Category: Press releases

Chicago IL: Pratham Chicago hosted an evening reception on Thursday, April 25, 2013 in honor of Pratham CEO and Co-Founder Dr. Madhav Chavan at the Best Western Plus Hotel, 1725 E. Algonquin Road, Schaumburg, IL 60173. He had stopped over to en route to the Pratham Houston Gala on Saturday. Chavan, who is the 2012 recipient of the WISE Prize, a prestigious award considered to be the “Nobel Prize” in education, gave an impromptu talk on Pratham’s various initiatives, several of which the Indian government has been assiduously studying and even trying to emulate in view of their very tangible and demonstrable results. A recurring theme behind the case studies he recounted was how outmoded our current age-based assembly line system of education, geared to the bygone needs of the industrial revolution, had become. Instead of being pumped with facts, learners need their creativity to be unleashed. Pratham Chicago Chairman Raj Rajaram introduced the Founder-CEO as having “transformed” education. Pratham is a non-profit organization that reaches millions of primary school age children in India. After obtaining his PhD in Chemistry in the USA followed by post-doctoral research, Chavan returned to India in 1986. In 1989, while teaching at the University […]

Chicago IL: The fifth annual three-day Veena festival curated by Sri Annamacharya Project of North America (SAPNA) over the weekend from April 26–28 had “Thillana” for its theme this year, and was dedicated to the memory of Padmabhushan Sangeeta Kalanidhi Sripada Pinakapani and legendary violinist Lalgudi Jayaraman. Between Chitravina Ravikiran’s inauguration concert (Friday evening) and Balamurali Krishna’s grand finale (Sunday evening) both held at the Lemont Hindu temple, the whole weekend resounded with veena concerts at the Sri Venkateshwara Swami (SVS), popularly known as Balaji, temple in Aurora, Ill. Saturday’s highlight was the award of the title ‘Srikala Purna’ to Sangitacharya Malladi Suri Babu, father of the famous vocalists Malladi Brothers, Sriram Prasad and Ravi Kumar, followed by their evening vocal concert. With their stentorian voices, Malladi Brothers took the audience by storm and sang their way into the hearts of connoisseurs. As a fitting tribute to maestro Lalgudi Jayaraman, they began the concert with Suri Babu’s brief but imposing delineation of the ragam Asaveri through Lalgudi’s set composition (varnam) Jalajaksha Neepadame Gati. Setting a stately pace for the entire concert with Parameshwara Jagadeeshwara in ragam Nattai, Malladi Brothers then sang Thyagaraja’s Manasu Nilpa in ragam Abhogi. The sparkling alapana […]

Chicago IL: Padma Vibhushan Dr. Mangalampalli Balamurali Krishna (BMK), who began singing at the age of six, was conferred a lifetime achievement award at the ripe age of 82 by the Sri Annamacharya Project of North America (SAPNA) at the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago (HTGC) in Lemont, Ill., on Sunday, April 28, 2013. Having inaugurated SAPNA’s first year, he was here now to celebrate its 25th anniversary. His full-house concert was the culmination of the Fifth annual three-day Veena festival, and was also the occasion for SAPNA to honor several media personalities. Consul General of India Mukta Dutta Tomar joined in personally conferring the awards. Tomar and BMK joined SAPNA founders Sriram Sonty and Saradapurna Sonty in lighting the auspicious lamp before the veena-wielding goddess of music, Saraswathi. Balamurali, who typically signs off his own compositions with the name of the “flute-playing child” (bala-murali) Krishna, received honors worthy of a god. Not only was the stage scattered with petals to soften his tread, he received full-length prostrations while seated regally listening to the Sanskrit panegyric composed in his honor and recited at the podium by Prof. Vedala Srinivasacharyulu. Music is divine, and Balamurali had become one with his music! […]

Chicago IL: The youth group of Hari Om mandir celebrated Mothers Day on Sunday, May 12, 2013 at the temple. Mandir’s priest Shastri Yogesh Pandya and Pt. Dinesh kumar did a havan and puja for the well being of all mothers. Tushar Sharma president of the youth group started the program by saying “A mother is the greatest teacher, a teacher of compassion, love and fearlessness. If we only comprehend a 10th of what our mothers do for us, and how they would literally die for us if needed, we would realize that one day is not sufficient. This relationship is sacred let us honor our mothers. A mother who always cares, a mother who’s always there, a mother who always prays, a mother who always stays, when things get rough, when life gets tough.” Followed with a dhun ‘Jai Ambe Maa Sherawalee’ played on keyboard and vocals by Babu Sarkar and Divya Maheshwari. Ansh and Anoushka Salwan recited a few chaupaies of Hanuman Chalissa. Hari Om Mandir’s Balvikas kids (Manav, Navansh, Vanshika and others) sang the prayer, ‘Daya kar Dan bhakti ka humey parmatma dena.”. Divya Maheshwari recited a poem on mother. Chaitanya Kharat played keyboard and sang the […]

Chicago IL: Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago organized its annual Health Fair on May 5 and May 12, 2013. On May 5, many people benefited from free services offered by JSMC with help from Doctors, Specialists, Microbiologist, Phlebotomists, Lab Technicians, and Nurses. Blood tests included blood count, blood sugar, cholesterol, vitamin D check, and PSA Summary. In addition to Blood tests, EKG, Carotid, Doppler, Echocardiogram, and Bone Density tests were offered to all the participants at no cost. Total of 270 registration were received through online application form. 216 people received all the above tests/screenings. Lab work was conducted by Medstar Laboratories at much discounted rate. Overall management provided an excellent experience to all the participants. EKG, Echocardiogram, Carotid tests were conducted in closed curtain booth to maintain the privacy of the patient. Delicious breakfast with freshly squeezed orange Juice was setup for all the participants, volunteers, Doctors, and Lab Technicians. Two large screen projectors were showing constant updates, instructions as well as recognizing sponsors, Doctors, and all volunteers. On May 12, the health fair started at 9 am. All the participants from Day one( May 5th), along with few others (walk-ins) took benefit of free consultation services from top […]

Chicago IL: Lasyam School of Kuchipudi Dance celebrated its 13th Anniversary showcase performances at Balaji temple auditorium in Aurora on Saturday, May 11th, 2013. This year’s theme was “Bhajagovindam”- a devotional prayer to Adi Shankara in the melodious tune of MS Subbalakshmi. Senior disciples of Lasyam, Divya Jasthi, Supriya Bhuvanagiri and Srinidhi Angara with guest artist Pranav Perepa as Adi Shankara have mesmerized the audience. Dance director Smt. Hema Yaddanapudi unveiled for the first time in Chicagoland the choreography of in Kuchipudi style. The highlight of the evening was Tarangam by ManoLasya Perepa. She held the audience spellbound with her unparalleled expression, grace and perfection of pure dance. She rendered “Jatis” while dancing on the edges of a brass plate with consummate skill and divine charm. The evening showcased fifteen items introducing an array of 35 extremely talented disciples of Lasyam School. Young artists aged 6-8 performed slokas, mudras, jatis and steps to the chanting of their Guru – a year’s worth of their learnings that brought an aura of pure joy and awe to the audience. The event paid rich tribute through Sri Annamacharya Keerthanas with scintillating performance to the tunes of Adivo Alladivo, Bramha Kadigina Padamu and Narayanathe […]

Chicago IL: Indian Gujarati Samuday of North America Celebrated Gujarat Day with Honorable Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Of Gujarat,Via Satellite at 7:30 PM, on Sunday, May 12, 2013 at The Meadows Club, 2950, W Golf Road, Rolling Meadows, IL. On the morning of 13th May 2013, Shri Narendra Modi addressed NRIs across 20 cities of USA to commemorate 53rdGujarat Day celebrations. The program was organized by Indian/Gujarati Samuday. In a comprehensive speech, Shri Narendra Modi spoke about the development in Gujarat during the last ten years. He said that the credit for the success of Gujarat does not go to an individual but the collective efforts of the 6 crore people of Gujarat. Talking about the state of affairs in the nation, Shri Modi said that the greatest crisis the country is facing today is that of a trust deficit and that it is the need of the hour to rebuild this confidence of the people. “This break of trust is due to the actions of some people occupying high office…trust is a very big thing. The development in Gujarat is possible because people have trust in each other. Let us recall the values of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel […]

Chicago IL: Chitravina maestro Sri N Ravikiran delivered a two-hour concert hosted by the Sri Annamacharya Project of North America (SAPNA) at the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago (HTGC) on Friday, April 26, 2013. He was accompanied by Prof. Trichy Shankaran on the mridangam, Akkarai Shubhalakshmi on the violin, and KV Gopalakrishnan on the kanjira. After rendering Carnatic (South Indian classical) compositions, including of his own creation and in the traditional style, Ravikiran embarked on an innovative excursion into fusion music with local artistes. An apt inauguration to SAPNA’s Fifth three-day Veena festival, for SAPNA’s mission is not only to recover and conserve this ancient musical heritage, here in the new diaspora context, but also demonstrate its global reach and relevance. In his usual inimitable understated yet scholarly style, Ravikiran’s concert displayed consummate artistry, tasteful aesthetics, and rare sparkling sancharas (melodic phrases that serve to establish the identity of the raga) reflecting technical virtuosity and mastery over the ragas. Ravikiran set the pace with his own composition Adi Vinayakam, a varnam in ragam Reetigowla, followed by Annamacharya’s Paramapurusha rendered gracefully in ragam Shanmukhapriya. Nenendu Vedakudura, Thyagaraja’s composition in Karnataka Behag, was portrayed in all its grandeur – the intricate flourishes […]

Chicago IL: Mother’s Day was celebrated on Wednesday afternoon, May 08, 2013, with a cultural program and food at the Hari Om Mandir, 6N020 Medinah Road, Medinah, IL. On a working day more than 150 mothers had gathered to celebrate the event. Mother’s Day in the United States is an annual holiday celebrated on the second Sunday in May. Anna Jarvis celebrated mother’s day first time in 1908, then campaigned to make it an official holiday. Previous attempts at establishing Mother’s Day in the United States sought to promote peace by means of honoring mothers who had lost or were at risk of losing their sons to war. Mother’s Day is celebrated to honor all mothers and express gratitude for the hardships they bear in bringing up children. The resolution for having a dedicated Mother’s Day was signed by US President Woodrow Wilson on May 8, 1914. Since then people across the world have been celebrating Mother’s Day with joy and devotion. Ms. Nirmal Bagga the coordinator of the program started the event by a speech welcoming all the ladies to celebrate this eventful day. “Everyone gathered here today has shown the unity and great dedication of volunteerism either in […]

Chicago IL: Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) held its Tenth Annual Breaking Barriers Awards fundraising reception on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at downtown Sunda New Asian Restaurant (110 W. Illinois Street). The CFW Asian American Leadership Council (AALC) honored pioneering Asian and Asian American women in the metropolitan Chicago area, who have made an outstanding and lasting impact in their respective fields. Honorees this year were women across a variety of disciplines and professions, who have been “the first” or among the earliest to have achieved a level of leadership and visibility that has paved the way for others. They were Shradha Agarwal, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, ContextMedia, Inc.; Libby Chiu, retired Chief of Staff, Illinois Arts Council; Madhuvanti Ghose, Alsdorf Assoc. Curator of Indian, Southeast Asian, Himalayan and Islamic Art, Art Institute of Chicago; Ngoan Le, Vice President of Program, Chicago Community Trust; Tuyet Le, Executive Director, Asian American Advancing Justice-Chicago; Josina Morita, Director, United Congress of Community and Religious Organizations; Prem Sharma, Founder, Apna Ghar; Joanna Su, Manager of Community Systems and Capacity Building, Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development; Liz Thomson, Asst. Director of the Gender and Sexuality Center, University of Illinois at Chicago; and Lisa […]

Chicago IL: The Vietnamese Host Committee held an Appreciation Dinner on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at Furama Restaurant, located in Chicago’s famed “Asia on Argyle” neighborhood. Over 160 community leaders and volunteers of the Asian American Coalition of Chicago (AACC) participated to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. 2013 AACC Chair Doug Nguyen opened the program with reflections on the tremendous accomplishments AAPIs have achieved, “beginning 170 years ago, when Japanese immigrants first set foot on American shores and opened a path for millions more. And in 1869, Chinese workers finished work on the transcontinental railroad after years of backbreaking labor.” 2013 AACC Board President Dr. Nguyen-Trung Hieu expressed his gratitude to the community leaders and volunteers for their collaboration in AACC’s various initiatives that will mutually benefit all Asian American communities. Chair Nguyen followed by thanking Dr. Hieu for his outstanding leadership of the AACC board in laying down the necessary structure and vision for the organization which will last into the next generation. The attendees viewed a presentation of the AACC’s 30th Annual Lunar New Year Conference and Celebration which took place on February 23, 2013. The Vietnamese American Community was served as the AACC […]

Chicago IL: Chicago Tamil Sangam proudly staged Kalki R. Krishnamurthy’s magnum opus “Ponniyin Selvan” Tamil Drama on May 4, 2013 at Oswego East High School Auditorium, 1525 Harvey Road, Oswego, IL at 4.00 PM. It was a magical night indeed, bringing to life King Rajaraja Chola and his dynasty that ruled in the 10th century. With 40 artists, 50 stage props, over 150 lighting clues, countless hours of practice sessions, and a team of dedicated volunteers made this event a grand success. Over 900 people attended this outstanding production and applauded the effort of the entire team. The arduous task of writing the script condensing the story of over 2400 pages to a three hour play was penned down by Bagirathi Seshappan of Abirami Fine Arts, California. Auditions were conducted for the more than 40 characters on September 8, 2012. The artists were judged for appearance and Tamil speaking skill in order to stay true to Kalki’s portrayal of the characters. Some of Chicago’s well known Tamil drama artists, Chandrasekhar, Ranga, Mani, Vidya and many more are part of Ponniyin Selvan. Shobana Suresh, Kalai Somu and Kamala Babu designed the costumes adhering to the original illustrations of Artist Maniam, when […]

Chicago IL: Colorful Bhangras and Giddas, vintage Punjabi folk songs and the beat of the Dhol highlighted the Baisakhi celebration hosted by United Punjabis of America (UPA) on Saturday, April 27th at Cascade Banquets in Bensenville, Illinois. The evening was remarkable for its cross-generational appeal, the little kids enjoying learning about Punjabi heritage and culture through arts and crafts and the adults having a chance to network and sing and dance. The activities for the kids were well planned and executed by the team of Gauri Mittal and Deepali Punwani. They also created the beautiful centerpieces for the tables using colorful daals. Rupa Puranik, a henna artist, was kept busy by a steady stream of women interested in having mehndi applied to their hands. The very versatile Pratibha Jairath (UPA vice president) and the energetic Shammi Mittal (UPA Events Coordinator), both Baisakhi Committee members, served as the MCs, kept the audience entertained with their shayari and enthusiastic introductions. Madhu Uppal, a UPA Board Member and a member of the Baisakhi Committee, introduced the guest of honor, Dr. Pramod Vohra, the Dean, Northern Illinois School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, and his wife, Anju. . Dr. Vohra shared his belief in […]

Chicago IL: Federation of Indian Associations-Chicago [FIA] hosted a ‘kick-off’ event to formally announce a series of events in celebration of India’s Independence Day at a luncheon hosted on Sunday May 5, 2013 at Punjabi Dhaba Banquet Hall on Devon Ave. in Chicago. Alderwoman Debra Silverstein [50th ward] joined by State Senator & Committeeman Ira Silverstein, Hina Trivedi, Iftekhar Shareef and a host of FIA Trustees joined together to light the lamp signaling the ‘kick-off’ that will set in movement the hosting of a series of grand-scale events in honor of India’s Independence which includes Grand India Independence Day Parade, Gala Banquet and Flag-hoisting ceremony in Chicago’s downtown. In her remarks Alderwoman Debra Silverstein said “Indian Americans are an important part of the City’s 50th ward and I commend you for bringing such vibrant richness and diversity to the ward. Ald. Debra Silverstein further added that Indian Americans have helped to bring flourishing business establishments on Devon Ave and pledged that she will work with the community to foster growth and development of adding more businesses in the sprawling India Town in her ward. Ald. Debra Silverstein thanked the kids for presenting beautiful dance presentations and said steering children in […]

Chicago IL: Shree Rama Navami Mahotsavam was celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm on Saturday 20th April 2013 at Chinmaya Mission Chicago – Yamunotri, 30877 N. Fairfield Rd., Grayslake , IL . The event was presided over by Swami Sharananandaji (resident Acharya) and Shree Sita Rama Kalyana Mahotsava puja was performed by priest Sundaresham Gurukkalji, supported by dedicated Mission volunteers. Bala Vihar children performed a beautiful Dance Drama “Navadha Bhakti” depicting the nine forms of Bhakti to the Lord. Over 400 people attended this grand event. The program started at 8.30 am with the grand celestial wedding ceremony of Lord Rama and Sita Devi, performed with chanting of mantras and accompanied by traditional wedding songs sung by Bala Vihar children and Mission volunteers. Several devotees participated in the puja followed by Ashttothara Namavali recitation and a grand procession of Lord Rama and Sita Devi around the shrine as Mission volunteers sang the auspicious song “Sita Kalyana Vaibhogame.” The puja concluded with a mangalam song performed by Bala Vihar children and Shree Rama Aarti. Swami Sharadanandaji then delivered a short yet meaningful sermon. Swamiji emphasized the importance of the beautiful chapter Sunderkand of the Rama Charita Manas by explaining the importance […]

Chicago IL: Manpasand presented Super hit Gujarati play “Dear Father” starring Paresh Rawal has been SOLD OUT for the Friday, May 3, 2013 performance at the Jain Center, 435 Hwy 59, Bartlett, IL. Prior performances in other cities (Atlanta, Reading, Mass., Long Beach Calif., etc) have won critical acclaim with detailed accounts of the plot and acting, such that the play will be presented again also in Hindi to a wider audience, with Huge public demand on Sunday, May 19, 2013 at same location (Jain Center in Bartlett, IL.) Admission tickets were $31, $41, $51, $75, and VIP ($101) which included Gujarati dinner. Bhavna Modi, the National and local promoter of the play has always bought quality plays to USA. She remarked that “Comedies only work when the actors share certain camaraderie and comfort level with each other, the audience could feel the amazing chemistry of the entire cast on the stage”. Delicious Dinner was served by Sai Saffron Chat between 6-30 pm and 8-00 pm and play started about 8-30 pm. The show was overcrowded and audience applauded the entire proceedings and dialogues. Once you see this drama, you will start celebrating, “Father’s Day” every day. Writer- Dr. Vivek […]

Chicago IL: This year, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett, IL celebrated the 232nd birth anniversary of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, also known as Swaminarayan Jayanti, on April 21st, 2013. The day is also auspiciously known as Ram Navmi for the celebration of the birth of Shri Ram Bhagwan. This year’s program included the re-enactment of the Yash Gatha, a musical narration of the journey led by Bhagwan Swaminarayan and a depiction of his countless spiritual endeavors. The youth of BAPS brought to life the story through the singing of the Yash Gatha. With each stanza, a part of the journey was depicted, accompanied by dances, speeches, and dramas interspersed throughout the performance. The story began with portrayals from Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s birth to his childhood, a time when he was known by the name of Ghanshyam. The audience stilled as the first notes began, the world disappearing behind them as the music delved into the life of a young boy, whose journey touched the hearts of thousands. The intensity of the scenes re-enacted by the youth drew the audience in. The subtle crescendo hidden in the music of the Yash Gatha grew as the story developed to describe the sacrifices made […]

Chicago IL: This year, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett, IL celebrated the 232nd birth anniversary of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, also known as Swaminarayan Jayanti, on April 21st, 2013. The day is also auspiciously known as Ram Navmi for the celebration of the birth of Shri Ram Bhagwan. This year’s program included the re-enactment of the Yash Gatha, a musical narration of the journey led by Bhagwan Swaminarayan and a depiction of his countless spiritual endeavors. The youth of BAPS brought to life the story through the singing of the Yash Gatha. With each stanza, a part of the journey was depicted, accompanied by dances, speeches, and dramas interspersed throughout the performance. The story began with portrayals from Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s birth to his childhood, a time when he was known by the name of Ghanshyam. The audience stilled as the first notes began, the world disappearing behind them as the music delved into the life of a young boy, whose journey touched the hearts of thousands. The intensity of the scenes re-enacted by the youth drew the audience in. The subtle crescendo hidden in the music of the Yash Gatha grew as the story developed to describe the sacrifices made […]

Chicago IL: The Chicago Chapter of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), which translates into United National Movement, USA, organized a protest march at the corner of Devon and Claremont avenues from 3.00 pm to 7.00pm on Saturday, May 4, 2013 to protest against the brutal and inhumane killing of MQM workers and ordinary citizens in Pakistan by religious extremists, Taliban members, as well as criminal gangs. More generally, these peace demonstrations, which were also held in New York City and Washington D.C., were to uphold and promote progressive liberal values and call for free and fair elections, as was evident from the banners in English and Urdu and the speeches delivered by community leaders. The demonstrators appealed to the internal community to stand firmly with Pakistan as the last line of defense against terrorism. In the last few days Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Pakistan had attacked two MQM election offices, killing more than twelve innocent workers and injuring more than 40 others. They had also just claimed responsibly for these attacks through the national media, warning citizens of Karachi not to take part in the election: they “will target those political parties in Pakistan who are secular, moderate, liberal, and enlightened. […]

Chicago IL: The Chicago Chapter of Akshaya Patra Foundation held its annual fundraiser on April 27th, 2013 at Intercontinental O’Hare, 5300 N. River Road, Rosemont, IL and received overwhelming community support for its great cause. Hunger is a problem that over 50 million children are battling silently in India. It keeps these children out of school and forces them to take menial jobs to bring home food for their families. Hunger also impedes their ability to learn. The Akshaya Patra Foundation is one of the world’s largest NGO which runs school meal programs serving over 1.3 million children daily in over 9,000 schools from 19 kitchens in nine states in India. A public-private partnership, Akshaya Patra combines good management, innovative technology and smart engineering to deliver school lunches at a fraction of the cost of similar programs in other parts of the world. The Akshaya Patra Foundation was recently ranked 23rd of the Top 100 NGOs in the World in The Global Journal’s 2013 annual ranking. The Global Journal also ranked Akshaya Patra 1st in the world for NGOs working to improve the lives of children and youth. Akshaya Patra’s mission is to simultaneously address childhood hunger and malnutrition and […]