Category: Press releases

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 […]

Chicago IL: Rajiv Malhotra, President of Infinity Foundation, is well-known in USA and India for his fulltime championing, funding, and articulation of Hindu causes. His most recent book, Being Different: The Hindu Challenge to Western Universalism, which is being translated into several Indian languages, is the focus of widespread public debate. He spoke on Sep. 28, 2013 at the Jain Center in Chicago about the book he is completing on various challenges to the legacy of Swami Vivekananda (SV). His essay on “Vivekananda’s Ideas – Two Revolutions in Western Thought” appeared this year in Vivekananda as the Turning Point: The Rise of a New Spiritual Wave (Advaita Ashram). Malhotra spoke to Asian Media USA on the occasion of University of Chicago’s (UC) public announcement on October 7 of the two recipients of the Swami Vivekananda Chair. What is unique about SV’s legacy? Rajiv: For India, SV modernized the way traditional Hindu dharma could be applied in the context of his time, thereby making Hindu dharma relevant. For the US and the world, he opened the door to pluralism beyond Judeo-Christianity, a novel idea in the West at his time. What is the state of this legacy today? Rajiv: SV has […]

Chicago IL: Many Hindu organizations joined hands on September 28, 2013 under the banner of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHP-A) to celebrate Swami Vivekananda’s 150th Birth Anniversary at the Jain Mandir in Bartlett, Ill. All the speakers, including the eagerly awaited Baba Ramdev, eulogized Vivekananda’s mission, and insisted on the need to fulfill his vision in the light of contemporary challenges. Dignitaries and devotees alike had left early morning in buses to visit the Art Institute to pay obeisance to Swami Vivekananda’s plaque before listening to Baba Ramdev’s speech there. Jain Society President and committee members welcomed the Baba. 16-year old co-MC Nirav Virani recounted the origin of Vivekananda’s characteristic pose, arms folded across the chest, to his turning around abruptly to confront the pursuing monkeys at the Durga Mandir of Banaras. This posture of self-confidence in meeting all challenges that the Swami wanted to instill among Hindus was portrayed on the banners adorning the stage. Program began after 11 am with MC Anju Lal presenting in both English and Hindi. Shree Narayan Chandok introduced VHP as existing in USA since 50 years. In addition to founding the Hindu Students Organization, VHP has pioneered the Hindu Mandir Executive […]

Chicago IL: Some 30 religious organizations joined hands on September 27, 2013 under the banner of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHP-A) to celebrate Swami Vivekananda’s 150th Birth Anniversary at The Meadows Club, Rolling Meadows, Ill. These included Gayatri Gyan, Manav Seva, Hari Om, Shree Jalaram temple. Among the speakers at the banquet were Swami Sharanananda (Chinamya Mission), Stephen Knapp, Jeffrey Armstrong, and Subramanian Swamy. Distinguished guests included Raja Krishnamurthy, Swati Dandekar, Rajiv Malhotra, Nimish Tolia, Bharat Barai (grand sponsor), Ashish Sen, and Ratan Tata. The three MCs were Parth Mangrola, Birva Trivedi, and Harshil Patel. Event chairman Harendra Mangrola introduced Vivekananda. Theresa Mah read out a message on behalf of Illinois Governor Pat Quinn commending the Swami for having secured Hinduism’s place on the map of the world religions. There were video recorded messages of support from Sri Sri Ravishankar and Dr. Pranav Pandya head of Gayattri Shanti Kunj (Rishikesh). A message from Mohan Madhukar Bhagawat, chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), was also read out. President Obama’s speech before the Indian Houses of Parliament in November 2010 was shown: “Instead of succumbing to division, you have shown that the strength of India—the very idea of India—is […]

Chicago IL: The annual Chicago South Asian Film Festival (CSAFF) treated movie buffs downtown over the entire weekend of Friday, Sep. 20, 2013 to the most recent wave of features and shorts by Desi and American film-makers from the subcontinent, North America (especially Los Angeles), and Europe. The opening (“Oass”) and closing night (“Club 60” and “The Reluctant Fundamentalist”) features were screened at the Showplace Icon Theater, and the rest at festival partner Columbia College’s Film Row. On Saturday morning, several film-makers participated in a press conference at Film Row, ably moderated by local Producer Snehal Patel, to speak about their respective creations, choices, techniques, and receptions. Debut Director Abhinav Shiv Tiwari’s US Premier of “Dew Drop” (Oass) portrays the disturbing plight of South Asian girls caught up against their will in the flourishing merciless flesh trade. The Hindi movie is fictionalized around the true story of Kiku, a Nepali abducted at the tender age of eleven from her idyllic rural playground by a trusted aunt under false pretenses to be drugged, raped, practically imprisoned, and brutalized in realistically portrayed Delhi brothels, before managing to escape through sheer perseverance. It was scripted and fleshed out with materials drawn from pan-South […]

Chicago IL: The Midwest Asian American Center (MAAC) hosted an informational fundraiser that conferred awards on distinguished members and offered an evening of food and entertainment. The dinner, which allowed MAAC board members to meet 400 people under the same roof, was held at India House Banquets in Schaumburg, on Friday, September 27, 2013. Six government departments set up booths in the lobby to provide the public information about their respective services for “community awareness” was this year’s theme. They were the Secretary of State mobile unit provides services as renewal of driver’s licenses, State ID, change of addresses, and vehicle plate stickers. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), represented by the Director Lori Petropolis and Public Relations Officer Amy Stern; Department of Human Services, represented by Jean Miller and Sara from Illinois Coalition of Immigrant Refugee Rights, explained Medicare and Medicaid; Attorney General’s Office, represented by Eric Salsado, to warn against consumer fraud and identity theft; Cook County Clerk’s office; Social Security office, represented by Doug Nyugen, advised seniors facing reductions in their supplementary income. MAAC Executive Director Vandana G. Dalal welcomed the guests and introduced Emcees Laurie Martin (MAAC board member) and Noman Khan (from Yeh Cheez entertainment). […]

Chicago IL: Members of Gandhi Trust of Skokie, Illinois, along with company of many dignitaries admirers, celebrated Gandhi Jayanti on the occasion of his 144th birth anniversary on October 2nd 2013, Wednesday. The event took place at the memorial of a larger than life statue of Bapu located at Heritage Park, Skokie, Illinois. The event kicked off by offering flowers and singing Mahatma’s all-religion prayers, lighting candles and reciting Bapu’s famous quotes, and speeches including paying homage to Father of the Nation. The favorite hymns of Gandhi were also recited on the occasion. The event was highlighted by the presence and blessing of Bhagvan Sri Sri Sri Viswayogi Viswamjee Maharj, founder of Viswayogi Institute of Medical Sicense in Gantur, Andhra Pradesh, India. Swamiji took special time to attend the ceremony during his world tour. He meditated and offered prayer and gave brief speech indicating the significance of Gandhi Jayanti celebration which transcends beyond commemorating Mahatma Gandhi’s birth and his life. He emphasized to follow and renounce violence and entirely devote themselves to Gandhi’s philosophy and principles of Ahimsa i.e living a life by following non-violence. The day now is also commemorated by many nations and cities including city of Skokie, […]

Bensenville, IL: The Guajarati Samaj Chicago (GSC) Board of Trustees, Members of Executive Committee and Volunteers hosted colorful Raas Garba festivity on the occasion of Navratri on September 28th, 2013 Saturday from 7:00pm. Onwards. This annual sacred event is celebrated in honor of Godess Durga and Amba Mataji. The event was held at Manav Seva Mandir located at 101 S. Church Road, Bensenville, IL. Attendance was houseful. Garba by: Orchestra SaReGaMa of Chicago Rita Patel & Atul Soni; Aanand Master on Keyboard; Kafi Khan on Octopad; Andy Patel – Percussion 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. The Mahalaxmi hall of Manav Seva Mandir 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 […]

Chicago IL: The newly appointed Consul General of India, arranged meet and Greet the Ethnic Media based in the Chicagoland area primarily to introduce himself, address the concerns, imbibe their ideas and convey brief details of the forthcoming events which the Consulate intending to organize. The event took place on Wednesday, September 25,2013 from 5-00 to 6-00 pm at the office of Consulate General of India, 455 N Cityfront Plaza Drive, NBC Tower Building,Suite No. 850,Chicago, IL 60611. Media Personnel present included Prashant Shah from India Tribune, Bhailalbhai from DesiTalk, Ramesh Sopariwala from India Post, Hemant Brahmbhatt from Hi India, Vandana Zigan from TV Asea, Tausif Malik from Desi Times, Dr. Chandrakant Modi,Jyotikumar Chokshi and Nagesh from Asian Media USA, Suresh Shah from Gujarat Samachar and few from others. Dr. Sayeed accompanied by his two Colleagues Consuls Gangte and Banerjee informed all that his purpose of keeping this meet is to appraise the media of working of Counsel, its volume of work, limitations and understand the difficulties and problems of public in general and try to find its amicable solution. There were many problems regarding awareness in public about working of CG office and subsequent need to have proper liaison […]

Chicago IL: Chicago the vibrant city with its enormous blend of music from every part of the world is truly a unique city to live in, to visit, to mingle with the people, and above all, to feel the musical pulse that is never-ending. It is here that Chicago Indian Icon concept was born, nurtured, brought to a reality by several auditions at Ashyana Banquets and culminated in the grand finale at the Meadows Club on Saturday, September 21, 2013. The highlights of the show were Mr. Shekhar Suman, a movie actor and TV personality of the millennium as a host and Pt Ronu Majumdar, Grammy Award Fame as a celebrity judge… The overwhelming success of the Chicago Indian Icon grand finale was largely due to each and every one of you who are music lovers and support such an event by your presence at the show. It was as truly a unique, historic moment. It is also equally important to place on record the tremendous, unwavering efforts, and long hours of commitment by the five members of the Indian Event Management team, namely, Brij Sharma (President), Pratibha Jairath (Vice President), Sharan Walia (Director of Planning and Management), Raju Bankapur […]

Aurora, IL: Sriranga School of Dance celebrated its school anniversary on September 21, 2013 at Sri Sai Baba Mandir in Aurora, IL, according to its press report. Organized by artistic director Srivani Vokkarane, the evening showcased young talents in Kuchipudi, semi-classical, and folk dances. After an invocation song by Manasa Sarma, a Sanskrit verse (shloka) invoking Lord Ganesha, goddess Saraswathi, and the teaching lineage (gurus) was performed by dancers Akshita Mogulla, Anagha Surampalli, and Vokkarane in classical Kuchipudi style. A semi-classical “Lamp dance” by young budding talents Akhila Kamasamudram, Anitha Konda, Ridhi Diddi, Saahithi Pebbati, and Suhanidatt Seeryada followed. A classical “flower-offering” (Pushpaanjali) in Raaga Naatai, set to Aadi taala, was then presented by Mogulla, Surampalli, and Rainisha Doddikindi. Abhilasha Kashyap, Bhavni Yalavarthy, Bhriti Harish, Myra Chowdhary, Pooja Nadiger, and Saagarika Kiran, went to perform Kolata, a traditional folk dance from the South Indian state of Karnataka with colored sticks set to a fast paced song. Doddikindi returned with a classical Kuchipudi solo in praise of the “Wonderful Spectacle (Kauthuvam) of Ganesha” dancing in Raaga Hamsadhwani set to Aadi thaala. The highlight was Vokkarane dancing Tarangam on a brass plate to the well-known Krishna Leela Tarangini describing Lord Krishna. The […]