Category: Press releases

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 […]

Chicago IL: Harish Bhatt, president of the renowned Association of Indian Pharmacists in America (AIPHA), hosted AIPhA’s exciting Annual Diwali Party on Saturday, October 19, 2013 in the Meadows Club to celebrate the upcoming holiday season. Harish not only planned a night of entertainment and enjoyment for families, but also introduced the National Indian Pharmacy Association (NIPA) and discussed the progress and outlook of this pivotal group to the over 500 guests in attendance. Rupesh Manek spoke about NIPA’s goals and intentions, which are to be dedicated to the construction of networking opportunities, the development of relationships, and the promotion of our cultural heritages for pharmacists of Indian origin in the United States of America by ways of interaction through common forum. As Rupesh and Harish Bhatt both stated, NIPA attempts to build single platform from which to petition lawmakers in an ethical and responsible manner to serve our interests and those of the patients we serve. NIPA will, for example, function as a buying group. AIPhA has formed a buying group that does not charge members a fee and returns all annual rebates to members. NIPA seeks to promote the highest quality of care and advance the future our […]

Chicago IL: Harish Bhatt, president of the renowned Association of Indian Pharmacists in America (AIPHA), hosted AIPhA’s exciting Annual Diwali Party on Saturday, October 19, 2013 in the Meadows Club to celebrate the upcoming holiday season. Harish not only planned a night of entertainment and enjoyment for families, but also introduced the National Indian Pharmacy Association (NIPA) and discussed the progress and outlook of this pivotal group to the over 500 guests in attendance. Rupesh Manek spoke about NIPA’s goals and intentions, which are to be dedicated to the construction of networking opportunities, the development of relationships, and the promotion of our cultural heritages for pharmacists of Indian origin in the United States of America by ways of interaction through common forum. As Rupesh and Harish Bhatt both stated, NIPA attempts to build single platform from which to petition lawmakers in an ethical and responsible manner to serve our interests and those of the patients we serve. NIPA will, for example, function as a buying group. AIPhA has formed a buying group that does not charge members a fee and returns all annual rebates to members. NIPA seeks to promote the highest quality of care and advance the future our […]

Chicago IL: Midwest Silver Club Presented Family, Friends and Community Day on Sunday, Oct 13, 2013 from 2-00 pm. to 9:00 PM at Midwest Conference Center 401 W. Lake St., Northlake, IL. 60164. Activities included were Variety Show, Fire Dance, Fashion Show, Magic Show, Bollywood Dances, Cultural Dances, Dandiya Raas, Ethnic Merchandise for Sale, Ethnic Food (lunch & dinner) for nominal charges.Raffle. This was a first of its kind of event organized by Midwest Silver Club for members, their families, friends and guests. Members were encouraged to invite their coworkers, employees, neighbors, classmates vendors and service providers. This was a unique opportunity to demonstrate culture and cuisine. Midwest Silver Club is formed by Elite Group of Ismily Bohra family with a view to increase fellowship, Brotherhood amongst families with a mission to foster relationship and arrange Social Events commemorating different occasions, increase business activitiesetc. Specially its membership is for couples of 40 years and more. It is established in January, 2013 only where presently there are 90 couples being member. At present following forms Executive Committee: Barkat Gillani-President; Majid Mithani-Secretary; Amin Bhimani-Treasurer; Noordin Tejani-Marketing. The Club is a Social Organization organizing Social Functions with a view to Meet, Greet and […]

Chicago IL: Six Gam Patidar Samaj of Chicago Board of Trustees, Members of Executive Committee and Volunteers hosted colorful Raas Garba festivity on the occasion of Navratri on Saturday – October 12, 2013 from 7:30 pm to 12:30 midnight. This annual sacred event is celebrated in honor of Godess Durga and Amba Mataji. The event was held at Hoffman Estate High School, 100 W Higgins Rd, Hoffman Estates, IL. Attendance was houseful. Garba by DJ Arun Modi. Backless Cholis, Embroidered Chania, Colorful Dhotis and Kurtas and a Kaleidoscope of Saris were all out as Gujaratis in particular and others in general danced to the tune of loud music in Somerset as Navratri began with the usual gusto throughout the United States. Hoffman Estate High School 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 and Amba Mata”. The most fascinating was the Dandiya Raas. Colorful Dandiyas, some of them specially ordered from India, had modern looks. While the traditional Dandiyas are made of wood, it is now the age of aluminum and even colorful plastic. Some of the Dandiyas change color […]

Chicago IL: On Sunday evening, September 29, 2013, Indo-American Center (IAC), located in Devon, hosted its annual fundraising banquet at Chicago Marriott, Oak Brook, Ill. Keynote speaker was Dr. Vishakha N Desai, Special Advisor for Global Affairs to President of Columbia University and Professor of Professional Practice at School of International and Public Affairs. She focused on the pressing need for Indians to study diligently their age-old traditions and value-systems, and make them relevant for our global future. Among the dignitaries attending were Consul General of India Ausaf Sayeed, Air India Midwest Manager Rishikant Singh, Illinois State Senator Ira Silverstein and his wife Alderman Debra Silverstein (50th Ward), State Rep. Louis Lang, Thomas Joy on behalf of Illinois Comptroller, Teresa Mah from the Illinois Governor’s office, and Alderman Joe Moore (49th Ward). These two wards include ethnically diverse Devon, West Ridge, and Rogers Park, where most of IAC’s clients reside. MC Maitreyee Barthakur Angela pointed out that IAC is serving an increasing number of the needy from Eastern Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Haiti. Teresa Mah read out a message of support from Governor Pat Quinn. IAC President Basanti C Banerji recognized major supporters, thanked sponsors (including Air India and […]

Chicago IL : Hari Om Mandir organized its annual ‘Fund Raising Dinner-2013’ at India House-Banquet hall, Schaumburg, IL on Saturday, September,28 from 6.00pm to 11.00 pm. Close to 200 devotees, friends, and well-wishers attended the event. We had a great combination of entertainment and fundraising. Every one present took interest in making this a successful event. Fundraising Chairman Indrajit Sarkar, greeted everyone present and thanked both the boards for their continuous support. He also took a moment to remember all the founder members who provided their hard work and contribution to provide us such a beautiful place of worship. He also spoke on the progress of the temple this year and thanked all the devotees for their generous donation. Board of Trusty , Chairman Mr. Ayodhia Salwan, recognized the efforts put in by the fundraising committee led by Chairman, Mr. Indrajit Sarkar to make this a memorable event. The entire committee deserves appreciation for their nonstop dedication. He also congratulated Mr. Brij Sharma, the President of the Executive Board, and his entire council for their hard work. They continuously conducted new programs for the benefit of devotees. He also talked about the arrival and installation of Shri Shiromani Bhagat Hanuman […]

Chicago IL: University of Chicago (UC) held a public program on Sunday afternoon, October 6, 2013 at the UC Rockefeller Memorial Chapel (RMC) to announce the first two recipients of the Swami Vivekananda Chair, funded to the tune $1.5M by the Indian Ministry of Culture. Addressed by swamis from the Vivekananda Vedanta Society of Chicago (VSC) and two UC professors, the event also amounted to an endorsement of the appointments by the large assembly of Hindus, who have been celebrating Vivekananda’s 150th Birth Anniversary throughout this year. Held in collaboration with UC Spiritual Life Office and support of the Committee on Southern Asian Studies, befitting music and song was provided by UC’s Sur Musafir, Bengali Association of Greater Chicago (BAGC), and the Unity in the Dunes Church Choir (UDCC). Soon after SV’s famous “Sisters and Brothers of America” address at the Parliament of World Religions (PWR) in 1893, he had been invited to speak on “Modern Schools of Hinduism” at Cobb Hall, where the UC had begun classes after its inception in 1891. In her welcome address, RMC Dean Elizabeth Davenport underlined the Chapel’s role as spiritual and ceremonial center of UC and how befitting it was as venue for […]