Category: Press releases

Chicago IL: Shreejidwar Haveli (www.shreejidwar.org) established by Vaishnav Samaj of Midwest (VSM) located at 440 W Fullerton Avenue, Addison, IL 60101 celebrated its 6th Patotsav (6th Anniversary) and Bhoomi Pujan for building bigger and better Haveli over a period of three days from 18th to 20th July, 2014 in a grand manner. There were unique Darshans of Lord Shrinathji under Pushti Pranali every single day. There was a unique occasion of interweaving two Great events that of Golden jubilee of Pa. Pu. Go. Shri Dwarkeshlalji Maharajshri (Champaran -Kandivali) and Platinum Jubilee of HDH Goswami 108 Shri Indira Betiji Mahodaya. Board Members of VSM left no stone unturned in making this celebration exhaustive and memorable and with the cooperation of innumerable volunteers they successfully executed it. 1st day was allocated to Bhumi Pujan and Celebration of Golden Jubilee of JJ. Patotsav Celebrations started on Saturday, 19th July with Shobha Yatra. The patotsav’s theme was Chaurasi Bethak Manorath. Chaurasi Bethak, literally meaning “84 seats”, refers to the 84 places where Vallabhacharya, a devotional philosopher, gave discourse of Bhagavata in the 15th century. This forms one of the very important concepts in the pushtimarg tradition of vaishnavites in India, and these places are […]

Chicago IL: Chicago IL: Shreejidwar Haveli (www.shreejidwar.org) established by Vaishnav Samaj of Midwest (VSM) located at 440 W Fullerton Avenue, Addison, IL 60101 celebrated its Bhoomi Pujan Cermony and Golden Jubilee of JJ Dwarkeshprasdji and blessings of HDH Goswami 108 Shri Indira Betiji Mahodaya on Friday 18th. July 2014 in a grand manner. There were unique Darshans of Lord Shrinathji Hindola made of Fresh Vegetables under Pushti Pranali under guidance and blessing of Pu. Jiji. The proceedings started with Arti and wishing Happy Birthday on Golden jubilee of Pa. Pu. Go. Shri Dwarkeshlalji Maharajshri (Champaran -Kandivali) in presence and Spiritual Guidance to Shreejidwar Haveli by HDH Goswami 108 Shri Indira Betiji Mahodaya. To commemorate his Birthday A shawl was wrapped up to him with wishes to continue guide Vaishnavs for long. Pa. Pu. Go. Shri Dwarkeshlalji Maharajshri (Champaran -Kandivali) referred to the pinciples laid down by Vallabhacharyaji and advised to follow them scrupulousle which will enrich everyone’s life. There were number of devotees present to witness this event which led to Bhumi Pujan for the upcoming New Nandalaya Project. HDH Goswami 108 Shri Indira Betiji Mahodaya According to Hindu culture, the earth is considered to be a mother. Bhoomi is […]

Chicago IL: Over 400 people gathered to witness talent of Illinois area with outstanding performances of talent by youth. Association of Indians in America, Inc. Illinois Chapter proudly organized ‘Group Dance Competition 2014 -Youth Talent Show on Sunday – July 13, 2014 at Hinsdale Community House, 415W. 8th street, Hinsdale, IL 60521 from 4:00pm. This was really a unique performance by the Best in the Business. High Voltage Dance Performances were presented by 11 top teams from Illinois. This was hailed by more than 400 strong appreciative Spectators. It was full house there was no place to seat including the audience where standing behind to get a glimpse of it. No one wanted to leave. The talent show consisted of performances by youth, as well as a talented group of elders between 60 to 65 years. National Anthem of US and India were sung by Anil Sharma. After this Dr. Ghanshyam Pandey introduced Salil Mishra, President, AIA Illinois, who in his welcome remarks said AIA has tried to achieve its objectives and implement its strategies, He thanked the Board for its support. He welcomed all those present and also applauded the efforts put in by youth. Dr. Ghanshyam Pandey proudly […]

Chicago IL: From June 28- July2, 2014, the uplifting and inspiring presence of His Holiness Swami Tejomayananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission Worldwide, was experienced by hundreds of Chicago land and neighboring states’ families. Pujya Guruji, as he is affectionately called, is currently touring and conducting camps and retreats in the United States as he typically does during the summer months. With over 375 Chinmaya Mission centers worldwide, serving countless families, using the Chinmaya Bala Vihar and Adult classes, it was a rare and blessed opportunity for Chinmaya Mission Chicago to host Pujya Guruji for 5 days. Chicago has two major centers- Badri in Willowbrook, and Yamunotri in Grayslake. The high point of the visit was on June 30, 2014 when hundreds of devotees welcomed Pujya Guruji with the traditional purna kumbha welcome ceremony and celebrated Guruji’s 64th birthday at CM Chicago’s Yamunotri center in Grayslake with devotional Sundarakand recitation, bhajans, and melodious flute concert by Pt Ronu Majumdar. The celebration of the birthday is an annual reminder to the aspirants of the purpose of their life, pursuing of noble goals and living a value based life. The pious, receptive attitude prevalent on such an occasion invokes the grace of […]

Chicago IL: Dr. Geetha and Tom Chitta and FCN Board of Directors invited all to come and enjoy an evening of Fellowship and Thanksgiving on Friday, June 27, 2014 from 5:30 pm at St. James Parish Center 820 N. Arlington Heights Road Arlington Heights, IL. It was a delightful and appreciative gathering of about 200. It was the 12th anniversary and was an appreciation dinner for all the Donors and Well-Wishers of FCN. Dignitaries present were elite group of persons including Mr. Edwin Rondan, Director, and Mrs. Christina Aranda, Mission appeal Coordinator, from the Office for Mission Education and Animation for the Archdiocese of Chicago and Father Matt Foley, Pastor were honored. Foundation for Children in Need (FCN) was founded by Dr. Geetha Yeruva and Tom Chitta in 2002 in Arlington Heights, IL. The couple has dedicated 12 years of their lives to educate Children, college students, conduct health education and mobile clinics. Mother Teresa is the inspiration of Dr. Geetha who is a physician herself, provides primary health care and medicines on behalf of FCN. Teenage girls are given workshops on health, hygiene and family life and are provided with a book on “women’s health. The main focus of […]

Skokie IL: Whether she changed your diapers, forced you to eat your vegetables or somehow cured your “owies” – Mother’s Day is the holiday to show how much your mom means to you. The international holiday, which is celebrated on different days in many parts of the world, turns 100 years old this year. Abraham Lincoln said “All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” Mildred B. Vermont stated that ” Being a full-time mother is one of the highest-salaried jobs … since the payment is pure love.” Kevin Durant quoted “You sacrificed for us. You’re the real eternal MVP.” This year, as for past 7 yrs. the festivities were held on Mother’s Day, May 11th, 2014. The Dining Room was converted in to the auditorium for the occasion. This year the celebration was organized by Members of International Society for Spiritual Advancement (ISSA). The hall was decorated with fitting decorations to include flowers, garlands with balloons with printed letters and banners “Happy Mother’s Day”. The entire auditorium was full of senior residents and their families. Many residents despite mobility restrictions, made their way with aid of wheel chair, walker and cane. It […]

Rolling Meadows, IL: A capacity audience was a treated to a few hours of scintillating Bolllywood hits by a quartet of talented singers of contrasting styles in a program aptly called Yaadon Ki Baarat on Friday the 13th at the Meadows Club. The program was presented by Hi India publications and supported by The Meadows Club, Big Suchir Restaurant and Hina Trivedi. The show was produced by Classic Productions from Mumbai. The evening commenced with a welcome by the Publisher of Hi India, Mr. Hemant Brahmbhatt, who acknowledged the various sponsors and supporters of the concert and also introduced Mr. Kamlesh Bhuptani, the national promoter of the concert. The concert itself was narrated by singer Rupali Ghogare who delighted the audience with her intros and accompanying couplets. She also entertained the audience with her solos and duets with the male singers, the evocative Shrikant Narayan and the flamboyant Apoorva Shah. The other singer was the glam Bhoomi Trivedi a music reality show winner, who recently made a smashing debut in Bollywood with her sizzling hit from the movie Ram Leela. The accompanying orchestra led by the ebullient Milind Dabholkar on the keyboards lent substance and zing to the vocalists and […]

Chicago IL: Opening Gala for fourth annual Eye on India (EOI) Festival was launched on Thursday, June 5, 2014 at Open Secret Studios, 401 N. Racine Avenue, Chicago. Each year, the Festival aims to bring the best of Indian art, literature and culture to Chicago audiences, as well as to showcase the work of talented local artists. EOI is hosting over 20 events in Chicago and neighboring suburbs. The 2014 program includes a diverse blend of art exhibits, literary and discussion panels, dance, theatrical and cultural performances in venues around Chicago. This year’s a new addition to the program ‘Eye on Innovation’. As done each year, EOI had proudly showcasing local Chicago artists at the Gala, including Fashion Designer Mara Pinto, contemporary art presented by Veranda8, Musician Zeshan Bagewadi and the work of talented students from the Fashion Studies Department at Columbia College, Chicago with a spectacular Multi-Media backdrop by award winning filmmaker Prashant Bhargava. EOI Events include: • Eye on Innovation on June 7th & 8th a curated weekend of unique and interactive programming which highlights the work of creative entrepreneurs, including Bucketfeet, Freebie, Georama, Idea Lemon, Ishi Vest, Meal Sharing, Veranda8, Whitl, Zero Percent amongst others, organized by […]

Naperville, IL: It was cross-border love and harmony that marked Metropolitan Asian Family Services’Asian Heritage Month and mini fundraising gala dinner grand success on May 31st, 2014 at Naperville Senior Center located at 1032 E Ogden Ave. The hall was packed with prominent dignitaries including elected officials, Board Members of MAFS, volunteer, work force, seniors’ members from various centers, and guests. The celebration started with social hour and it was followed by lamp lightening ceremony which was performed by Swami Parmeshanandaji from Bharat Sevashram Sangha of Aurora, IL, along with Board Members of MAFS and other prominent dignitaries present. Dr. Firdaus Jafri – President, MAFS welcomed guests. She praised Mrs. Kumar and staff efforts to deliver solution and to bring much needed social services to the community. She also appealed to donate generously to help MAFS to continue and expand its activities. Keynote speaker Ms. Dorothy Miaso, Executive Director of Literacy Volunteers of America, IL informed the crowd, how Mrs. Santosh Kumar’s philanthropic nature helped Literacy Volunteers of America with her time, skills and resources 25 yrs ago as Vista Volunteer, although she was newly immigrated to United Stated at that time. She also gave her legal skills to shape […]

Chicago IL: Federation of Indian Associations-Chicago [FIA] – a premier community umbrella organization of 30-years — passed a momentous resolution hailing the landslide victory of Shri. Narendra Modi and warmly welcomed the clear mandate given to the BJP party by the Indian electorate in the historic elections held in India. This distinctive resolution was tabled and adopted at a specially convened FIA board meeting held on Sunday May 18, 2014 at its office located on Mahatma Gandhi Marg in the heart of the India Town in Chicago. With a spirit of jubilation, Federation of Indian Associations-Chicago [FIA] celebrated Shri. Narendra Modi’s resounding victory and his ascension to the office of the Prime Minister accorded by the people of India. FIA further observed that the imperatives of good governance and development has driven the anxious and restless India in huge droves to the polls – thus electing a leader who has the fire in his belly to bring quantum leap to India with effective governance. The FIA resolution further lauds Shri. Narendra Modi for his indefatigable energy and devotion to the ideals of good governance and his resolute will to lead India in the 21stcentury ushering a rapid all round economic […]

Chicago IL: Madhuriben Thakkar, wife of Vinodbhai R. Thakkar, passed away at the age of 65, on Saturday, May 17, 2014 at her home in Des Plaines, Illinois. Madhuriben was born on September 30, 1948 to Keshavlal and Jiviben Thakkar in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Madhuriben was 1 of 5 children, and was preceded in death by her 3 Elder Brothers. She married Vinodbhai R. Thakkar in 1966 and moved to America in 1971 at the young age of 23, joining Vinodbhai two years after his move. Both were welcomed by a small circle of friends initially and this group grew to a very large circle of family and friends that they in turn welcomed and supported as each settled in the States. Madhuriben helped support her family by working for many years in various Offices and Retail Positions, including a 14 year-long employment with All State Insurance Company before retiring in 2003. While she worked in the Traditional, Professional Sense, she is most remembered by family and friends as working tirelessly alongside Vinodbhai in their joint efforts to support Religious, Cultural, Community and Volunteer Activities. As a result of her own efforts and because of her continuing support of her husband, […]

Chicago IL: Chicago celebrated its 14th Annual Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month (AAHM) on May 16 with an awards ceremony and cultural program at noon at Richard J. Daley Center downtown. The reception was hosted jointly by Dorothy Brown, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County (CCCC), and Beena Patel, president of the 14-year old Asian American Employees Social Club (AAESC). This year Mrs. Dorothy Brown, due to conflict in schedule, could not attend the event in person. Her place was substituted by Mr. Michael Moore, executive clerk of Court Operations and Administration Principal Host Mrs.Beena Patel, Asian Committee Chair and Associate Clerk of First Municipal Bureau. Beena opened the event and first congratulated Prime-minister elect of India, Mr. Narendra Modi for his triumphant overwhelming election victory in recent Indian general election. Master of Ceremony ‘Miss Chicago’ Ms. Marisa Buchheit, individually thanked all the AAESC members and event sponsors. She recognized name dignitaries present, foreign Diplomatic Personnel present including Deputy Council General of India Mr. N. J. Gangate, Media Representatives, Community Leaders, and her own support staff. She recounted how AAHM was started over 10 yrs. ago to celebrate contributions of American Asian-Pacific communities. Award Presentations:, Award recipients for the […]

Chicago IL : Sonu Nigam Live in Concert “Klose To My Soul ” rocked Sears Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates, IL On Friday – May 16, 2014. The magnificent Sears Centre Arena was packed with a phenomenal number of people who attended this sold out Concert. So far all these years max 4000 people attend show this time break all record.. attendance was over 8000 plus. Chicago and Midwest for making it the Biggest Sonu Nigam Concert Ever In Chicago!!! Sonu Nigam, the heart-beat of Bollywood music and Cinema, who is an actor as well as a playback singer, mesmerize enthusiastic crowd for about 3.5 hour. Tickets for show range from $39, $59, $69, $99, $150, $250 (VIP) and $500 (VVIP). The National promoter of this tour is Balaji Entertainment and the Chicago show was organized by Babubhai Patel, Bhavesh Patel from Sahil and Nick Patel and Mayur Patel from L.A. TAN. Among himself, Sonu Nigam Live in Concert “Klose To My Soul” had many skilled musicians, all look stylish and very remarkable. Sonu Nigam and his band of 24 musicians The orchestra included 9 violinists, 2 keyboard players, 1 drum player, 3 Dholak and or Tabla […]

Chicago IL: Charitable Foundation chapter of Indian American Medical Association (IAMACF), held their Annual Meeting and Fund Raising Dinner on May 10 2014 at Waterford Banquets, 933 S. Riverside Drive, Elmhurst, IL. The entire colorful event was attended by more than 250 attendees The primary purpose to organize this event was to raise the financial support in running the Free Healthcare Clinics in metro Chicago serving increasing numbers of underprivileged, undeserved and underinsured patients amounting to over 3000 patients in year 2013. After social hour the event commenced with the national anthem, followed by the energetic and enthusiastic address, respectively by IAMA President Dr. Hemlata Bakane, and IAMACF chair Dr. Rambha Radhakrishnan. In summary, they congratulated IAMACF officials and volunteers for running the free clinic in Chicago for past over 20 years. This success is by the virtue of the unselfish dedication and labor. Dr. Bakane stated that “The God has given us wealth in order to have the opportunity to help and to do well to others. and Dr. Rambha appealed to donate the time and money towards this noble cause. Dr Bakane thanked Dr. Jay Joshi, IAMA young physician committee chair for helping with various skillful tasks ranging […]

Chicago IL: Dr. Ghanshyam Pandey, Professor of Psychiatry and Pharmacology at the University of Illinois , College of Medicine at Chicago , was selected for the 2014 Distinguished Faculty Award. The citation of the award read: “This honor is in recognition of the international recognition you have brought to UIC through your exceptional research on the neurobiology of mood disorders and suicide. Your work has led to original discoveries by elucidating the molecular and cellular nature of abnormalities associated with the pathophysiology of mood disorders and suicide, and you are considered a world-wide leader in the field of biological psychiatry. Throughout your career you have made substantial contributions to the programs of the Department and the College, and on behalf of the Collage and the University I extend my warmest appreciation and thanks.” Professor Pandey received the medal for this award in a Commencement ceremony of the UIC College of Medicine held on 9th of May, 2014 at the UIC Pavilion. Dr. Pandey has conducted extensive research aimed at understanding the neurobiology of depression and suicide, which could be used for targeting better treatment for these disorders and for an early identification of the people with these diseases. Dr. Pandey […]

Chicago IL: The wonderful amalgamation of Indo-Pak community was seen in American Association of Retired Asians Sixth Annual Gala on Friday, May 9, 2014 at Ashton Place Banquets, 341 75th St, Willow Brook, IL. The program was hosted by AARA has shown the fine juxtaposition of unity and brotherhood among various South Asian countries including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and East European. The evening was attended by more than 350 enthusiastic supporters and invited guests. Present in the audience were elected officials, dignitaries, American Politician, Indian and Pakistani Prominent community leaders, seniors and their families. All the volunteers and supporters of AARA took great pride in hosting this event. The evening was warm, welcoming and most of all very enjoyable. The event started with a social hour at 6:30 PM as the guests started coming in. Everybody enjoyed the tasty Hors d’oeuvres while relaxing and mixing with their friends. There was an extensive Silent Auction table with a variety of items to bid on. The main program began promptly at 7:30PM. Arshia Hasnain, the emcee for the evening welcomed the guests in her speech and gave the highlight of the program as follows: AARA President’s Message, AARA’s achievements, Fundraising, Awards, Fashion […]

Chicago IL: Human Development Foundation (HDF) Chicago Chapter hosted their 17th Annual Fundraising Dinner on Saturday, April 26, 2014 at Double Tree Hilton in Oakbrook, 1909 Spring Rd., Oak Brook, IL. This successful event was sold out, with over 400 attendees joining to support HDF’s mission in fighting poverty through its Holistic Model of Development in Pakistan. HDF is presently proving vital services to over 800,000 beneficiaries. During Social Hour, attendees mingled and browsed through a selection of unique vendors. A full silent auction table exhibited customized and unique gift certificates; exquisite jewelry; and designer outfits. Program commenced with Quranic recitation by Azhar Ghumra. The Chicago community was welcomed by Humaira Abbasi, HDF’s Chicago Chapter Chair and Dr. Sajjad Asghar, HDF, Board Member. Mrs. Abbasi thanked all the volunteers, supporters, exhibitors, auction sponsors, and event host committee members who made the event a grand success. A special thanks was extended to entertainment sponsor, Bentley Gold Coast Chicago and Henna Raza of Professional Party Planners for coordinating the event. Mrs. Abbasi also welcomed Chief Guest Hon. Faisal Niaz Tirmizi Consul General of Pakistan and Mrs. Haniya Tirmizi; Dr. Zeenat Anwar, Member of the HDF Board of Trustees from Michigan; Dr. Atiya […]

Glenview, IL: It will be a dream come true for many devotees of Hanumanji in Glenview and surrounding suburbs of Chicagoland with Hanuman Mandir Spiritual and Community Center formally conducting a Bhumi Pooja for establishing a Hanuman Temple along with a facility for community and spiritual activities for people of all ages. The Center headed by Dr. Chandra Khurana and a group of Indian Americans diligently searched the north side of Chicago for a site to build the temple and community center and finally found a 4.1-acre land in Glenview where they decided to construct a 37,200 square-foot, two story building at 3623 West Lake Avenue, Glenview, IL. The plan has received the blessings of the Village trustees. The memorable moment marked the beginning of a realization of a noble and long cherished dream of the Indian community residing in the northern suburbs of Chicago. In view of the growing number of the Indian population and their spiritual needs, it was long felt to have a facility that could serve as the source to provide support for the fast aging people. This project will include a Hanuman Mandir and a community center. This will serve the long standing desire of […]