Sunday September 11, 2022. The Dawoodi Bohras of Chicago have lived and worked peacefully here since the 1950s. They are Muslims who hail from South Asia under the leadership of His Holiness Dr Mufaddal Saifuddin; over 1,000 families worship at Al-Masjid-al-Badri in Willowbrook, IL. The word “Mashtal” means nursery.  The expo seeks to nurture the business ventures of Dawoodi Bohra women, enabling them to use their talents and skills to develop small-scale businesses.  The word “Bohra” means traders, and Mashtal taps into this deep-seated tradition. And their message is, “Mashtal – Nurture Your Venture!” Their aim is to develop small scale and household businesses of women within the community to use their skills to support their families and help them achieve excellence in their respective fields. Over 50 committee members, primarily women, came together for over 6 months of planning. Several committees were formed to distribute this immense amount of work including Decor, Food, Accommodations, IT/AV, PR, Marketing, […]

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Asian Media USA © Chicago IL: Chicago Andhra Association organized a Yoga Workshop on 7/31/2022. The workshop was conducted by a Himalayan Yogi, sri Kiran Chukkapalli. This workshop focused on vinyasa flow, and the smooth transition (flow) from one pose to the next pose. Kiran then guided the attendees practice the flow with Suryanamaskars. He then taught the right breathing technique and explained the benefits of yoganidra. The session concluded with a Q& A. On this occasion Chicago Andhra Association and its service wing, the Chicago Andhra Foundation presented him with a cheque for $26,750.00 raised by CAA chairman Sujatha Appalaneni and its members and well-wishers towards the embroidery and chula projects for the refugee families, and annual budget for running the Dabuguda school for the children of the Araku Valley. Kiran talked about the plight of the refugees fleeing their home countries to come to India and the difficult living conditions they are enduring in India, and his efforts to help them live a respectable life with basic human rights. The event was organized by president Malathi Damaraju, vice president Gowrisankar Addanki, secretary Swetha Kottapalli, CAF executive director Ramakrishna Tadepalli, joint treasurer Ramarao Kothamasu, former president SriSailesh Maddi, director […]

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Asian Media USA © Chicago IL: Global NRI Forum arranged a meet and greet event for Dr. RS Praveen Kumar IPS (Rtd.) hosted by Saireddy Gongati and Bindhu Gongati on 8/26/2022 at their Gongati Residence, Palatine, IL (Chicago). The program started with the Indian national anthem, and the agenda for the meeting was for Dr. Praveen Kumar to share his vision and take suggestions and Q&A from NRIs. Dr. RS Praveen Kumar has served in Indian Police Service (IPS) for 17 years, and for 9 years, he chose to be a Secretary for Social Welfare Schools for AP and Telangana states. Dr. RS Praveen Kumar shared his experiences, and he visited Dubai, where people live like slaves as they drop out of their education. At the same time, in the USA, people live perfect lives because of a good education. People who came to the USA from social welfare schools have a good life, and he promised: “I would bring at least 1 lac students from poor and underprivileged families to the USA in the future.” He also mentioned Telangana state is in the #2 position from the top in liquor consumption. The government opened belt shops in every village, […]

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 (Washington, DC: August 29th, 2022) The growing influence of doctors of Indian heritage is evident, as increasingly physicians of Indian origin hold critical positions in the healthcare, academic, research and administrative positions across the nation. With their hard work, dedication, compassion, and skills, they have thus carved an enviable niche among the American medical community. The role being played by American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) has come to be recognized as vital among Lawmakers as wells by the Federal and State governments as many Indian Americans play important roles in shaping healthcare policies and programs. In this context, AAPI, the largest ethnic medical organization in the United States, representing the interests of ovewr120,000 physicians/Fellows of Indian Origin has planned to honor India, their motherland on the occasion of India’s 75th anniversary of Independence with a Special Celebration on Capitol Hill at the US Senate Hart Building, Room # 902 in Washington, DC on September 21st, 2022 at 2 pm. “India @ 75! It’s a milestone with mixed feelings, one with a sense of pride and joy for all the accomplishments and progress we have made, while preserving our integrity, unity, core values of freedoms, democracy and respect […]

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Illinois Cricket Association in Chicago Asian Media USA © Chicago IL: Cricket Legend Sunil Gavaskar inaugurated the Illinois Cricket Association [ICA] amidst ceremonious fanfare and unhinged excitement from the cricketing fraternity at Wyndham Hotel in Schaumburg, Illinois. This ceremonial launching of Illinois Cricket Association unveiled inspiring stories of triumph, spirit of charity, robust pursuit and enthusiastic stewardship to advance cricket in Illinois; while lending formidable partnership to Gavaskar’s Heart2Heart Foundation. The launching ceremony attracted Chicago community’s prominent business, civic and community leaders who joined in the inaugural ceremony hosted in partnership with Indian American Business Council. The greatest cricketer of all times Sunil Gavaskar shared the remarkable episodes of his cricketing journey that was replete with his magnificent record-breaking performances on the pitch particularly against some of the world’s hostile fast bowlers. Inaugurating Illinois Cricket Association, Cricket Legend Sunil Gavaskar congratulated the leadership of Illinois Cricket Association and praised them for their vision in launching an ambitious cricket tournament enlisting youth in Midwest America. Sunil Gavaskar in his heart-to-heart conversation recalled the glorious innings he played and added now he has embarked on a new altruistic journey batting for the children with congenital heart ailments and to provide them with […]

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Asían Media USA © Milwaukee WI: India celebrates the 75th anniversary of its independence from Britain and IndiaFest Milwaukee marks its 10th year in Wisconsin. On Saturday Aug 20th, 2022 festivities began with the hoisting of the tricolor flag of India. This was followed by the rendition of the national anthems of both countries, India and the United States, in the presence of dignitaries and leaders. A chariot of Lord Jagannath, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, adorned with intricately decorated deities and traditional ornaments led the parade, accompanied by devotional songs. India Day celebration at IndiaFest Milwaukee 2022 was graced by State Representative Scott Allen, former Supreme Court Justice Daniel Kelly, State Representative Dan Knodl, Former State Representative Jim Ott, Fond Du Lac District Attorney Eric Toney, and Milwaukee County Chief Equity Officer Jeff Roman. Governor of Wisconsin Tony Evers, Mayor of Milwaukee Cavalier Johnson, Milwaukee District Attorney John Chisholm, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, Supreme Court Justice Brian Hagedorn, US Senator Ron Johnson, State Senator Chris Larson, Ambassador of India to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu, Consul General of India (Midwest) Amit Kumar, Milwaukee Alderman Ashanti Hamilton and Mayor of Sun Prairie Paul Esser were among the invitees. […]

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Asian Media USA © Chicago IL: UCL hosted a competitive Night League 2022 that saw an exciting grand championship game between Horizon Cricket Club & Cougars at the Skokie Sports Park in Skokie, Illinois on August 19, 2022, that brought together a gathering of cricket fans and cricket enthusiasts to witness a very spirited night championship game. The match was played in T20 format. The final game between Cougars Cricket Team and Horizon Cricket Club elevated the value of the game considerably as both the teams put up an exciting performance to clinch the coveted United Cricket Club’s Night League 2022 Championship trophy. Cougars won the toss and decided to bat first. With a great line-up of batters Airaj Syed and Kamran Syed opened the game. Kamran scored a blistering 63 off 28 balls which included 8 sixes and 2 fours and managed a partnership of 95 runs with Zarif Gul. Airaj, Shreyas, Ahmedullah, and Zeeshan could not get into double digits. Adnan Bajwa who came 5 down and helped score what appeared to be an insurmountable lead against the energetic bowling attack. Cougars wrapped up their innings with a great total of 181. Horizon Cricket Club’s openers showed intent […]

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Asían Media USA © Chicago, IL: Umiya Mataji Sanstha Chicago Midwest (UMSCM) hosted Third Annual Patotsav, held at Umiya Mata Mandir at West Chicago, IL, from August 11 to August 14, 2022. The four-day festival included recital of Bhagwat Parayan for first 3 days, which included, Mahayagya, Umiya’s Grand Annakoot and Alokik Shringar Jagan Janani Darshan and on the fourth day, a Cultural Program to commemorate India’s Independence Day for Aug 15th was held. On behalf of Umiya Mataji Santhana, the Chairman of the organization Mr. J.P. Patel, President Mr. Devendra Patel, and Secretary Shri Andi Patel, invited all the families living in Chicago and America. The three-day Bhagwat Dasam Skand Katha Parayan was organized from August 11 to August 13 as part of the program of Umia Mataji Sansthan Chalit Tritiya Patotsav, for which Shastri Sri Dharmaswarupdasji, Swami Sanstha, had sent a special invite to Sri Swaminarayan, from Gurukul, Khirsara, Gujarat. His Guruji Shastri Sri Narayanaswarupadasji Swami also arrived with him. Every devotee who came to the festival took the benefit of his Amritamai Vani. Bhagwat Katha was started on August 11 with Pothi Yatra and Kalash Yatra. All the devotees of the organization enthusiastically participated in the Pothi […]

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76th Indian Independence Day celebrated with patriotic fervor and enthusiasm Asian Media USA © Chicago IL: Federation of Indian Associations. (FIA) in Chicago celebrated the 76th Independence Day of India with patriotic fervor and festivity at the Daley Plaza in Downtown Chicago on August 15th, 2022. Mr. Amit Kumar, the Consul General of India in Chicago and Rakesh Malhotra, President of the FIA Chicago hoisted the Indian National flag at the Plaza, followed by singing of the United States and Indian National Anthems. United States Congressman Brad Schneider, Alderman Debra Silverstein, Alderman Raymond Lopez, IL State Senator Darren Bailey, Cook County Treasurer, Maria Pappas, and candidate of IL State representative Kevin Olickal were amongst the dignitaries who attended the spectacular ceremony.  Close to three hundred people, representing Indian American Community, local government officials, Executive members and Trustees of FIA, and members of American, and local media attended the iconic flag hoisting ceremony, organized by the FIA. Amit Kumar, India’s Midwest Consul General extended his greetings to Indian American people and dwelt on the wide-ranging India-US strategic partnership encompassing almost every facet of human development including The Quad for security in the Indo-Pacific as well as other multilateral agreements to confront global […]

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FIA honored people for their unparalleled contribution to build the nation and help the community. Chicago, IL: The Federation of Indian Associations Chicago celebrated 75th Independence Day – Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav by thanking Freedom Fighters and recognizing the contributions of the Indian diaspora living in Chicago during its annual Gala dinner event on Friday, August 12, 2022, at Ashton Banquet. The event was attended by more than five hundred prominent people from the community. President of the Federation Sh. Rakesh Malhotra extended his gratitude by remembering the Freedom fighters, soldiers, and all those who sacrificed their lives for India’s Freedom, liberty, and prosperity. Malhotra said, “Today is a time to reflect upon our achievements of the past 75 years and set the agenda for the next 25 and involve our younger generation in nation building and making India secure safe, healthy and peaceful future.” On behalf of the executive board of FIA, Rakesh Malhotra welcomed all the Trustees, Past Presidents, honorable guest and dignitaries including the Consul General of India Amit Kumar, Congressman Raja Krishnamurthy, Mayor of Lincolnwood Jassel Patel, Gopal Lalmalani, Village President Village of Oak Brook, Dr Bharat Barai, Alderman Shweta Baid, Dr. Hina Patel, Village trustee, […]

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Asian Media USA © Chicago IL: The Federation of Indian Associations, Chicago (FIA) celebrated the 75 th India Independence Day Azadi Ka Amrit mahotsav with patriotic fervor during the day and a gala concert featuring prominent Bollywood Singer Javed Ali with his team in the evening on 7th August, 2022 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel. The FIA led by Founder chairman Sunil Shah, and Current President Hitesh Gandhi, Past President Neil Khot, Founder and Past President Onkar Singh Sanga and the entire board of directors created an atmosphere of patriotism with an India centric program during the afternoon hours. The program started with a prayer Bharat Natyam dance by Board member Bharatnatyam exponent and choreographer Pika Munshi. This was followed by the Indian and American National Anthem. and Lamp Lighting by the FIA Leadership and the entire Board. Chairman and Founder President Sunil Shah Current President Hitesh Gandhi, Past President Neil Khot, Founder and Past President Onkar Singh Sanga in their brief speeches invited all those Present to the event. The Program keeping in view the importance of the day and to teach the children about leaders of the Independence movement the FIA organized a dress up segment […]

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A remarkable journey that started 25 years ago with our first ever publication Sandesh USA Inc Since then, the group has organized countless successful events, concerts, cultural shows that brought the Indian traditions to America Chicago, IL – Hi India, the trusted publication of Indian Americans, recently marked one of its biggest milestones with a devotional Sunderkand event that was much loved by the community. To celebrate its 25 successful years in media and event management, the weekly newspaper and publishing house invited world famous devotional singer and garba exponent Atul Purohit all the way from India. The Sunderkand event took place at St Louis on July 29, which saw an attendance of more than 600 people. The religious event then had its another edition at Chicago  at Hanuman Temple of Greater Chicago, Glenview, IL. where more than 1000 people gathered to hear the singer and his unique rendition. On July 31, at Dallas more than 800 people turned up to watch this rare symphony of devotional piece that was masterfully executed by Atul Purohit. Thanks to Staff and volunteers of Hanuman Temple of Greater Chicago who  work tirelessly in this successfully organized event. Sunderkand is the tale or katha […]

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Asian Media USA © Chicago IL: Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan organization associated with “Haridham” Sokhda “YDS Chicago” at Bartlett Jain Mandir on July 23rd, Haridham-Sokhda Past President P.P. Hariprasadaswamiji has Appointed his spiritual heir, as P.P. Premaswarup Swamiji’s Guru Purnima celebrations were celebrated in a grand manner in the presence of devotees and heads of social and religious organizations from various states of America and Chicago. Which includes 16 Religious institutions, 15 local Organizations, 07 News Media publishers and editors and 09 Chief guests including businessmen and dignitaries. Although the time of the program was kept half past five, as the invited guests and devotees arrived early, the program started from five o’clock and in sight, the hall of Jain Mandir was filled with more than 900 guests and devotees. From five o’clock the listeners were immersed in the Bhajan-kirtans. After that the secretary of YDS Chicago Shri. Chirantan Nanavati started the program welcoming by the saints from “Haridham” Sokhda. Anandswarup Swami and P. Gunagarahkaswami and P. Dinkar Uncle. He gave an occasional address to P.P. Hariprasadaswami described how he created this society from scratch with love and warmth. Then Bhavbhutibhai, a young man from New Jersey, explained the glory of […]

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