Category: Press releases

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 […]

Chicago IL: EquallyAble Foundation (EAF) launched its “1000 Wheelchairs in 10 Countries” campaign with a fundraising dinner on Saturday, April 27, 2013 at Monty’s Banquet Hall (703 S York Rd., Bensenville, IL 60106). The aim was to alleviate the day-to-day living of the physically challenged across the developing world. Each custom-fitted high terrain wheelchair costs $250 and every dollar spent is to be matched by a local partner in the recipient country to provide training or service. Uganda, Pakistan and Bangladesh are the first few countries to get these wheelchairs. EAF raised sufficient funds for well over 100 wheelchairs at this single event. After Zakaria Zuhaidi’s Quranic prayer, MC Rasheed Ahmed, President of Indian Muslim Council-USA, presented facts and statistics from his research on the disability worldwide before focusing on its peculiarities in South Asia. There are 650M (i.e., 1 out of 10) disabled persons with a higher rate among females: 8 out of 10 of these live in developing countries. The primary cause is violence, with three children disabled for every one killed. Those over 70 years of age are especially vulnerable. Everyone is susceptible through accident, illness, aging, etc., and it incapacitates the entire family, including the breadwinner, […]

Lemont, IL. Shanmukha Priya and Hari Priya, popularly known as the Priya Sisters gave a stellar performance to a packed hall at Sama Rathi auditorium of the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago (HTGC) at Lemont, Ill. on April 19, 2013 on the occasion of Rama Navami. According to the HTGC press release, the concert was also co-sponsored by RR International and Raja Veena Foundation. Usha Pariti, Chair of the HTGC fine arts committee, introduced the event followed by a welcome speech by HTGC President Tilak Marwaha. Supriya Rao then introduced the artists. The concert concluded with a vote of thanks by HTGC Vice-President Bhima Reddy, with all the artistes being honored with silk shawls. The HTGC press release also shared some highlights from the concert. “Saami Ninne Nammi Naa Pai”, a stately Adi Tala varnam in Pantuvarali, sung in two speeds, began the concert. A brisk “Gana Naayakam” in Poornashadjam followed suit with quick solfege improvisation (kalpana-svara) in the pattern of ‘gmnns-npmgrs’, which is characteristic of the raga. After a moving “Marugelara” in raga Jayanthashri, the sisters took up Purvikalyani for a detailed delineation of this raga. Despite some minor audio issues and voice not cooperating at times, the sisters […]

Lemont IL: Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago (HTGC) in Lemont, Ill., culminated its eleven-day observance per tradition with three days of Rama Navami festivities that drew large crowds, according to an HTGC press release. The observance started on the April 11, the day of Ugadi (first day of the waxing phase of the moon in the month of Chaitra that marks the beginning of the Hindu new year) with the recitation of the Sundarakaanda chapter of the Ramayana and concluded on Sunday April 21 with the coronation (pattaabhisheka) of Sri Rama and the worship of the silver image of Hanuman (Rajata Hanuman Seva). Sri Rama Navami day festivities began Friday, April 19 with the special ablution of his image (mūrti) with the five nectarine substances (vishesha panchamrutha mahabhishekam) that was followed by special ornamentation on this day (sugandha-dravya-divasa) when perfumed substances were offered for the first time at the HTGC along with adorning Sri Sita Devi and Sri Lakshmana with new clothes. Another Bhadrachala Rama image received similar ornamentation as preparation for the “wedding festival” (kalyaanotsavam) that coincides with Rama Navami in South India. Throughout this ritual procedure, the “Gaana Sudha” group of devotees chanted the Thousand Names (sahasranaama) of […]

Chicago IL: The Indian American Medical Association Charitable Foundation of Chicago (IAMACF) hosted its annual charity gala, themed “Basic Healthcare for the Uninsured,” on Sunday, April 28, 2013, at the Waterford Banquet Hall, 933 S. Riverside Drive, Elmhurst, Illinois. The event was well attended by physicians, politicians, Chicago’s prominent businessman, community leaders and general public. Despite the country’s challenging economy, more than four hundred members participated in the event and generously pledged donations totaling $100,000 which will benefit uninsured, low-income population who receive services from IAMACF’s clinic. Providing this year’s Keynote address was Honorable Julie Hamos, Director of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, with entertainment provided by Bollywood Sargam & Hitesh Master’s Orchestra Saregama. This year’s gracious Emcees were Mr. Ravi Baichwal of ABC’s Channel 7 and IAMACF’s very own, Dr. Annita John. The annual charity gala raises critical funds for IAMACF, to help operate its free community health clinic located in Chicago’s West Ridge community, which is the home to one of the most culturally diverse neighborhoods in the city and state. The IAMACF clinic has been providing free, basic primary healthcare services on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm for over 18 […]

Chicago IL:UP Association (UPA) of Greater Chicago Proudly presented its Annual Grand Hasya-Ras Kavi Sammelan featuring leading poets from India. Kunwar Bechain, Suresh Awasthi and Deepak Gupta, on Sunday, April 21, 2013 at Hinsdale Community Center in Hinsdale, Illinois. UPA put up another incredible evening of classic Hindi poetry. The Uttar Pradesh Association (UPA) of Greater Chicago was established in 1991 with the objective of bringing together people interested in Uttar Pradesh by promoting Indian music, art and culture. Their web site www.upassociation.com is dedicated to all the people interested in these objectives. It provides a platform for dissemination of information for the people in Chicago land. Their Cultural Programs, Kavi Sammelans and picnics are big attractions in Chicagoland and draw participants from all over the country and India as well. Dr. Ghanshyam Pandey, Chairman, Board of Trustees and Founder President gave a brief introduction of UPA. Ravi Arora, current president delivered welcoming address followed by introduction of Kavi’s by Dr. Subhash Pandey, member of Board and and past president. All these 3 famous leading Kavi and Hasykar are revered for their awakening and entertaining conscious of millions with their humor containing deep penetrating Satire poetry and comedy. During their […]

Chicago IL : Co-hosted by Saahil Exclusive and L.A. Tan “Krazy 2” Featuring Sunidhi Chauhan & Ali Zafar Live In Concert is a collective effort of Bhavesh Patel, Babu Patel, Mayur and Nick Patel. Sunidhi Chauhan and Ali Zafar rocked Sears Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway; Hoffman Estates, IL on 8:30 PM, Friday April 26th, 2013 with yet another unforgettable concert. Sunidhi did not disappoint enthusiastic crowd of more for about 3and half hours. Sunidhi Chauhan sang all her hot new numbers (old and new) from various Bollywood films songs which rocked the crowd. The Sensational Sunidhi Chauhan came with her new Hit songs, “Halkat Jawani”, “Disco Deewane” and many more. Halkat Jawani from the movie Heroine, Disco Deewane from Student of the Year, and Chikni Chameli with Bappi Lahiri, which is a new track being released now. She will also be paying a special tribute, for the first time, to Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhonsle with a yesteryear medley of their famous old song. Ali Zafar, Bollywood teen idol from Pakistan, performed in the USA for the first time. Zafar, the versatile actor of many talents, will perform beyond your typical song and dance show. The Hearthrob Ali […]

Chicago IL: April 13 is Vaisakhi day (also spelled Baisakhi) which is a cultural festival in Punjab, India, but it is also significantly historic, and transformational event in the Sikh world. This day in 1699 in Anandpur Sahib Punjab, near Chandigarh, the tenth Sikh Guru Gobind Singh changed the course of human history and civilization in that part of the world. He created the order of Khalsa and prescribed the Sikh way of life eliminating caste system and gender discrimination, adding to the follower’s external appearance the five articles of faith including unshorn hair and Kirpaan, building self esteem and valor in the common people oppressed by tyrannical rulers. The first five Khalsa (Panj Pyaare) known as Five Beloved Ones were initiated on this day. Each of them were of a different cast and came from different corners of India. Later the Guru bowed before the five initiates and asked them to initiate him, thus the Sikh initiation ceremony (Amrit Chhakna) got started. The Vaisakhi of 1699 brought into sharp focus, a universal concern for human and sacred rights of all people; That safeguarding human dignity, freedom of religion, and the right to worship, and ensuring that all God’s children […]

Chicago IL: World Hindu Youth (WHY) association hosted a seminar on “Reframing Bharat” followed by another on a “New vocabulary to describe Vedic dharma” on Saturday, April 20, 2013, at Chinmaya Mission Badri campus located at 11S080 Kingery Hwy, Willowbrook, IL 60527. Presented by best-selling author Jeffrey Armstrong, also known as Kavindra Rishi, from Vancouver, the seminars aim to teach the younger generation how to speak confidently about Hindu dharma especially to its detractors. Vidya Naha of WHY presented Armstrong as a Vedantic seeker. He is also a poet and astrologer or “karma mechanic” as he also puts it. Starting with a prayer to Ganesha and invocation to the Guru, Armstrong immediately presented his unique credentials, as an American convert, to teach often bewildered Hindus-by-birth. Attracted by India’s patterns of thinking and feeling, and its compassionate culture, he soon became a “why” specialist, for “all the subjects I studied (language, psychology, science, etc.) took me to India.” As an outsider, he had to think through all these alien concepts and behavior from the foundations up, unable to take anything for granted. Whereas his Christian teachers never encouraged questions, the question-answer format is at the core of Hindu transmission. “I gave […]

Rolling Meadows, IL: A command performance by playback singer and illustrious son of a legendary father, Nitin Mukesh had a capacity crowd in raptures for over four and half hours on Sunday, April 21, 2013 at The Meadows Club, 2950 W Golf Rd Rolling Meadows, IL. The concert titled Remembering Mukesh and presented by Dhrishti at the Meadows Club here was a tribute to the legendary Indian playback singer Mukesh. Nitin Mukesh is his son and an accomplished playback singer himself having sung several very popular numbers in different languages. He was accompanied by singers Manasi Paranjape, Namrata Seth and young second generation local singer Sajni Ganger. The program began with an introduction by host Shebani Kulkarni, the co-founder of Dhrishti and The Meadows Club in a beautifully lit and done up grand ballroom with soft lighting and multiple screens for the benefit of the viewers. She spoke about the legend of Mukesh and his journey for over five decades in the industry. She then introduced Nitin Mukesh and his band and the fireworks started immediately. Nitin Mukesh, a persona of great charm and immense skill started with a shloka and commenced what can only be termed as a command […]

Chicago IL: On April 13, 2013, Telugu Association of Greater Chicago (TAGC) celebrated Ugadhi and Sri Rama Navami at Elgin High School, Elgin. The program kicked off with Siva Pasumarthi welcoming the audience on behalf of TAGC cultural committee followed by Annamacharya Keertana coordinated by Padamaja Krishna, and choreographed by Shruthi Das. President of TAGC, Ramesh Garapaty spoke to the audience during Presidents message and has thanked all the volunteers who have worked tirelessly to make the event a grand success. He released the new Telugu calendar designed by Srinivas Pedamallu with several of the famous Indian women featuring on the cover page of each month in commemoration of TAGC’s celebration of first-ever women’s day. Sri.Tammareddy Bharadwaj President of AP film chamber of commerce, movie director, producer joined as a chief guest for the evening along with Sri.ShantiSwarup who was the anchor for Doordarshan a few years ago. ATA president Sri.Karunakar Madhavaram, Narendra Chemarla, Satya Kadimalla, Srinivas Pedamallu and Kalyan Anandula joined the event to felicitate Sri.Tammareddy Bharadwaj and Sri.Shanti Swarup. On behalf of TAGC, Sri.Tammareddy honored Mimicry Ramesh Jallarapu with Dhwanyanukarana Tapasvi in recognition of his over six thousand performances across the world. Mimicry Ramesh received standing ovation for […]

Chicago IL: Winter was mild in Chicago this year as we were hit by only a couple of heavy snow storms. To welcome spring this year by enjoying a few crispy sunny days, we took our family spring break in sunny California and Nevada area. After landing at the Los Angeles airport, overnight stay at Rancho Cucamonga was relaxing. The three-hour drive across the desert to reach Las Vegas is rewarded with great views of the scenic Angels forest, mountains, and typical desert trees. Fabulous Las Vegas—the gambling and entertainment capital of the world—welcomes millions of visitors yearly to its various attractions. Every hotel resort in this Neon City is unique in its own way. We stayed at Circus-Circus, where the kids enjoyed Adventure Dome and the famous Midway arcade with its bunch of rides and fun games. With their varied restaurants, shops, entertainment shows, and of course gambling, the resorts have something for everyone. Shows like “Mac King”, a fabulous family show, win you over with fun, laughter, and magic thrills. About three hours of driving towards west from Las Vegas takes you to the “Grand Canyon West Rim.” After just 30 miles on US 93, we stopped over […]

Chicago IL: Tri-State Telugu Association celebrated its Ugadi and Sri Ramanavami festivities with much pomp and show on April 6th 2013 at the HTGC (Rama Temple) in Lemont, Illinois. The theme for the event was “New Beginnings” and covered Chaitramu, Ugadi, Vasanta Navaatrulu, Sri Ramanavami and Sri Sita Ramula Charitra. Sri. Raghu Angara, the Cultural Coordinator for this gala event, organized 38 creative, innovative and many unique programs in which approximately 330 kids and adults participated. The auditorium was packed with approximately 700 people. The audience was enthralled with a variety of programs ranging from skits, dances, songs and dance-dramas. The program started in the authentic Telugu cultural norm of Panchanga Sravanam by the Rama temple priest followed by the Ganesha invocation dance “Muddakaratha Modakam” choreographed by Smt. Asha Acharya Adiga. Sri. Raghu Angara always endeavors to teach the new generation kids, Indian values and the great Indian Mythology. Continuing the spirit of the evening Smt. Jayashree Tatavarti directed a skit “Mana Illu – Mana Adarshalu” which focussed on values regarding respect for parents, gurus, and guests – all of whom are equal to God. Other programs which were very well executed were Jo Jo Rama, Bhadrasaila Ramamandira, choreographed by […]

Chicago IL: Hari Om Mandir in Medinah, Ill., celebrated Baisakhi from noon on Sunday, April 14, 2013, with bhajans. Also known as Vaisakhi, Vaishakhi, or Vasakhi, the festival is celebrated across the Indian subcontinent. For Hindus, it is the start of the solar New Year, and is observed with requisite bathing, partying, and worshipping. Hindus plant poles (wrapped in flags of gold-embroidered silk) in front of their homes, and hang pots of brass, copper or silver on top. For an auspicious start to the New Year, some devotees had arrived early to have their prized possessions specially blessed with prayers performed by the temple priests. One family could be seen outside in the car park performing puja together on the bonnet of their sparkling new Lexus. Another priest was returning brand new clothes after blessings to women devotees. Tulsidas, Meera, and other classical and film bhajans were being sung continuously already from forenoon. Monica Sharma and Meghna Sharma, who had danced Bhangra just two days earlier at Asian American Awards Gala at Northeastern Illinois University, sang Bhajans at the beginning. Temple President Brij Sharma praised the two devoted sisters for being so exemplary in their contributions to Indian dance and […]

Chicago IL: The Chicago chapter of the Organization of Pakistani Entrepreneurs of North America (OPEN) held its inaugural event around dinner on Wednesday, April 10, 2013, at Reza’s Restaurant, 432 West Ontario St., Chicago. There were 55-60 community leaders, business executives, potential investors, and governmental officials present, including Consul General of Pakistan Zaheer Pervaiz Khan and Alexander “Sandy” Weissent, Head of the CEO Roundtable. Highlights were a talk on “Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Pakistan” by Jehan Ara, President of the Pakistan Software Houses Association for IT & ITES (P@SHA), and the OPEN Chicago presentations. CEO of Razor Hedge Navaid Abidi welcomed the guests and invited Rafiq Mohemmadi, Chair of the board of charter members, to introduce OPEN. The latter focused on mentoring students, fostering activity that translates into philanthropic activities, and this re-launch of the organization. OPEN VP Rehan Zaid then added his own observations and comments. Jehan Ara’s wide-ranging talk on “Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Pakistan” was backed by both long hands-on involvement and solid statistics. With 29 years of experience in marketing, communications, and interactive new media in Hong Kong, Far East, UAE, and Pakistan, Ara has been largely responsible for developing the P@SHA brand and for creating […]

Chicago IL: The Asian American Heritage Committee (AAHC) of Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) hosted its third annual Asian American Heritage Awards Gala under the banner “Sharing Traditions, Celebrating Excellence” on Friday, April 12, 2013, at Alumni Hall in its main campus (North Park). Seven awards were conferred followed by Asian music and dance performances. MC for the evening was Yasmin A. Ranney, Director of NEIU Asian and Global Resource Center at the Angelina Pedroso Center for Diversity and Intercultural Affairs. NEIU students Ana Ren and Xiaoxuan Wu kept guests entertained on piano and guitar respectively during the reception. AAHC members Rohit Joshi and Saba Ayman-Nolley co-chaired the invocation ceremony. Provost and VP Richard Helldobler, joined them in lighting the auspicious lamp, and underlined NEIU’s status as the most diverse campus in the Midwest. NEIU Board of Trustees member Jin Lee followed with his own remarks. Laura Kina, Vincent de Paul Professor at DePaul University Department of Art, Media, & Design, delivered the keynote speech that defined the origin and necessity of the term “Asian American.” She urged those present to recognize and value their ancestral legacy and ensure transmission of these traditions to the next generation. Given the often invisible […]

Chicago, IL: The Vibrant Media Group, HC along with Studio Elite, Ravani & Mohindra, Attorneys at Law and Amedcoa Dental brings a weekend of music, fashion, and culture in celebration of 100 Years of Indian Cinema. The weekend will recognize and celebrate 100 Years of excellence in Hindi Cinema from August 31- September 1, 2013, in Hoffman Estates, IL. The launch of the event was hosted by Ms. Yukta Mookhey. Yukta was crowned Miss World 1999 and is an Indian model and actress. She has featured in several Bollywood movies and engages herself in social and charitable causes. The launch also saw playback singer Mr. Krishna Beura in attendance extending his support for the event. Mr. Beura is a playback singer known for his hit songs “Maula Mere” from Chak De India, “Soniyo” from Raaz-2 and “Rabba” from Musafir among others. Monty Sayed said “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and along with a musical concert and performances, it is truly an honor to recognize icons from the Indian film fraternity that have contributed to making the industry what it is today. We are very happy to host the 1st ever event exclusively celebrating 100 Years of Bollywood!” […]

Chicago IL: Chicago community came in large numbers to support a very worthy cause of humanitarian work in Pakistan. The Human Development Foundation (HDF) held its 16th Annual Community Awareness & Fundraising Dinner on Saturday, April 13th 2013 at Rosemont Convention Center, 9301 Bryn Mawr Avenue, Rosemont, IL. This successful event was sold out, with over 400 attendees joining to support HDF’s mission in fighting poverty through its Holistic Model of Development in the program region of Rahim Yar Khan. During social hour, attendees mingled, enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, and browsed through a selection of unique vendors. There was a book signing by Rashid Osmani, debut author of “Word Posse.” A full silent auction table boasted a customized private chef dinner; gift certificates; exquisite jewelry; and designer outfits. Master of Ceremonies was conducted by Ash-har Quraishi, Emmy Award-winning television journalist, writer, photographer, and film maker. The Chicago community was welcomed by Humaira Abbasi, HDF’s Chicago Chapter Chair. She thanked all the volunteers, supporters, and event host committee members who made the event a grand success. HDF’s Executive Director, Fakhia Rashid highlighted HDF’s incredible milestones and achievements. She also gave updates on 2 projects funded by the generous Chicago Community last year. […]