Category: Press releases

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 […]

Chicago IL: The patriotic euphoria was domineering as the crowds waving tri-color flags accompanied with shouts of “Bharat Mata Ji Jai” permeated the Chicago’s India Independence Day parade hosted by the Federation of Indian Association-Chicago [FIA] on a crowd-jammed Mahatma Gandhi Marg. in the heart of the India Town in Chicago on Saturday, August 18, 2012. The uninhibited patriotic fervor was abundantly palpable as the parade snaked through a nearly 2-mile march led by a massive Indian flag carried by teenagers with the Scottish Band playing the marching beat interspersed with high-decibel sounds of drum-beats and pulsating music emanating from several floats. Parade Grand Marshal Aftab Shivdasani, the hottest Bollywood star led the extenteded parade with an enduring smile on his face as he waved and greeting crowds of people which was followed by a great convoy of decorated floats laden with colorfully dressed and spirited participants as it gently made its way through on Devon Avenue amidst the cheers and shouts from the crowds lined up on both sides of the street. Before the parade stepped out, the tri-color Indian flag was gently hoisted with saluting hands of the FIA executive board members, community and business leaders encircling the […]

Chicago IL: Federation of Indian Associations [FIA] Chicago held a Grand Gala Banquet in commemoration of India Independence Day on Friday, August 17, 2012 that attracted overflowing guest attendance filled to the capacity at the Meadows Club in Rolling Meadows, Illinois with showcased in great measure the spirit of festive celebrations and patriotic ardor. This evening gala of celebrations and awards presentations were hosted in conjunction with Drishti Arts. The banquet saw the convergence of community’s elite and the eminent at this sold-out evening gala celebrations heightened by music, dance, fine food and celebratory revelry. The banquet brought great musical ensemble with their extravaganza “Aye Mere Waton Ke Logo” a special live-audio/visual musical tribute to Mother India. The evening belted out some melodious patriotic theme musicals of yesteryears which was followed by ‘SAREGAMA’ youthful musical pop and fusion music and songs presented by the cream of young talent from India. Ajai Agnihotri, FIA President welcoming the guests said the evening’s gala provides an outstanding opportunity to showcase our ideals of patriotism and indianness while affording us a collective chance to celebrate India’s great milestone event. Ajai Agnihotri further said “I am honored to have been bestowed with the opportunity to […]

Skokie IL: On Sunday August 19, 2012 Muslims from all over the metropolitan area joyfully bustled into the Holiday Inn, 5300 Touhy Ave, Skokie, IL to join in on the global celebrations of Eid Ul-Fitr. While there were various venues that held Eid prayers throughout the region, one of the largest turnouts was at the Holiday Inn. The block was quite a sight to passersby. Groups of individuals in vibrant Indian-Pakistani clothing flooded the parking lots as they made their way to the exquisite banquet hall to commemorate the glorious day. Women in vibrant colored dresses, men in ethic outfits and children, smiling and laughing, filled the parking lots and were pouring into the hotel lobby. As individuals worked through the crowded doorways, volunteers from Eid committee gathered funds to recover event expenses. Demonstrating true Islamic generosity, many emptied their pockets and purses into the collecting bins before taking their shoes off and heading into the prayer halls. Men and women continuously and open-heartedly made space for incoming members so everyone would be able to partake in the namaz. Namaz was recited throughout the morning and afternoon to accommodate the 9,000 enthusiastic individuals in attendance. Despite the large masses, the […]

Chicago, IL: Kanan Cruises, Chicago’s newest and largest private Charter Vessel Boat was the venue for a very special program on August 12, 2012. Over 250 devotees boarded on Kanan Cruise at Navy Pier Lakefront to participate in Amrit Varsha a discourse by Shri Sudhanshuji Ji Maharaj. It was rarest of the rare opportunity to feel soothing effect in this course that was given on Sunday Aug.12, 2012 in sailing voyage in Lake Michigan. Amrit Varsha-a discourse by Shri Sudhanshu Ji, which was followed by Maha Prasad (Dinner). All devotees were inspired motivated and uplifted among the calm water & stunning Chicago Sky Scrapers. The festivity was eventful as boarding started at 5;00 p.m. at Navy Pier. All devotees boarded first & then his Holiness Sudhanshu Ji Maharaj entered the ship. The Program started at 6.15 p.m. by humble devotee MC Anju Lal. Her pious voice captured the devotees right away. The entire voyage discourse comprised of devotional Bhajans by renowned artists Narendra Vashishtha, Anju Lal, Neha Rathi, Mr. Kohli and Tarikhbhai Parikh Ji. It was accompanied by Puran Yyas JI on Tabla, Anilbhai on Manjira and Narendra Ji on Harmonium & Surinder Ji on dholak. Narendraji started the evening […]

Chicago IL: On Sunday, August 5, a lone gunman and home grown terrorist Wade Michael Page, 40 who was neo-Nazi allegedly shot six Worshiper at a Gurudwara in south of Milwaukee. Page’s downward spiral ended when he shot himself after a shoot-out with police. Dead were five men and one woman, Sita Singh, 41; Ranjit Singh, 49; Prakash Singh, 39; Paramjit Kaur, 41; Suveg Singh,84; and Satwant Singh Kaleka, 65, the temple’s president. This massacre happened just after about three weeks following killing of scores of victims by another lone gunman in a movie theater in Colorado. In this killing spree victim included a 6 yrs. old girl. Somber, tearful mourners, most wearing scarves on their heads in the Sikh tradition, greeted victims’ family members with tears and hugs at the Oak Creek High School gymnasium. Family members stood near the six wooden caskets that were each draped with a white cloth. The caskets were lined up under the gym’s basketball net, below a huge screen that flashed images of the victims whose stories were told in this interactive vedio Behind each casket was a large portrait of the victim adorned with flowers. About 5000 mourners attended the memorial service. […]

YAMUNOTRI CAMP – June 18-24, 2012 Theme: Mahabharata stories, Values from Srimad Bhagavad Geeta and Gratitude is the Attitude BADRI CAMP- July 16-22, 2012 Theme: Mahabharata stories, Values from Srimad Bhagavad Geeta and “Serve, Love, Know” For the past 30 years, Chinmaya Mission Chicago has been conducting Vedic Heritage Youth camps for the benefit of children in grade KG through High School. Each weeklong camp focuses on Value-based learning while having age appropriate fun throughout the day. This year, the camps were held from June 18-24 at Yamunotri center in Grayslake, IL and from July 16-22 at Badri center in Willow brook, IL. Both camps concluded with everyone feeling inspired to live a noble value-based life with a higher purpose. During a typical day, children learnt values through stories, games and interactive classes in the morning, participated in sports and games, made theme related crafts and learnt bhajans and stotrams in the afternoon. The vegetarian snacks/juice and meals were lovingly made and served by volunteers throughout the day. Under the guidance of Swami Sharananada, acharyas (teachers) from local centers and other Mission centers in the US came for the week specially to teach the camp material. This year’s theme was […]

Chicago IL: Members of Indian Seniors of Chicago met at Manav Seva Mandir on Saturday 11th August, 2012 at 11.30am for the celebration of Independence Day, Raksha Bandhan, Janmashtami and Birthday of seniors. Around 135 members attended the program. Mrs Hema Shastri, executive Committee member, Mrs Mayura Desai and Shri Bipin Shah opened the commencing of gathering by prayer and Hanuman Chalisa and all the members cooperated to sing with them. Then Hema Shastri, Mrs Bhadra Shah and some of the female members chanted Bhajans appropriate to the celebration of Janmashtami. Shri CV Desai presented the detailed accounts which included 2 days tour to Maharishi Vedic City, Fairfield, Iowa and July 14th picnic. He also congratulated some hard working members who helped during the tour. Tour and Picnic were successfully conducted with the help of various member volunteers. Shri Hirabhai Patel gave highlights recent 9 days member bus tour to include Las Vegas, Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and Hoover dam. He also thanked certain members for cash contribution given to Indian Seniors of Chicago. Shri Narsinhbhai Patel gave the sponserars’ names and the amount and materials they have contributed for picnic and Chimanbhai Patel gave congratulation to those who […]

Iselin NJ – On a beautiful Sunday, the sun shined as over 27,000 celebrated India’s Independence Day. The annual parade, hosted by the Indian Business Association, a non-profit organization, is now in its 8th year. “Thanks to all our sponsors, volunteers, and over 100 organizations that participated, we delivered a great parade to our community” said Kapil Shah, President of the IBA. Commencing at Wood Avenue, on Oak Tree Road, the parade featured a marching band, over 15 floats, dozens of marching groups, and even a horse carriage, the latter courtesy of Wells Fargo. Leading the parade was Grand Marshal and Bollywood actress Prachi Desai and Special Guest Aadesh Shrivastava, a noted singer and music director. Thousands dressed in traditional Indian attire, a tribute to India’s freedom fighters. India became free of British rule on August 15, 1947. Several prominent elected officials attended today’s event, including Woodbridge Mayor John McCormick, Congressman Frank Pallone, State Senator Sam Thompson, Freeholders Polos and Rios and members of the Woodbridge Council. “The Indo-American Community should be proud, this is an amazing event” said Congressman Pallone. The parade route was decorated with American and Indian flags. “The theme of this year’s parade was Our India, […]

Chicago IL: Chicago Bible Fellowship and Mount Carmel Prayer Fellowship hosted 12th Holy Convocation at Best Western Plus Hotel at 1725 E Algonquin Rd, Schaumburg, IL, from August 2nd to 5th, the purpose of the Convocation was to Worship Lord Jesus and hear the word of God. Indian Christians from various states came with much expectation to listen Word of God and ministered by two powerful evangelists from India. Dr. John Wesly – Founder and President of Young Holy team – an International evangelist delivered powerful messages with real examples from Bible reciting the scriptures every evening to the banquet hall packed with audience, Thursday evening on Walking with God – How we need God in our daily lives, On Friday Dr.Wesly spoke on Living Epistles to bear witness for Jesus Christ and Saturday, he spoke on “More than Conquerors” talking about the past conquerors from history, how we need to conquer sin, and satan through power of Jesus Christ in us, many people repented of their sins, and trusted Jesus to save them from their sins and the eternal punishment. Bro.Paul Sudhakar a great expositor of Word of God, expounded the truths of the bible to the believers, on […]