Category: Press releases

New Jersey: Millennium Cricket league (founded in 2001) is one of New Jersey’s finest cricket organizations. MCL is made up of many diverse cultures and strives to promote multicultarism within the organization. MCl hosted their Cricket Finals on September 15, 2012 at Weston Park, Somerset NJ. This was the final match between Division A teams the Rebels vs East Coast Titans and Division B Indians vs. Warriors. Umpires for Division A teams were Mihir Patel and Srinivas Chirra and Umpires for Division B were Kenneth Virgo and Venkatesh Raghvan. The winning scores were Indian 129/4 in Over 23, Rebels 220/5 in over 40, Warriors 128/10 All Out and ECT 150/10 All Out. The conductors for the final ceremonies were Punit Patel (Vice President) and Maninder Singh (PRO). The food was sponsored by Jewel of India. The man of the match awards were given to both winning teams. Man of the Match for a team called Indian was Arun Sharma and Man of the Match for a team called Rebel was Jermaine Lawson. Currently there is an 20/20 cricket match going on. More details are available on the league’s website www.milleniumcricketleague.com . Player stats, upcoming games, and team contacts are all […]

Chicago, IL: September 24, 2012 – Chicago film aficionados were treated to an array of stellar films, acclaimed artists, and energetic parties at the 3rd annual Chicago South Asian Film Festival. The four-day festival held its Opening Night on September 20th with a star-studded red carpet reception followed by the North American premiere of the much anticipated Bollywood film “Heroine”. Artists who walked the red carpet include acclaimed actor Farooq Shaikh, Lillete Dubey, and Adil Hussain. Indian Consul General Mukta Dutta Tomar, Field Museum President Richard Lariviere, and Columbia College Vice President Dr. Eric Winston were also present to show their support. In his opening remarks, Dr. Winston said “I feel like a proud father” as he expressed his and Columbia College Chicago’s support for the Festival from its inception back in 2010. Over the next three days, the Festival showcased the best of South Asian independent cinema to packed audiences at Showplace Icon Theater and Film Row Cinema at Columbia College Chicago. Moviegoers especially enjoyed hearing the various artists and filmmakers talk about their films and performances in the post film discussions. “Doggoned” director Arshad Khan described how his lead actress almost got arrested as they filmed without a […]

Hoffman Estates: IL: Shree Jalaram Mandir, located at 425, Illinois Blvd, Hoffman Estates, Illinois, hosted a fund raising dinner on Friday, September 14 at The Meadows Club, in Rolling Meadows IL. at 7:00 PM. The program had all the great ingredients for a great evening namely religious, friendly and entertaining, while maintaining its purpose of raising funds for the temple expansion. The program was attended by more than 650 devotees from all over the Chicago land area. The event was arranged for raising funds for the ambitious Mandir expansion and murti pratishtha. The overwhelming response of the community since the start of the temple in 2008 has created a real need for expansion of the present 6,400 square feet temple floor and 6,000 square feet of basement floor. Therefore, the volunteers are planning to add 4,800 square feet building on both floors. The expansion will include a Garbha Griha area, larger area for devotees to sit comfortably to worship, coat and washrooms on both floors, a new kitchen, multipurpose basement area for dining and social purposes, as well as rooms for other activities. With the help of the donations, the temple has finished a parking area for 109 cars and […]

Rolling Meadows, IL: Do Kishore, the much anticipated tribute to the legendary Indian singing star Kishore Kumar more than lived up to its expectations as it made its debut at the Meadows Club on Saturday, September 22nd. The concert was conceptualized by Bubble Wrap Communications and presented by Dhrishti. A capacity audience was mesmerized by the scions of the legend, Amit Kumar and Sumeet Kumar, as they took the audience on an emotional journey through the career of Kishore Kumar. After the audience was introduced to the concert by Shebani Kulkarni, the co-founder of Dhrishti and The Meadows Club, the audience was treated to some humorous clippings of some movies of the legendary star. This was followed by the entrance of the two Kishores, Amit & Sumeet Kumar on the stage. And they went on to put on a performance which will be talked about for a long time. Complimented by one of the best orchestras in Bollywood today, the concert featured some of the most memorable tunes sung by Kishore Kumar from the very old to the recent ones and had the audience in raptures. Amit Kumar, a veteran singer of Bollywood has inherited the melodies, music and the […]

Edison, NJ: Chaalo Gujarat, World Gujarati Conference 2012 was organized by the Association of Indian Americans in North America (AIANA) in New Jersey, USA during Friday 31, August to Sunday 2, September, 2012 at the Raritan Expo Center. Theme of third Chaalo Gujarat event was Gujarat, Gujarati, Gujaratism. There were plenty Cultural and Art Performances arranged successfully during three days’ long Conference. Everybody present there, enjoyed fully the Culture of Gujarat, its Art, literature and Gujaratism. Three days extravaganza under one roof conducted by Sunil Nayak, the person behind all these tremendous work, always love to experiment with and try to present something new every time. Owed as the biggest gathering of its kind outside India, Chaalo Gujarat attracted more than 30,000 for the duration of the conference. The State of New Jersey even issued a proclamation declaring Aug. 31 as Gujarati Day as recognition of the community’s contributions to the state. Chaalo Gujarat 3rd Day 09-02-2012 Sunday On the third and final day of ‘Chaalo Gujarat’ giant Ratinan Center was overwhelmingly crowded in celebrating the final day of the event. It was a grand success. Under the leadership and dedicated work of Sunil Nayak and his team was big […]

Chicago IL: Sahil and L.A. Tan Chicago local promoter presented Shreya Ghoshal Live in Concert at 8.00 pm this Friday, September, 14 2012 at Akoo Theatre (Rosemont), 5400 N. River Road, Des Plaines IL 60018. By On public Demand Shreya sang some old Golden Melodies in addition to her own newer hit songs. Shri Balaji Entertainments was a national promoter of Shreya Ghoshal tour in North America. The program started with entry of Iqubal Jafri as MC and few performances of local artists were presented starting with songs from Ms. Dasgupta, Pasha, a dance with song by Komal Sharma and a young dancer Nisha. All these warmed up the audience those were eager to hear Shreya. Amidst screaming proclamations of love from fans with rhythmic claps and audible hums, Shreya unfolded her repertoire of soothing love songs, delectable duets with up and coming singer Prithvi (who often drew attention with his deep, powerful vocals) and vigorous danceable numbers. In addition Iquabal Jafri played the role of MC as well as sang few songs with his spirited voice and exceptional method. So there was ‘ ‘Tujh mein rabb dikhta hai’, ‘Teri oru, teri oru’, ‘Naino ko dheere dheere’, ‘Tere mast mast […]

New Jersey: Edison, NJ: Chaalo Gujarat, World Gujarati Conference 2012 was organized by the Association of Indian Americans in North America (AIANA) in New Jersey, USA during Friday 31, August to Sunday 2, September, 2012 at the Raritan Expo Center. September 1, 2012 First time in North America, Chaalo Gujarat hosted a pageant for young Gujarati ladies across the country, titled Miss Gujarat USA 2012. Eight highly intelligent, beautiful and talented young women, representing thousands of Gujarati girls in the US, who strive to keep their culture and values alive, despite living so far away from Gujarat. Never before has any pageant had the kind of platform or audience that Chaalo Gujarat will provide for Miss Gujarat USA contestants. In an effort to involve the Gujarati youth in the event, Miss Gujarat USA serves to demonstrate the pride Gujaratis have in the next generation. Shradha Amin from New Jersey was chosen as Miss Gujarat USA 2012 during the World Gujarati Conference 2012, Chaalo Gujarat on September 1, 2012. Other title holders were first Runner up Meera Thakrar and second Runner up Ekta Khetia. Miss Gujarat USA 2012 pageant was an undeniable success at this year’s Chaalo Gujarat. Featuring eight young […]

Day-1 Edison, NJ: Chaalo Gujarat, World Gujarati Conference 2012 was organized by the Association of Indian Americans in North America (AIANA) in New Jersey, USA during Friday 31, August to Sunday 2, September, 2012 at the Raritan Expo Center. Theme of third Chaalo Gujarat event was Gujarat, Gujarati, Gujaratism. There were plenty Cultural and Art Performances arranged successfully during three days’ long Conference. Everybody present there, enjoyed fully the Culture of Gujarat, its Art, literature and Gujaratism. Three days extravaganza under one roof conducted by Sunil Nayak, the person behind all these tremendous work, always love to experiment with and try to present something new every time. Owed as the biggest gathering of its kind outside India, Chaalo Gujarat attracted more than 30,000 for the duration of the conference. The State of New Jersey even issued a proclamation declaring Aug. 31 as Gujarati Day as recognition of the community’s contributions to the state. A spectacular Multimedia show encompassing “Dhanya Dhara Saurashtra & Kutch Gaatha” was an enigma in itself to watch was an amazing experience. On the first day, everybody relished the Cultural and Artistic Media Show based on Kutchh and Saurashtra region the only such program arranged within the […]

Chicago IL: On Sunday, September 02, 2012, the Sher-e-Punjab Sports and Cultural Club held its Annual International Kabaddi Cup and Volleyball Tournament at Busse Woods Forest Preserve, Elk Grove Village, IL. This sport event turned out to be a big festival of fun, food, live entertainment and sports. Despite uncertain weather in the morning people not only from Chicagoland’s area but from Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin came in large numbers to enjoy this sports plus festival. In the evening a famous Punjabi folk singer Baljit Malwa from New York entertained the audience with his popular songs for more than one and a half hour. Chief guest was S. Ajit (Jay) Singh Walia of Wisconsin and Guest of Honor was S. Jasbir Singh Depty from Indianapolis IN. In the open highly physical and competitive Kabaddi Cup matches the first prize was won by the host Shere Punjab Sports & Cultural club, Chicago team by defeating Kings Sports Club Sacramento (California) team with 33 ½ points against 30. The first prize of was sponsored by S. Jaswinder Gill brother and S. Nazar Singh Gill of Waukegan, Illinois. The second prize did go to runner-up team of Kings Sports Club, Sacramento. The second […]

Chicago IL : : Renowned Bollywood music director and singer Bappi Lahiri, popularly known as Bappida, performed live in concert at 9:00 pm, on Friday – August 24, 2012 at Copernicus Theater (Former Gateway Theater), 5216 West Lawrence Avenue Chicago, IL 60630 The magnificent Theatre was packed with a phenomenal number of people who attended this Concert. Bappi Lahiri, the heart-beat of Bollywood music and Cinema, who is a playback singer, mesmerized enthusiastic crowd for about 3.5 hour. Tickets for show ranged from $25, $35, $50, VIP and VVIP. Manpasand (Bhavna Modi) is national promoter and The Local promoter of Chicago show was Manpasand (Bhavna Modi), Payal Shah and Noor Tejany. The concert was started as 9: 00 pm. After the warm up of the orchestra, Instrumental musical song started with and Purvi Dalvi sang ‘Aao Tumhen Chandpe Bichhaye.. Pyar Bhare Sapne Sajaye, Chhotasa Bangla Banae,Ek Nayi Duniya Basae’. Alka sang, Satyam Shivam Sundaram-Ishwar Satyahai, Shiv Hi Sunder Hai, Jago, Uthkar Dekho, Jivan Jyot Magar Hai, Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram’ Sunny a young singer sang a song,’Ek Hasinathi, Ek Diwana Tha, Kya Ummar Thi, Kya Zamana Tha’ and Rup Tera Mastana, Pyar Mera Diwana’ Dipalika Chaudhari sang a song composed by […]

Chicago IL: Pakistan’s official Independence Day was Sunday August 14 however Chicago’s Pakistani parade committee decided to postpone the celebration until Saturday, Aug 25th 2012 due to Ramadan. They would celebrate their 65 years of independence from British rule by having their 24th annual Parade and Taste of Pakistan festival. The parade stepped off from Devon and Damen Saturday 12:30 noon, and the festival continued until 7:30 p.m. at Warren Park. The Parade was organized Pakistan United Parade Committee, Greater Chicago. Pakistan’s independence Parade attracted over considerable number of people on Devon Avenue. The weather was sunny and hot (90 degree farenhight). It turned out to be a beautiful parade after all. The parade began at 12:30 noon and ended at 2:00 PM. The event all together was a fun filled family day. The streets of Devon were flooded with families screaming in pride “Pakistan Zindabad!” and “Happy Independence Day!”. Men, women, and children all were dressed for the occasion. Women wore their beautiful and colorful traditional dresses. The men wore their traditional white outfits with a green shawl. The Pakistani flag was waved in joy by many. Tattoos and face paint of green and white were amongst the few […]

Chicago IL: Pakistan Independence Day Celebration with Jawad Ahmed was organized by Association of Pakistani Americans in Bolingbrook from Noon to 11pm, Saturday, August 25, 2012 at Bolingbrook Village Clerk, 375 W Briarcliff Rd, Bolingbrook, IL. Admission was free to all. Bolingbrook residents celebrated entire event Pakistani style. 21st Flag Hoisting Ceremony was also part of “The Taste of Pakistan”. It was A fun filled Day for the whole family with Live Music, Food, Booths and Merchandise of Middle Eastern origin. It was a record breaking event, People came all the way from Ohio and Iowa. According to village official it was around 12,000 to 14,000 people which broke all previous records. Pakistan’s independence day which is also known as Yom-e-Azaadi is celebrated on 14 August every year. Pakistan gained its independence on 14 August 1947 from its British colonizers. The festivity began at noon, but around 3:30 p.m. when things really get rolling. Evening event start at 6:30 pm opening with Islamic prayer. Before Flag Hoisting there was Quiz conducted by Jibran Illyas and winners were given prizes. Traditional flag hoisting which was conducted at 7:00 p.m. National Anthem of America and Pakistan were sung. All local political officers, […]

Chicago IL: The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago popularly known as HTGC in Lemont IL hosted its semi annual fund raising event that included a captivating music concert and a banquet style dinner in the Rathi Auditorium of the temple on Saturday August 18, 2012. This year’s focus of the fund raiser was on two capital projects – kitchen upgrades and installation of an elevator in Ramalaya. The kitchen and the dining hall were last renovated in 2003 and as the number of meals served during weekends and festivals increased several fold, expansion of the kitchen became an absolute must. With increasing number of elderly devotees, the need for an elevator can not be overemphasized. Collecting funds for these projects estimated to be around $240,000 becomes a tall order and this was the theme of the speeches by the temple president Dr. Gopal Srinivasan and finance committee chair Dr. Rohini Udupa. Mr. Bhima Reddy and Mr. Satish Amruthur gave a slide presentation later, detailing the kitchen and the elevator plans. The event started with a social hour at 6:00 PM as the guests started coming in. Everybody enjoyed the tasty Hors d’oeuvres while relaxing, mixing with their friends. The main […]

Chicago IL: The spirit of patriotism was truly depicted at Federation of Indian Association’s 66th Independence Day celebration banquet on Saturday, August 18, 2012 and at the Grand Parade held on Sunday, August 19, 2012. The Banquet included a spectacular cultural program which took place at The Meadows Club, 2950 W. Golf Road, Rolling Meadows, IL. Both events were meticulously planned and coordinated by Founder President Sunil Shah, President Onkar Sangha and his team of FIA office bearers. Dignitaries included William Mcleod-Mayor, Village of Hoffman Estates, Ms. Mukta Tomar, Consul General of India in Chicago , Rodney Craig- Mayor of Hanover Park, Fred Crespo-State Representative, Carole Pankau-State Senator, John Lawson-Schaumburg Township Assessor, Prachi Desai- Bollywood Actress and Chief Guest and Congressman Joe Walsh. One of the main attraction was the presence of the young and vibrant Bollywood actress, Ms. Prachi Desai from Bombay, India. She was the Chief Guest at the banquet and the Grand Marshall at the FIA Parade. Prachi Desai is a well known Indian film and television actress. She has starred in movies such as “Rock On” and “Bol Bachchan” and many popular TV serials. Ms. Prachi Desai expressed her gratitude for bestowing upon her the honor […]