Category: Press releases

Chicago IL: Live2U organized a splendid New Year’s Eve celebration on Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at India House Banquets, 521 W Schaumburg Rd, Schaumburg, IL. This event consisted of a Lounge Style Party, Hot & Sizzling Bollywood item girls, Brazilian Dancers, Belly dancers, 110 items Cruise Style Food, Open Premium Bar, VIP Lounge, DJ by Mr. Shaw, elegant stage decorations, Special Light effects, Excellent sound system and a Special India House Banquet Layout for the Best Party Ever. Audiences were house full despite awful weather in Chicago. Live 2U is an Entertainment Power House Specializing and Conceptualizing Live Shows and Concerts, Plays in USA and Canada featuring the most sought after Celebrities in the Indian and Pakistani Entertainment Industry, one that is vibrant and full of life. Live2U and India House joined together to organize this New Year Eve celebration with the best music, entertainment, food to welcome the New Year. The highlight of the show were the Brazilian dancers who danced to Samba music which is popular in Brazil. There is actually a set of dances, rather than a single dance, that define the Samba dancing scene in Brazil; The dance simply follows the beat of the music and […]

Rolling Meadows, IL: Inclement Weather and hazardous driving conditions did little to dampen the spirit and enthusiasm of a packed house at the Meadows Club NYE Gala, Dance Masti here on December 31st. The Gala sizzled with some well choreographed performances by visiting celebs Jay Bhanushali, the effervescent host of Zee TVs Dance India Dance and the lovely Mahhi Vij, an actress and winner of Star TVs Nach Balliye 5. They were accompanied by an energetic and inspired group of dancers from Atlanta’s Prem’s Dance Studio and Chicago’s own Arabian dancing stars Megan Hartman, Jessica Beuckman and Eliza Perry. Backed by an exciting light and sound arrangement by the Meadows Club and Tantrixx the grand ballroom was a sight to behold. “This was the best New Year’s party ever”, gushed Padma Madireddy who attended the event with a group of over 70 people . “ Words cannot express how much fun we had. The idea of the second stage in the center and the food and was so great. Hats off for all your hard work ”, she added. The classy ambience with superb lighting and innovative center stage along with the main stage for performances came in for a […]

Chicago IL: Federation of Indian Associations-Chicago [FIA] elected an energized new team as their governing executive board for the year 2014-2015 with Keerthi Kumar Ravoori as its new president at their general body meeting held on Sunday December 1, 2013 at North Shore Banquets, Devon Ave, in Chicago. Keerthi Kumar Ravoori known for his grass-roots community leadership who gained credit and approbation for his long-standing tenure of devoted stewardship for FIA-Chicago has been convincingly elected with unequivocal unanimity by its diverse membership organizations. After meticulously screening the membership and nomination forms with adherence to the bye-laws, the Election Committee comprising of Anil Pillai [Chair] Ajai Agnihotri and Sitaram Patel duly declared the following members of the Executive Board for 2014-2015: Keerthi Kumar Ravoori, President Chandresh Brahmbhatt, Executive Vice President Sanhita Agnihotri, Secretary Dr. Indrajit Patel, Vice President Minhaj Akhtar, Vice President Sateeshan Nair, Vice President Harish Kolasani, Joint Secretary Ankur Chaudary, Treasurer Ajeet Singh, Joint Treasurer Veenod Patel has been chosen as Executive Director. Newly elected FIA President-elect Keerthi Kumar Ravoori – in his brief remarks – expressed heartfelt thanks to the FIA Executive Board, Trustees and Directors for bestowing their unswerving faith and confidence to take up the reigns […]

Chicago IL: Vivekananda Vedanta Society (VVS) of Chicago hosted a two-day conference at the downtown Hilton from November 10, 2013 to commemorate the 150th Birth Anniversary of its illustrious founder, who introduced Hinduism to America through his electrifying address on September 11, 1893 before the World Parliament of Religions (WPR) in Chicago. Attended by fifty monastics from around the world, the second day reached out to other major religions and also sought to recontextualize the Swami’s message and mission within the wider fabric of Hindu traditions. VVS Chicago Minister-in-Charge and Convener Swami Ishatmananda read out the blessings of Ramakrishna Mission President Swami Atmasthananda, who emphasized the contemporary universality of India’s ancient teachings. The full day proceedings were emceed by Octavia Harrison, an Afro-American VVS devotee since the early 70s. Conveying the blessings of Mata Amritanandamayi, Swami Dayamrita delivered an inspired speech on SV’s continuing relevance. SV “was a perfect blend of mental purity and vitality. Take up one idea, make that one idea your life, think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, and every part of your body be full of that idea and just leave every other idea alone. That is […]

Chicago IL: A gathering of over 100 people celebrated old and new Bollywood songs on Saturday November 16, 2013 at Masti Grill & Karaoke, 2948 West Devon Avenue, Chicago, IL. This sold out event started at 7PM and went on till 1:30AM with non-stop Bollywood songs being sang by 20 singers. Both amateurs and professional singers pleased the crowd for hours. Increasing popularity is evident in the increase in participants in this event. People participated from different suburbs of Chicago, southern Illinois and neighboring states of Wisconsin, Indiana and even Florida. The $20 admission fee included a full buffet of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes and over 5 hours of musical entertainment. Masti entertainment has his own venue which is Masti Grill & Karaoke Restaurant so all events will be held at this location. The evening started at 7:00 PM with an introduction-Dr Siraj Ahmed, an emcee along with our co-emcee Jeen Varghese. The first hour was open for the audience to show their hidden talents. Such talents included Sal Merchant, Nandini, Shaz, Virendra Kothari, Mohan, Rafi, Ishaan, Mustiaq and not to mention Moin with his beautiful Poetry which stole audiences heart. Also included was a social hour featuring some tasty […]

Carol Stream, IL: Republican Party is truly going all out to reach out to the minority and ethnic communities to build a new coalition. The occasion was to celebrate Diwali, Jain New Year, Guru Nanak Jayanti, Bharatiya New Year and Jai Bharat and Modi Vision the campaign of Manju Goel, a first generation Indian American, for U.S. Congress by Manju and Rajeev Goel Family supported by Bharatiya Senior Citizens of Chicago. The event was held from 1-00 to 8-00 pm on Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Rana- Reagan Community Center located at 343 St. Paul Blvd Carol Stream IL. This event was full of activity, entertainment, fun and food. Alka Tyler introduced Manju Goel as the voice of the people and the voice of common sense. She highlighted her personal experience in the healthcare industry as a big asset to the Indian American population, who, disproportionate to their population, represent 8% of all physicians in the country. Manju told the cheering crowd: “I ‘m running for congress because America is on the wrong track. We’re spending $1.35 for every $1.00 we bring in. We’re discouraging rather than encouraging entrepreneurs and job creators with burdensome regulations. I am deeply concerned about […]

Chicago IL: The Indian American Medical Association of Illinois held its 33rd Annual Meeting and Banquet on Saturday, November 16, 2013 at the classy Meadows Club reflecting on the highlights of this year and focusing on its future in the coming year. IAMA is a non-profit professional organization comprised of Illinois Physicians of Indian Origin committed to professional excellence in quality patient care, teaching and community education. Their motto is Unity of purpose, collegiality in action, commitment to excellence and compassion towards fellow beings. Dignitaries present were: His Holiness Sant Rajinder Singh ji, his wife Rita ji and his son Dr. Kunwarjit Singh and his wife, Mr. Ken Busch, President Elect Chicago Medical Society; Mr. Mickey Straube, Mayor of Burr Ridge; Dr. Gopal Lalmalani, Mayor of Oakbrook; Dr. Ramanathan Raju, CEO Cook County Health and Hospitals System; Mr. Yash Amin, Director of Drug Compliance, Illinois Professional Regulation; Ms. Manju Goel, Candidate for Congress from 8th District and Ms. Swati Dandekar Candidate for Congress from IOWA and many others. Cocktail Reception started from 6-00 pm onwards. There were different booths of Vendors which included I-med IT; Atlantic Realty Associates & Property Services; Global Financial Group; Manju for Congress; Aishwarya’s Kreations; Angel […]

Chicago IL: For Hindus, the festival of Diwali presents an opportunity to renew the rich traditions of their roots with great fanfare as well as a chance to reflect and introspect. Realizing these important facts, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS, inspires programs across BAPS centers worldwide to celebrate Hindu festivals, such as Diwali. With a beautifully decorated mandir, fireworks lighting up the night sky, and displays of various types of sweets and food dishes, a festive ambiance was created at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett over the course of the past week to observe one of the most renowned Hindu festivals of the year. The foundation of Diwali is based in the belief of dispelling darkness with light. While candles are lit to remove darkness, more important is the recognition of the darkness within human nature manifested through destructive emotions such as anger, envy, greed, arrogance, and hatred. The festival of Diwali is celebrated over five days, with each day carrying its own unique significance and form of celebration. Festivities began on Saturday, October 26th where hundreds of kids and parents alike gathered for the Children’s Diwali Celebration. The program included fun-filled games […]

Chicago IL: Air India Chicago invited Media Partners to “Air India’s Onboard Menu Presentation and meal sampling for 2013-14” being held on Friday, November 15, 2013 at Flying Food Servair inflight caterers, 4330 N Trans World Road, Schiller Park at 12-00 Noon. Manager Rishikant Singh, District Passenger Sales Manager Katherine Thorat, Deputy Manager Airport, Sonny Thomas welcomed the members of the Media. Sonny Thomas invited all to the area where meal service tray for each of the three classes of service in appropriate crockery were on display for inspection. Vasant Pakhiddey, the Indian chef of Flying Foods held forth on different items being served in the flight and types of meal which included Jain, Continental, Vegetarian and Non vegetarian foods. He fielded all queries regarding the preparation, time taken, various processes, the kitchen facility regarding hygienic care, quality, and certification. He praised the high standards of Inflight catering in US and that of Air India. Rishikant Singh advised the constant research on menu for stomach times of flyers depending on the route flown, the food preparation process, health and hygiene standards, quantum and number of services, besides menu changes and improvement of tastes. The inflight menu does try to cater […]

Chicago IL: Pratham Chicago celebrated its 2013 Annual Gala on November 16, 2013, at the Best Western Plus Hotel in Schaumburg. The theme of the Gala was “Educate a Child and Empower a Community”. The Gala Co-Chairs Prabha Ravi and Komal Patel organized an exciting evening focusing on the children and college students in Chicago who have volunteered to raise money for educating the poor children in India. Kamal Hans of Rasaka Theater Company was the Master of Ceremonies and helped with the pledge drive to collect $95,000 during the evening. The evening began with a classical Bharat Natyam fusion dance performed by the students of University of Chicago(UC). It was followed by a short summary of Pratham activities in India, presented by Dr. Raj Rajaram, President of the Chicago chapter. He mentioned the following four major programs conducted in 19 states: 1. Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) based on data from 595 districts (out of a total of 600 districts) which is used by the government of India as a benchmark of Education Quality in India. The ASER survey method is being followed in 7 other countries. 2. Read India program in 250 districts which emphasizes reading, writing […]

Chicago, IL : On Saturday, November 9th, 2013, Six Gam Patidar Samaj (SGPS) hosted a splendid Diwali Dinner Celebration with SGPS Families, Friends, and Relatives. The event was held at India House Banquet, 1521 W Schaumburg Rd, Schaumburg, Illinois 60194 The evening was full of exciting short speeches, delicious traditional Diwali chow, and Live Entertainment, Spectacular Cocktail Reception, Dazzling Decoration, Indian Food, Cultural Programs, Vibrant Dances. Diwali is one of the biggest Hindu festivals celebrated among many people and communities in the United States. Many schools, community groups, Hindu associations, Indian organizations and corporate businesses get involved in celebrating Diwali. Politicians, including governors and past presidents, previously made public announcements expressing their greetings and well wishes to Hindus on Diwali. Event’s Master of ceremony was conducted by SGPS-Chicago secretary Nirav Amin, and Binti Patel(Daughter of Kamlesh Patel, SGPS Board of trustee). The event started around early evening hours with a spectacular cocktail reception, lasting for almost an hour and half. SGPS families and friends greeted each other with warmth enjoying mouth watering Indian appetizers. Right after that the event was started with an American and Indian national anthem by Eva M Patel. The welcome speech was given by SGPS-Chicago president […]

Chicago: Vivekananda Vedanta Society (VVS) of Chicago hosted a two-day conference at the downtown Hilton from November 9, 2013 to commemorate the 150th Birth Anniversary of its illustrious founder, who introduced Hinduism to America through his electrifying address on September 11, 1893 before the World Parliament of Religions (WPR) in Chicago. Attended by fifty monastics from around the world, this first day was devoted to fathoming various aspects of Swami Vivekananda’s (SV) legacy now that Hindus and saffron robed monks are a common sight here. Asheesh Sen read out the welcome address by Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, who had recently declared Sep. 28 state-wide as Swami Vivekananda Day. Likewise read out by Swami Mahayogananda, Ramakrishna Order President Swami Atmasthananda’s message of felicitation quoted Vivekananda’s speech of Sep. 28, 1893 urging Americans to transcend the limitations of the ego by aspiring for infinite individuality. Associated since 1950 with VVS that he joined in 1960, senior Swami Chetanananda described “The transformation from Narendranath to Swami Vivekananda” contrasting the before and the after. SV, who arrived on 30 July 1893 in Chicago and left for the last time for India in 1990, lived a short life of 39 years and 5 months to […]

Chicago IL: Love was in the air on the evening of November 10, 2013 at Waterford Banquet and Conference Center in Elmhurst, IL. The occasion was the Annual Fundraising Banquet for Chinmaya Mission Chicago (a nonprofit organization), Badri (Willowbrook, IL) and Yamunotri (Grayslake, IL) centers. The goal of the evening was to raise funds to support, sustain and enhance the already existing programs. Chinmaya Mission, with over 400 centers worldwide was founded by the devotees of one of the greatest Vedantic Masters of our time, Swami Chinmayananda in the 1950s. Its purpose as stated in his own words is, “To provide to individuals from any background the wisdom of Vedanta and the practical means for spiritual growth and happiness, enabling them to become positive contributors to society.” The current worldwide head of Chinmaya Mission is H.H. Swami Tejomayananda, who is continuing the work of his Guru with immense Love and devotion. Over 740 people were assembled to lend support to such an organization with love in their hearts for a noble cause. The theme of the evening was ‘Live to Love’ which was reflected in the ambiance, the food, the speeches, the cultural program, the dinner and the blessings showered […]

Chicago IL: Over fifty monastics arrived from around the world at the Vivekananda Monastery at Ganges, Mich., in the early sunny afternoon of November 7, 2013, to render obeisance to their Founder-Swami on his 150th birth anniversary. Coming from as far away as Germany, Switzerland, Moscow, Brazil, Argentina, South Asia, Japan, and Fiji, some of the monks were accompanied by foreign devotees, ill-at-ease with English, and likewise visiting Chicago or North America, for the first time. To receive them at the gate of this expansive retreat center and accompany them in joyous procession to the main shrine were devotees from around the Midwest, with others coming from as far away as Canada and Houston, Texas. The monastics, counting over a dozen nuns (pravrajika), participated in two conclaves the next day morning: after the heads of the order had deliberated on internal administrative matters, they were joined by the rest to confer on mission strategy and planning, before leaving in the early afternoon to the Lemont temple. The contingent, which included General Secretary of Ramakrishna Mission Swami Suhitanandaji, arrived by bus from the Ramakrishna Temple at Homer Glen, accompanied by Minister-in-Charge of Vivekananda Vedanta Society (VVS) of Chicago Swami Ishatmananda. Resounding […]

Chicago IL: 214th Birth Day of Jalaram Bapa was celebrated by Shree Jalaram Mandir on Saturday, the 9th November, 2013, on 7th of Kartak Month of Vikram Samvat 2070. Whole Program was successfully accomplished with the support from Trustees, members of Executive Board of Shree Jalaram Mandir, Volunteer Brothers and Sisters and New Generation youths-Boys and Girls born and brought up in America. More than thousand people participated with full devotion in this Program. Program started with Puja from 9-00 am. Onwards. The entire program was, Kalash Puja, Dhaja Puja, Maha Puja, Aarti and Mahaprasd and Sangeet Sandhya. The day started with Kalash Puja followed with Dhwaj Puja, Maha Puja and Annakut. People from all walks of life flocked to the temple to participate in Jalarma Bapa’s 214th birth anniversary. Bapa is deemed to be incarnation of Vishnu and has millions of followers not only in Gujarat but across the world. The Main Yajman for the Maha Puja were Shantanu/Tanuja Govilkar, Yajman for Dhaja Puja were Bhupenbhai/Amyben Ray and Yajman for Kalash Puja were Rashmiben and Jitendrabhai Patel and Hasmukhbhai/Tarulataben Thakkar. . Over six hundred devotees had come from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. They participated in Arati and were […]

Chicago IL: Almost fifty monastics including a dozen nuns of the Vivekananda Vedanta Society (VVS) and Ramakrishna Mission, coming from all over the world, were honored by the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago (HTGC) the evening of Friday, November 8, 2013 on behalf of the diaspora of householders. Bused in after a day of deliberations at the Vivekananda Monastery at Ganges, Mich., they disembarked before the giant statue of their Founder-Swami that they venerated and circumambulated before granting a brief audience to the awaiting devotees at the adjacent meditation center named after him. The packed Sama Rathi auditorium within the main temple complex was then treated to the unprecedented sight, as the curtain was raised, of the seated monastics arrayed across three tiers of the grand stage as cameras kept flashing furiously. Six representative speeches, by way of greetings, were followed by a cultural program and dinner. The main program at the auditorium began with an invocation of Ganesh and Tulsidas bhajan on Lord Rama. Prayers offered by the temple priests were followed by welcome speeches from HTGC past President Bhima Reddy and current President Tilak Marwaha. Sanskrit prayers to Shri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda, and Ganesha followed the lighting of […]

Chicago IL: At a gala dinner banquet held on Friday, November 8 2013, at India House, Schaumburg by Air India Chicago Cargo office presented annual sales performance awards to its appointed travel agents recognizing their role in promoting the national Indian airliner in this part of the world . The event was attended by a large number of top producing Cargo Agents from across Midwest and other invited guests. Top 5 Producing Agents were recognized with a Plaque of Recognition for their contribution The evening started with an hour of Hors’ D’oeuvres and cocktails, to allow the participants a chance to mingle and get to know one another. At about 7:30, Tom Dempsey, District Cargo Sales Manager – Midwest, for Air India introduced himself and thanked everyone for coming out. He then introduced Mr. Singh, Regional Manager – Midwest for Air India, who made the Keynote address, explaining Air India’s history dating back to 1932, being one of the oldest airlines in the world. He noted that we had one of the most modern fleets in the sky, that Air India was the second airlines to order the Dream liner, and that while it was still on the drawing board, […]

Chicago IL: Mujeeb Ahmed and Tanveer Rather (Pappu) adventure to open restaurant in the heart of Devon Avenue. The Grand opening of Masti Grill & Karaoke restaurant which is located at 2948 West Devon Avenue, was on Thursday, October 17th 2013 at 7:00 PM. The celebration includes dinner and musical program by local artists to entertain the members and invited guests. Masti-Karaoke is a group for “Any person” an amateur or professional, young or old, male or female, genuinely interested in listening and/or singing Bollywood or any Indian/Pakistani melody. The organizers for Masti-karaoke believe that there are many untapped singing talents within our Chicago Indian/Pakistani community. They are dedicated to helping truly talented individuals get over their shyness and bring out the hidden artist within themselves. They believe that it is never too late to realize ones passions and do something about it. They also believe that as a community we should encourage God given talents in others and help aspiring musical stars attain their dreams and goals no matter how old or young they are. At Masti-Karaoke they are one big “Music family”. People of different religions and cultures mingle together to share their love for music. Music or […]

Palatine, IL: Shree Jalaram Mandir, 425 Illinois Blvd, Hoffman Estate, IL organized ‘Raas Garba Ramzat’ on eve of Navratri Celebration in outstanding fashion with International Artist Mayuri Patel and Group on Friday, October 18, 2013 from 8:00 pm to 1:00 am at Harper College, 1200 W Algonquin Road, and Bldg. M Palatine, IL. Jalaram Mandir has been organizing events in mind boggling fashion depicting unique example of Team Work and credit goes not only to Board Members but to every individual that participates with zeal be an executive or volunteer. The entire venue was overcrowded and to the spectacular audience danced and enjoyed Raas Garba with enthusiasm and fervor. The crowd was more than 2000 strong and many had to return without enjoying participation due to limitations. This annual holy event is celebrated in honor of Goddess Durga Mataji. Garbas and Raas were performed by Mayuri Patel and Group. The college gymnasium was transformed in to a huge dance floor to accommodate hundreds of bare feet moving in to thunderous drumbeats in swirling circles around deity Hindu Goddess “Durga”. “We Guajarati, who are main participant in this festivity, have Garba in our blood”. There was overwhelming participation from predominantly young […]

Chicago IL: Gujarati Samaj Chicago organized a Gala Diwali Dinner and Dazzling Bollywood Masti ‘Kal Aaj Aur Kal’ on Saturday, October 26, 2013, at India House Banquet in Shaumburg located in 1521, Schaumburg Road, IL Illinois from 6-00 pm. onwards. The evening was attended by more than 600 guests. Diwali- the festival of lights- is being celebrated with religious ferver and gaiety by people of all ages. The evening started with social hour with many choices of delicious tasteful appetizers and soft drinks to neutralize sting of spicy dishes. MC for the occasion was Xama shah, who kept the crowd fluid, attentive, and involved for total length of the program. MC Xama Shah started wishing Good evening everyone, and Namaskar, Happy Diwali and Prosperous new year to all of you. On behalf of Gujarati Samaj of Chicago she welcomed all to celebrate Diwali in today’s pleasant evening. She hoped all to enjoy this evening. Gujartai Samaj’s president Mr Suryakant Patel and his fellow members had worked very hard to bring the best Diwali for all. This program won’t be successful without our help of our Sponsors. She invited Sponsors on stage and recognized them. Thanking the response given by the […]