Category: Press releases

Chicago IL: Love is like a magic dollar, they say “Lend it, spend it, and give it away, and you’ll end up having some more” now that’s the way the Desi community in Chicago related to this emotion. Valentines’ Day is always celebrated with much romp and fun in every nook and cranny of the city. Though many couples headed for various clubs and watering holes to make the occasion grand and memorable, several others rushed to Aashiqui Forever Valentine’s Day Party which was organized by Manpasand (Bhavna Modi and Sanjay Modi) and India House Banquets (Ravi Rawat) on Friday February 14, 2014 at India House Banquets, 521, W Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg IL. For couples, romantics and sky-watchers, Valentine’s Day 2014 was perfect. A full moon greeted lovers and sweethearts on this special day. Saint Valentine’s Day, also known as Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine is observed on February 14 each year. It is a festival of romantic love and many people give cards, letters, flowers or presents to their spouse or partner. They may also arrange a romantic meal in a restaurant or night in a hotel. Chicago’s Restaurant of Romance, India House Banquet had arranged […]

Chicago IL: Viidyaranya Kannada Kuta (V.K.K), is a non-profit organization that provides a forum through which members can participate in the cultural and social activities representative of Karnataka’s regional traditions and to support humanitarian causes through the Vidyaranya Kannada Kuta Charitable Fund. V.K.K on Sunday February 10, 2014 celebrated Sankranti Festival (Harvest Festival) at the Rama temple , Lemont. In spite of the below freezing temperatures, plenty of snow and slushy roads, Kannadigas in big numbers gathered to celebrate this occasion “Suggiya Sambrama”. The attendees first gathered in Gupta Dining Hall for a Social hour Meet and Greet session. During this hour Coffee and Snacks were served to the attendees. Cultural Committee collectively worked together to make the Cultural program run smoothly. The stage was decorated with Kites, Props of Sun, Sugar cane, Props of pile of grain, Flowers which brought a festive look. There is a tradition in India to fly Kites during this festival. Therefore a “Kite Decorating Contest” for kids was also conducted. First, Second and third places prizes was determined by the judges. After religious rituals were performed by Temple priest seeking the blessings of the almighty, the program was formally inaugurated by lighting of lamp […]

Chicago IL: Please join us in expressing our deepest condolence at this hour to the sad demise of our beloved Hasumati Sheth, wife of Jashwantlal Sheth, Past President of Gujarati Samaj Chicago. Hasumati Sheth passed away, on Wednesday, February 12, 2014, at about 1:20 p.m. Hasumati Sheth was an Audiologist that volunteered her time at many health fares at many Mandirs and helped hundreds of citizens get back into the” world of hearing sound”. Besides being the greatest wife, mother, and grandmother, she inspired and encouraged Jashwantbhai to revive and pursue his music and singing. During the early years of Manav Seva Mandir, Bensenville, IL, from 1982 to 1992, Hasumati Sheth was an outstanding volunteer who had participated in khatas, utsavs, and celebrations of all Hindu holidays. Her dedicated service to the community was above and beyond. Hasumati Sheth will live for years to come within our hearts. May her soul rest in peace. Funeral Information for Hasumati Sheth: Place: Sax-Tiedemann Funeral Home & Crematorium Venue: 9568 Belmont Avenue, Franklin Park, Illinois 60131 Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Day and Date: Sunday, February 16, 2014 Jashwantlal Sheth Phone number: 708-867-9585 Query: Gopali Sheth: 630-674-5874 Shefali Sheth: 847-436-6641 E-Mail: Gopali […]

Glenview IL: The Hanuman Spiritual and Community Center, Glenview, Illinois, shares the pleasure of announcing that a significant progress has been achieved towards the establishment of a Hanuman Mandir in Glenview. The Village of Glenview has agreed for a 4.1-acre parcel of land for this use of construction of this holy project. Based upon the Village approval, the land has been acquired for the construction of Hanuman Mandir. The Village of Glenview was impressed to note that the Community Center will benefit the members of all the communities and will offer a very broad-based opportunity of social interaction. The project will include a Hanuman Mandir and a community center. The Community Center will serve the long standing desire of the community to have a multi-facet public place to celebrate various cultural, spiritual and educational programs. A ‘Bhumi Shudhi’ havan and prayer were celebrated on Dec. 14, 2013 at the proposed temple site located at 3623 West Lake Street, Glenview, Illinois. In response to the devotees’ enthusiasm, the ‘Sunder Kaand’ recitation was held on Jan. 25, 2014 from 5 to 7 p.m. If you wish to join the monthly recitation, send your contact information to [email protected] or call 773 -837-1550

Lifetime achievement for Dr Pratap Kumar, Leadership award for Dr Siva, Dr Sonia Mehta named woman of the year and Golden Eagle award for Air India’s Rishikant Singh . Chicago IL: US Congressman Danny K Davis 7th congressional district, Illinois’s Multi Ethnic Advisory Task Force – MEATF, presented the Annual Awards for Ethnic leaders who made significant contributions in various fields in 2013. Multi Ethnic Advisory Task Force Organized the Annual Awards Gala 2014 from 7:30 PM, on Friday – February 07, 2014, at Saffron Restaurant, 6200 S Cass Ave, Westmont, IL 60559. Under the aegis of Congressman Danny Davis’s Multi Ethnic Advisory Task Force, a host of eminent Indian American and. South Asian leaders from business, Grass-Roots Community and Medical Professionals united to hail ‘Multi Ethnic Advisory Task Force Annual Awards Gala2014’. The event started with enjoyment of Appetizers and Drinks. Santosh Verghese and Kathakali Dasgupta enthralled the audience with their array of Bollywood Songs, Tapas Dasgupta also sung a duet with Kathakali. Opening Prayer was done by Bishop Rev. Samuel Vallabdas. Invocation Recital was done by Master Amir Jawad. In his Welcome Address Dr. Tapas Dasgupta, MEATF Chairman welcomed all starting with Annual Salute to Hon. Congressman Dany […]

Chicago IL: Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Consul General of India in Chicago had organized an interactive session at the Consulate with members of the Indian American community from 11:00 am. to 1:00 pm on February 01, 2014, Saturday, at the premises of the Consulate of India, 455 N Cityfront Plaza Drive, NBC Tower Building, Suite No. 850, Chicago, Illinois. The Consul General and other senior diplomats were present during this interactive session. To get a better understanding of the problems and to present their views, V.K.Jain, Niraj Guglani and Abhilash-staff of B.L.S.International, the outsourcing agency were also present. There were many questions were raised highlighting various problems of delay in Visa processing. Consul General, Dr. Ausaf Sayeed welcomed all and thanked everyone for being present in spite of the inclement weather and briefed all those present about the purpose of this meeting. He mentioned they have been receiving many complaints about the Out Sourcing Agency, i.e. B.S.L. International and some about the Consulate of India Office in Chicago on various issues. This forum was organized to give an opportunity to individuals and the community to present their problems in general, so that appropriate answers can be given to resolve issues and […]

Chicago IL: In spite of the stubbornly freezing blizzard conditions marred by prolonged power outage, the spirited celebrations to honor the India’s Republic Day hosted by Federation of Indian Associations-Chicago [FIA] by no means diminished as more than two hundred guests converged at the Meadows Club in Rolling Meadows, Illinois on Sunday January 26th, 2014. The celebrations were enthused by infusion of spontaneous ‘Antaskhari’ singing led by a group of ladies who further excited the guests with impromptu dancing to the drum beats. After the restoration of the power, the celebrations took a more formal shape with outgoing FIA president Hina Trivedi thanking the guests for gathering in the spirit of celebration to honor India’s Republic Day. Later, President Hina Trivedi invited two long-standing illustrious community leaders Dr. Bharat Barai and Dr. Ram Gajjela and a community worker Mrs.Yasmeen Khan and presented them with FIA Community Service award for their outstanding yeoman services rendered to the community and for their ardent support to FIA. The awards were jointly presented by Rishikant Singh, Naren Patel, Iftekhar Shareef, Ajai Agnihotri and Gulzar Singh. Iftekhar Shareef, Trustee Chair in his remarks thanked the guests for their gracious presence in spite of the intolerable […]

Washington, DC: Leaders of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) are meeting with several US Senators today, eliciting support for the nomination of Dr. Vivek Murthy as the U.S. Surgeon General. “AAPI is proud to support the nomination of Dr. Vivek Murthy as the U.S. Surgeon General,” Dr. Jayesh B. Shah, president of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), said. “ I am leading a team of physicians today for nine senate meetings to support Vivek.” He added. Dr. Murthy’s confirmation hearing is on Tuesday, Feb 4th at 10:30 am. Joined by Dr. Ravi Jahagirdar, president-elect of AAPI, Dr. Shashi Shah, Dr. Harbhajan Ajrawat, and Dr. Sampat Shivangi, Dr. Shah is on Capitol Hill all day meeting senior US Senators. The nomination has been hailed by the influential Indian-American physician community, consisting of over100,000 strong physicians of Indian origin in the US , who provide health care services to nearly one in every seven patients in the US . “The nomination of Dr. Vivek Murhty as the US Surgeon General cements the reputation physicians of Indian origin have across America ,” said Dr. Shah. “President Obama has made the right choice in naming a highly qualified […]

Chicago IL: Honorable Consul General Ausaf Sayeed celebrated India’s 65th Republic Day On Sunday, January 26, 2012 with leading Chicago-land entrepreneurs and citizens to honor the sacrifices our freedom fighters have made and to remember the work of our Founding Fathers, for giving to us a country where our dignity and individual freedom is assured. He also extended his warmest greetings to all across the country and also to those living abroad. Indian Consulate is located in the heart of downtown at 455 North City front Plaza Drive, Suite No.850, NBC Tower Building, Chicago, IL. The event began at 10 am as the Honorable Consul General saluted the Indian Flag as he held the rope to release the Indian Flag called “Dhhwaj Vandan” to respect and honor the Indian Flag, followed by singing of Indian National Anthem. He also recited the speech given by honorable President of India, Pranab Kumar Mukherji on the eve of Republic day on 25th January, 2014 in India. While addressing the countrymen, the President also notably recognized the contribution of the Indians living abroad. He covered every aspect of India and Indians who are actively engaged in the progress of the country, their achievements, their […]

Chicago IL: Air India (AI) Midwest held its Annual Agent Awards function for about 150 attendees on Friday, January 31, 2014 commencing 6:30 p.m. at Ashyana Banquets, 1620 75TH Street, Downers Grove, IL. In trademark recent creative Air India style each table was named after famed national structures and monuments across India for guests to choose and seat themselves. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of Plaques to Travel Agents, who had generated the most revenue for Air India for Fiscal Year 2012-13. Guests were treated with Entertainment Program, A Quiz, Humorous reminiscence photo presentation. Video, Photography Sessions, Social Hour and Dinner with elegant color shoulder bags for all attendees as a token of appreciation. After initial registration, guests were ushered into a social room with delectable appetizers and cocktails. an hour later with reluctance guests moved to the main program hall upon repeated announcements as they were enjoying the socialising and photography. District Sales Manager Katherine welcomed all and requested Rajesh V, Challam and DJ Nilesh to kickoff the entertainment. Rajesh Challam’s melodious voice belted out famous Bollywood Songs-Old and New. Sanjay Sharma, AI Finance Manager and his wife Deepa took the floor along with others upon […]

Chicago IL: Overseas friends of BJP (OFBJP) and Global Indians for Bharat Vikas (GIBV) organized ‘Walk for Unity’ in Chicago on the occasion of 65th Republic Day of India. The walk commenced at 12:30 PM from North Shore banquet, 2519 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL. More than 200 people attended to show solidarity with the Gujarat government’s attempt to build a statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, even though temperature was brutally cold in Chicago. In USA 2 other places, Atlanta and Arkansas as similar event The walk was organized to show solidarity of Non Resident Indians (NRIs) with the Gujarat Government’s initiative to build world’s tallest statue in India the Statue of Unity to commemorate India’s unity in diversity and invaluable contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel towards nation building. Global Indians for Bharat Vikas (gibv.org) aims for Congress Mukt Bharat and for bringing Sri Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of India. This is a USA based forum for NRIs around the globe. This forum is open to all who want to see a change and see hope in Narendra Modi, irrespective of one’s political ideology. India is at a crossroads today. Only till recently the whole world was looking […]

Chicago IL: FIA Chicago IL celebrated 65th Indian Republic Day on Saturday – January 25, 2014 at Meadows Club, 2950 W Golf Road, Rolling Meadows, IL. It was the first ever time in the history of FIA that the event was free and by Invitations only guests. The celebration included Indian songs, dances, delicious food, a Hindi-play“Dastak” and meeting the invited dignitaries. FIA’s New Board for 2014 was declared as – President: Onkar Singh Sangha; Executive Vice President: Dhitu Bhagwakar; Vice Presidents: Bharti Desai, Rita Shah, Surinder Kalra, Mukesh Shah, Ravi Kapoor; General Secretary:Shahid Rizvi, Neil Khot; Jt. Secretary: Sam Azeemuddin; Treasurer: Surinder Palia; Jt Treasurer: Raju Shah, Directors: Shital Daftari, Amit Desai, Ninad Daftari. The program started with the traditional lighting of the lamp in presence of a large number of City, State and Federal elected officials and well-known Community leaders. Indian national anthem was sung by the versatile singer Shreelakha Mohanty, and the American national anthem was sung by Ashika Sachdev who has been an American Idol Contestant. A beautiful group dance was performed by Mudra Dance Academy on the music of the famous song Vande Matram by A.R. Rehman. The dance was choreographed by Kshama Shah. FIA […]

Chicago IL: Neither snow nor sleet of January 18, 2014 could dampen the spirit of the over 200 attendees who joined the Second Annual Lohri celebration hosted by the United Punjabis of America (UPA) at Ashyana Banquet in Downers Grove, Illinois. In keeping with joyous occasion, the audience came prepared to enjoy an evening of great festivity, fantastic Punjabi food and the rhythms of Bhangra music. Welcoming the audience, Manohar Sharma, the president of UPA, remarked on the significance of the festival of Lohri and the goodwill among people that it nurtures. Dharam Punwani, a member of the Board, reiterated the mission of UPA to be “preserving the rich Punjabi heritage, enhancing and strengthening the Punjabi community, and becoming a positive force for enhancing our neighborhoods, cities, states, country and the world”. Serving as the hosts of the evening, Om Dhingra and Pratibha Jairath kept the program flowing with charm and humor. The entertainment started with the singing of Sunder Mundariye led by Shammi Mittal, Pratibha and Ramesh Malhan. Then the audience was treated to a beautiful dance by young girls to a medley of Bollywood songs that was followed by an equally delightful dance by two of the mothers […]

Chicago, IL: Hari Om Mandir located at 6N020 Medinah Rd, Medinah, IL celebrated Lohri with traditional cultural dance and Bonfire on Saturday, January 12, 2014. The festival of Lohri was celebrated on 12th of January with traditional fervor and enthusiasm. The devotees witnessed a lively night of blazing bonfire. Lohri was distinguished to honor the day of harvesting crop. The time was considered very auspicious and special to a farmer as it rewarded him of his toil all the year round. A week before the Lohri preparations started including decorating the Mandir. A nicely decorated Punjabi Beda (Village) was created by Shastri Yogesh Pandya, Pt. Dinesh Kumar, Vikrant , Babu and Suchitra Sarkar; giving the real feeling of being in a Punjabi pind. It was decorated with Straw blocks, Chullah, Charkha (Spinning wheel), fresh vegetables, and 6 foot long sugar canes and many small decorative items creating a Punjabi village atmosphere. Lohri is also one of the most celebrated harvest festival in Punjab. It is the time for people to thank God for his kindness and for a plentiful harvest in the coming season. It is a time for communion celebration. A large number of devotees attended the Lohri function […]

Hoffman Estates, IL: Shree Jalaram Mandir located at 425, Illinois Blvd , Hoffman Estates , IL, celebrated 4th Volunteer Appreciation Day with Bollywood music on Saturday, January 11, 2014 at 6:00 pm. A sentimental evening was performed by talented artists in filmy style with old and new songs, which made the whole atmosphere joyful. More than 235 volunteers enjoyed the special evening. Saturday, January 11, 2014, was a day to appreciate every single person who had devoted their time towards the Mandir’s progress. In honor of such commitment, Jalaram Mandir Board decided to have a beautiful way to say thanks to all the volunteers with a Musical night and splendid dinner. At present, Mandir has team of approximately 235 volunteers, who are involved in various activities and perform duties with all their heart. There are lots of Temple in Chicago however Shree Jalaram Mandir is only Mandir that celebrates Volunteer Appreciation dinner with Bollywood style music and mastic. Rajendra Thakkar who is the volunteer coordinator, assigns volunteers whenever necessary. He requested the executive board of the Mandir to organize this event to recognize all the volunteers for their tireless service. Several volunteers prepared decorations for this event. Prior to Musical […]

Chicago IL: Board of Trustees of Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago, unanimously elected their Chairman as Mr. Hemant Shah for the year 2014-1015, in the first Board meeting held on Tuesday, January 07, 2014. Established about 40 years ago, the Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago (JSMC) serves more than 1600 families with various religious, cultural and educational programs on 14+ acres beautiful campus with recently renovated temple and auditoriom facility in Chicago’s suburb, Bartlett. In a brief remark, newly elected Jain Society’s Chairman Mr. Hemant Shah expressed heartfelt thanks to the Board of Trustees along with Executive Committee for bestowing their faith and confidence in his leadership. He mentioned that with enthusiasm, structured efforts, commitment, teamwork and unity; together we can raise the bar for JSMC, as a great organization for Jain community’s religious and cultural need in Chicagoland area. With his passion and devoted community leadership, Hemant Shah has succesfully served as Membership Secretary, Vice President and Trustee of this organization. He is also serving on a executive board of North American Jain’s umbrella organisation JAINA, as a Vice-President for Mid-west region. Engineer by profession and serving in IT division of AT&T, Mr Shah is also affiliated with many […]

New Delhi: In the prestigious presence of President Honorable Pranab Mukherjee and founder of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni seminar was organized in Rashtrapati Bhawan to discuss 150th Anniversary Celebrations of Ambassador of peace and nonviolence renowned Jain Philosopher Shri Virchand Raghavji Gandhi. Prestigious Jain leaders Shri Subhash Oswal Senior Vice President of All Indian Jain Conference, Shri D.K. Jain (Luxar Group), Shri Mahesh Jain and Ms. Shobhna Jain graced the seminar with their presence. Founder of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni on the occasion said that Shri Vir Chand Raganv Ji Gandhi addressed the World Religion Parliament, Chicago in 1893 with Swamy Vivekanand Ji. Shri Gandhi has not only played important role in spreading the Jain philosophy internationally but also promoted Indian Culture in different parts of the world. He successfully removed the false believes about Indian Culture. Shri Gandhi knew 14 Indian languages; along with Jain Religion he had deep knowledge of different religions and western Philosophy. In those days he helped Indians by sending help from America during drought. He greatly served the spiritual world by removing slaughter housed from Shri Samedshikhar Tirtha for its purity and by making Shatrunjay Thirtha tax free. […]

Chicago IL: The Federation of Indian Association, Chicago, Il (FIA ) announced its new Executive Board for the year 2014-2015 unanimously approved by all the members present with Onkar Sangha as it’s President (Elect)at India House Banquets on 12/21/2013. Sunil Shah Founder and Past President of FIA, Chicago,Il congratulated the new board and introduced them individually and the names are as follows: President: Onkar Singh Sangha, Executive Vice President: Dhitu Bhagwakar, Vice Presidents: Bharti Desai, Rita Shah, Surinder Kalra, Mukesh Shah, Ravi Kapoor, , General Secretary: Neil Khot, Jt Secretary: Sam Azeemuddin, Treasurer: Surinder Palia, Jt Treasurer: Raju Shah, Directors: Shital Daftari, Amit Desai. Sunil Shah mentioned that new team is extremely competent and excited to work united and are looking forward to organize several beautiful events in the upcoming year. Onkar Sangha invited everyone to join in celebration of 65th Republic Day of India held at Meadows Club, Rolling Meadows, IL on 01/25/2014 at 6.30 pm. The Gala Banquet Dinner would comprise of Beautiful Hindi Play ” Dastak ” Live Musical Orchestra, Colorful cultural entertainment programs. General Secretary Neil Khot proposed vote of Thanks. Picture #1 MemberNot seen in the picture are: Founding Committee Member Sunny Kular, Sayed, Outgoing […]

Chicago IL: Hari Om Mandir celebrated the New Year 2014 with 24 hours Akhand Ramayan Path. At 11.55pm on 31st Dec. the Ram Dhun was chanted by all the devotees present in the hall in full enthusiasm to say goodbye to 2013 and to welcome the New Year 2014. At midnight all the devotees greeted each other and sweets were distributed to all as Prasad by temple priest. Even though New Year was on the weekday, we experienced an unprecedented number of devotees who visited the temple and celebrated the New Year with the bhog of Akhand Ramayan Path. As usual Mr. Subhash Sharma took the responsibility of the 24 hours Akhand Ramayan Path. The sponsors were Subhash and Kiran Sharma and Salwan family. Both priests- Shastri Yogesh Pandya and Pandit Dinesh Kumar did the super job of decorating the Darbar. Hari Om Parivar extends its best wishes for the peaceful, healthy, happy and successful New Year – 2014 to everyone in the community. In the congregation, BOT Chairman Mr. Ayodhia Salwan announced the name of the new president Mr. Indrajit Sarkar. He welcomed him saying “ Mr. Sarkar is a very devoted and hardworking individual. I encourage him to […]

Chicago IL: After successfully hosting ‘Chicago Indian Icon’, the Indian Event management conducted a Charismatic concert featuring the man popularly known as the ‘Indian King of Disco’ – Bappi Lahiri performing first time for a New Year’s Eve event in Chicago at Ashyana Banquets. The five members of the Indian Event Management team, Brij Sharma (President), Pratibha Jairath (Vice President), Sharan Walia (Director of Planning and Management), Raju Bankapur (Director of Entertainment and Execution), Anoop Walia (Director of Public Relations and Business Services) have worked very hard and once again, made their mark by this New Year Eve event with Bappi Lahiri. The program started with a few songs by Chicago Indian Icon Singers Praveen Jaligama and Dr. Jency Elakkatt Akkalat. This was followed by Anoop Walia of the IEM Team who brought people to the dance floor with his two songs Yeh kaali kaali ankhen and Na Na Na Re. The Dance Team performance by Noman Khan and team was breadth taking. Not before long, at 9:40, the hall was bursting with excitement of the announcement of Bappi Da arriving on stage and the Saregama Orchestra’s Intro music of Pag Ghungroo Baandh.. Bappi Da was escorted through the Audience […]