Category: Press releases

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 […]

Chicago IL: The Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago (PCS) presented their flagship annual event “Rangla Punjab 2014” to celebrate Vaisakhi festival on Saturday April 19, 2014, at Meadows Club in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. More than 250 participants rendered nearly 30 spectacular variety acts in a talent show attended by more than 1000 guests. It was 20th anniversary of PCS Chicago’s incorporation and 30th year of the event “Rangla Punjab.” Dr. Bhupinder Singh Saini of Advanced Pain Management Clinics in Wisconsin was the chief guest. State of Illinois Governor Pat Quinn proclaimed April 19, 2014 as Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago Day in Illinois. The proclamation was read and presented to the PCS President Pardeep Singh Deol and PCS Chairman Dr. Hargurmukhpal Singh by Ms. Theresa Mah, Senior Public Advisor and Director of Asian American outreach to the office of Governor. The proclamation honored PCS Chicago for its 20th anniversary celebrations and marking the 30th anniversary of “Rangla Punjab” event. State of Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka also issued a similar proclamation honoring PCS Chicago and the proclamation was read and presented to PCS Officials by Thomas Choi, Comptroller’s Public Affairs Manager. Laddi Singh a Democratic Candidate for Illinois State Representative, […]

Chicago IL: Hari Om Mandir celebrated its 27th Anniversary and Baisakhi on 13th of April with great pomp and show. A large number of devotees attended including many founder members and seniors who helped grow the temple. On this occasion our both priests Shastri Yogesh Pandya and Pandit Dinesh Kumar did a Havan for the well being of all members who contributed in many ways towards the growth of the temple. We also did the Shanti Path in the memory of our beloved ones who work hard for the growth of the temple and went to Lord`s feet. Mandir celebrated the Baisakhi with exuberance and gaiety. Pratibha Jairath, Raju Bankapur and other singers sang bhajans and Punjabi songs. Baisakhi is the time when the new spring year begins and the harvesting of the rabi crop ends in various parts of India. The festival is thus filled with enthusiasm, vibrancy and absolute color especially in the northern and many other parts of India. Farmers thank Mother Nature for the bountiful harvest and together pray for the welfare and prosperity in the coming year. Ayodhia Salwan (Chairman) and Indrajit Sarkar (President) greeted everyone on the occasion of Baisakhi and thanked all the […]

Chicago IL: True mark of a successful artist is when their work touches your soul. That is the impression students of Bharatam, under the tutelage of Guru Vanitha Veeravalli, were able to exude through their performances at the ‘Bharatam Dance Showcase 2014’ at Oswego East High School Auditorium on March 22, 2014. It was a dazzling display of Bharatanatyam by over 120 dancers from beginners to those of high professional calibre, witnessed by an audience of over 900. In her introductory remarks, Vanitha Veeravalli reiterated that art of Bharatanatyam is a rich continuum and living tradition of India. It was apparent from the performances that this art is alive and thriving in the US. This was a testimony to Guru Vanitha, who has trained these dancers imparting the cherished art with care and diligence. Her commitment to the art of Bharatnatyam is a testimony that for her, dance is a way of life. The emcee for the evening, Ranjani Rajan, welcomed the audience and introduced each piece. The program began with Nrittanjali, a dance offering with pure classical dance elements, by Annu Mutholam and Sutikshna Veeravalli, both Bharatamanis, graduates of Bharatam. Next, dancers in different age groups rendered different compositions, […]

Chicago IL: In planning a wedding, significant amount of effort, creativity and preparation is required. It includes groundwork for managing timelines and checklists, coordinating wedding day activities and putting them all together. This can be quite an overwhelming process especially when you intend for it to be a major occasion with different number of elements and thousands of minute details. With a view to get an amicable solution and make life easier for anxious and apprehensive parents of future bride and groom, 3rd annual Bridal Expo was organized by the Pritesh Gandhi the owners of Waterford Banquet & Conference Center on Sunday, April 13 2014 at Waterford Banquet, 933 S. Riverside Dr, Elmhurst, IL 60126. The annual Bridal Expo has been Chicago’s premiere show for many years. There were more than 500 guests who flocked to this event. It was planned and co-ordinate to accommodate every aspect of planning a dream wedding with various stalls specializing in all wedding services. It also featured about 180 different international food and liquid refreshments items to include Gujarati, Kathiawadi, Punjabi, Mexican items. The evening was also full of Education, Entertainment. Fashion Shows, Dances, Music, Trivia, Comedy, Food and Fun!! 70 different vendors from […]

Chicago IL: On Friday, March 21, 2014 Indian Dance School started by Gauri Jog staged a dance drama Krishna Leela at Prairie Center for the Arts in Schaumburg, Illinois. Dance is an integral part of our culture and it is a great way for Indian youth in America to stay connected with their roots, Gauri Jog said at the event. In order to raise awareness of Indian culture in the US and promote education through the arts, Gauri Jog formed Indian Dance School 15 years ago and has now developed it as a reputable non-profit dance institute in Chicago area offering classes in Indian Classical dance, Bollywood and Yoga. There group has staged more than 230 shows since 1999 including much admired dance dramas such as Kathak Yatra, Shakuntala, Queen of Jhansi, Fire the Fiery tale, East meets West, Ramayana among others. From dancing at countless multicultural shows to performing in Daley Plaza downtown for the mayor of Chicago, to presenting a piece at the 2016 Chicago Olympic Bid, our group are challenged and introduced to a wide variety of exciting venues to perform at every year, a senior student of Gauri Jog said. Gauri Jog also teaches Kathak online […]

Chicago IL: Hari Om Mandir celebrated Chaitra Navratre Devi Jagran on 5th of April with great devotion. A large number of devotees attended the Devi Jagran. Chaitra Navratri, also popular as Chait Navratras, is the nine-day festival observed in the month of Chaitra. Chaitra Navratri is one of the most important festival of Hindus. Devotees worship Maa Shakti, Goddess of cosmic power, during this time and wish to be bestowed by divine benediction from Goddess. Fasting and praying mark the Navratri celebrations. Goddess Shakti manifests herself in three different dimensions as Goddess Laxmi, Saraswati and Durga. Navratri is divided into sets of three days to adore three different aspects of the supreme goddess or goddesses. On the first three days Durga or Goddess of Energy is worshipped.The next three days are devoted to Lakshmi or Goddess of Wealth and the last three days for Saraswati or Goddess of Knowledge. On the eighth and ninth day, Yagna (sacrifice offered to the fire) is performed to honor Durga Mata and bid her farewell. On these days Kanya Puja is performed. Devi Jagran as always an occasion to gather plentiful blessings of Maa Bhagwati. This became a special occasion with the presence of […]

Chicago IL: Chicago community came in large numbers to support a very worthy cause- “The Gift of Education” for the underprivileged Children of rural and tribal villages of India. A Musical Evening was held on Saturday, April 05, 2014 at Schaumburg High School Auditorium 1100 W Schaumburg Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60194. Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation Chicago Chapter organized this charity fundraiser event to provide free education to Rural & Tribal villages of India . The program started with Dinner between 5-30 to 6-30 pm. Harish Doshi served as the MC for the entire program. On behalf of Ekal Chicago chapter he thanked all for supporting “ Ekal Vidyalaya’s “ initiative to provide free education to RURAL & TRIBAL villages of India. Ekal is existing in almost every state of India with 57,502 schools and serving more then 16,21,396 ( 16.2 M ) children’s educational needs . Each year ‘Ekal-USA collects around $4 Millions (40 Lakhs Dollars or 20 Crores Rupees) through their Fund-Raising Concerts. In the last few years, “Ekal” has received Numerous Prestigious Awards and Grants, including ‘Best NGO’, for its transparency of operation and outstanding administration. Ekal is a transparent organization where 10 % of funding is used for […]