Category: Press Pictures

Asian Media USA © Chicago, IL: Devotees across North America gathered at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandirs to joyously celebrate the auspicious birth anniversaries of Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan and Bhagwan Shri Ram with deep spiritual fervor and devotion. Observed on the Hindu calendrical day of Chaitra Sud 9—which fell on April 6 in 2025—these sacred birthdays commemorate the earthly manifestations of Bhagwan Shri Ram and Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan. Bhagwan Shri Ram is revered for his exemplary virtues of righteousness, compassion, and courage, while Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan, who established the Swaminarayan Hindu tradition in 1801, uplifted countless lives through his teachings and spiritual reforms, which continue to inspire individuals globally. This year’s celebration embraced the theme “Unity Begins Within,” encouraging introspection and the cultivation of unity in one’s spiritual life, family, and community. In observance of the occasion, thousands of devotees across the continent undertook nirjala upvaas (a waterless fast) and engaged in continuous jap and dhun, chanting the sacred name of God throughout the day. These spiritual observances fostered a deep atmosphere of devotion and mindfulness, reinforcing the personal inner transformation at the heart of the celebration’s theme. The festivities across BAPS Mandirs featured a vibrant blend of devotional rituals and cultural […]

 “From Punjab to the Midwest: Celebrating 5500 Years of Linguistic Heritage” Asian Media USA © Chicago, IL: The vibrant spirit of Punjabi culture echoed across the halls of the National India Hub in Schaumburg on Sunday, April 6, as the Punjabi community from across the Midwest came together to mark International Mother Language Day with a special focus on Punjabi literature and heritage. The event, running from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, was an enriching blend of poetry, prose, and powerful reflections, followed by a community dinner. Organized by the Punjabi Community of the US Midwest, the evening honored the deep cultural and literary significance of Punjabi, a language with a rich 5,500-year-old history. This year’s celebration held special meaning, as it coincided with the 25th Anniversary of the Silver Jubilee of International Mother Language Day, first proclaimed by UNESCO in 1999 to promote linguistic and cultural diversity around the globe. The event brought together an impressive lineup of renowned Punjabi authors, poets, and thinkers, including Dr. Atamjit, recipient of the Sahitya Akademi and Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards, Ravinder Singh Sahra, Raj Lally Batala, Kashish Hoshiarpuri, Sajid Chaudhary, Abid Rasheed, Rakind Kaur, Gurleen Kaur, Tahira Rida, Amrit Pal Kaur, Gurbaksh Randhawa, and Ghulam […]

Naperville, IL – Ashfaq Syed has been elected to serve on the Naperville City Council, becoming the first Indian American to do so and ushering in a new chapter of inclusive, community-centered leadership. His win marks the culmination of a grassroots campaign fueled by hundreds of neighbors, dozens of volunteers, and a broad coalition of supporters committed to moving Naperville forward. “I am deeply honored and humbled by the trust the people of Naperville have placed in me,” said Syed on election night. “This victory belongs to all of us—every volunteer who knocked on doors, every supporter who donated, every resident who believed in the promise of a city that works for everyone.” Syed’s campaign focused on priorities that resonated with voters across Naperville, including sustainable development, environmental stewardship, transparent governance, economic resilience, and investing in public safety and city services. As President of the Naperville Public Library Board and a longtime advocate for local nonprofits like Loaves & Fishes and 360 Youth Services, Syed brought a record of thoughtful, results-driven leadership to the race. “This campaign was about building a Naperville that honors its values and embraces its future. I’m eager to get to work with my colleagues on […]

Asian Media USA © Chicago, IL: With profound grief and deep sorrow, the Tuteja family shares the passing of their beloved Shashi Tuteja, who departed for her heavenly abode on March 28th, 2025, at 9:30 IST. In her honour, an Antim Ardas was held on Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025, at the Sikh Religious Society (Gurudwara) in Palatine, IL. The gathering brought together well-wishers, family, and friends, who united in prayers for her peaceful journey beyond this mortal world. The Ardas (Kirtan) took place from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, followed by Langar (Prasad) at 8:00 PM. The event was marked by heartfelt prayers, divine hymns, and spiritual discourses, emphasizing the soul’s eternal journey and the significance of collective prayers in guiding the departed towards peace and liberation. Shashi Tuteja will forever be remembered for her immense love, warmth, and the values she instilled in her family. Her presence was a guiding light, and she leaves behind a legacy of compassion, devotion, and service to her loved ones and the community. Those who attended the Antim Ardas paid their respects and shared fond memories, cherishing the moments she enriched in their lives. Loved ones reflected on their sacrifices, recalling how parents […]

Asian Media USA © Chicago, IL: In spite of Chicago’s unpredictable and challenging weather, the spirit of Eid-ul-Fitr remained unshaken as a diverse gathering of worshippers filled the North shore Holiday Inn, Skokie, Illinois, on Sunday, March 30, 2025. The venue was packed to capacity, with people from all walks of life including businessmen, industrialists, politicians, doctors, and families coming together in faith and unity. From young children to the elderly, the atmosphere was filled with joy, gratitude, and an unbreakable sense of togetherness. Adding to the vibrancy, women and young girls adorned themselves in colorful traditional attire, with beautifully designed henna decorating their hands, enhancing the festive ambiance. The prayers, led by Ustadh Omar Lateef (9:00 AM), Imam Malik Mujahid (10:00 AM), and Mufti Salman Patel (10:45 AM), were deeply moving, reminding everyone of the significance of this blessed occasion. The energy, enthusiasm, and warmth of the celebration truly reflected the unity and resilience of Chicago’s Muslim community, making this Eid gathering a memorable and heartwarming event. During the event, community leader Iftekhar Sherif, A Community advocate and FIA Past president emphasizing the importance of giving and the spiritual significance of Ramadan. He highlighted that Zakat donating 2.5% of one’s savings to those […]

Gujarati Comedy Play “Patni Nachave Ene Kaun Bachave”  Wins Public Hearts in Chicago “Gujarati Theater Shines in America with a Rib-Tickling Performance” “A Theatrical Treat: Ketki Dave and Team Deliver a Comedy Masterpiece” Asian Media USA © Chicago, IL – March 8, 2025: The Jain Centre in Bartlett, IL, was abuzz with excitement as a full house of Gujarati theater enthusiasts gathered for the highly anticipated comedy play “Patni Nachave Ane Kaun Bachave”. Organized by NextGen Events and Manpasand, and powered by PN Entertainment, the play brought an evening of non-stop laughter and pure entertainment to the audience. With Imtiaz Patel as the writer and Kiran Bhatt as the director, the production featured a stellar cast including Ketki Dave, Dilip Darbar, Hitesh Upadhyay, Jyuthika Shah, Chitrak Shah and Hina Velani, who delivered performances that left the audience in splits. Ketki Dave, a powerhouse of Gujarati theatre, has mesmerized audiences with her vibrant performances and impeccable comic timing. Born into a legacy of acting, she inherited the stage from her legendary mother, Sarita Joshi. With a career spanning decades, Ketki has breathed life into countless characters, making Gujarati drama more engaging and relatable. Her dynamic expressions and effortless charm have also […]

Asian Media USA © Chicago, IL: On the magical evening of November 16, 2024, the Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott in Schaumburg transformed into a vibrant hub of melody, rhythm, and heartfelt generosity. The occasion? “Ek Shaam Apno Ke Naam”, a breathtaking concert headlined by the illustrious Rita Shah and orchestrated by SSS Entertainment to raise funds for underprivileged children in India. The event kicked off with the charismatic MC Bhairavi Thakker, who set the tone with warmth and excitement. The audience was then treated to a soul-stirring prayer dance by the talented Jainish Balsara, creating an atmosphere of hope and gratitude. The stage was perfectly set for the star of the night, Rita Shah, who entered to thunderous applause and took everyone on a musical journey they will never forget. Rita Shah opened her set with the iconic “Mausam Hai Aashikana”, her voice capturing every nuance of the song’s romantic nostalgia. Transitioning seamlessly, she brought a wave of emotion with “Rahe Na Rahe Hum” and “Betaab Dil Ki Tamanna”, showcasing her versatility and command over different genres. In a special duet with Sunil Shah (Founder Chairman of Federation of Indian Associations) who is also top performer of New […]

Asian Media USA © Chicago, IL: On October 26, 2024, the Indian American Community Outreach Advisory Board (IACOAB) hosted its 10th annual Diwali festival at Metea Valley High School in Aurora, drawing an impressive crowd of over 3,000 attendees. This vibrant celebration of the Festival of Lights not only showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Indian community but also highlighted the spirit of unity and joy that Diwali represents. Diwali, known as the “Festival of Lights,” symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. The festival is marked by lighting lamps, sharing sweets, and engaging in festive activities that bring families and communities together. This year’s event featured more than 25 vendors offering a diverse array of merchandise, from traditional clothing to unique handicrafts. Attendees had the opportunity to explore these offerings while enjoying delicious food from local eateries. Over 12 nonprofit organizations participated as well, providing valuable information about their services and initiatives aimed at supporting the community. The festival was graced by several distinguished guests, including Mayor Richard Irvin, Congressman Bill Foster, and Indian Consulate General Mr. Somnath Ghosh. Elected officials from Aurora also joined the celebrations, underscoring the importance of community engagement and […]

Asian Media USA © Chicago, IL: On October 17, 2024, an energetic and inspiring fundraising event was held at the Marriott Chicago Northwest in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, to support Mayor Bill McLeod’s re-election campaign. In total, the event has been able to raise over $25,000, showing overwhelming support for Mayor McLeod’s bid for a seventh term as mayor. It once again proves how his decades-long commitment to the village continues to resound with the people he serves. The event began with a warm welcome from Neil Khot, one of the lead hosts and a key figure in the community. Khot spoke passionately about Bill McLeod’s remarkable commitment, stating, “Mayor McLeod has been a pillar of strength for Hoffman Estates. His leadership has brought this village from a quiet town to a bustling community where businesses thrive, and families feel at home.” He continued by emphasizing that Mayor McLeod’s tenure has been defined by consistency and vision, which is why the community continues to rally around him for a seventh term. For over 45 years, Mayor McLeod has been a vital part of Hoffman Estates, first serving as a village trustee in 1980 and later taking office as mayor in 1990. […]