Category: Press releases

Chicago IL: The Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago (PCS) kept up it’s long tradition of participating in the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade held on the day of Thanksgiving, Thursday November 22, 2012 on State Street downtown Chicago, luckily under an unseasonably fair weather sky and thousands watching and cheering in person. This was PCS’s 5th time in the parade highlighting Indian culture. The parade was televised live on WGN TV Channel 9, WGN America, and also streamed live on internet for worldwide viewing from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m, and also rebroadcast at 1 pm to 4 pm on CLTV on the same day where millions watched from home. Celebrating its 79th year, the McDonald’s® Thanksgiving Parade is Chicago’s premier holiday event. PCS was a part of more than 100 spectacular contingents proudly marching the parade route North on State Street from Congress to Randolph Street inspired by a cheering crowd of thousands. “PCS has been participating in this parade since 2005, it gives our Indian community a great exposure in the mainstream, and it shows our commitment to celebrate the American festivals,” said PCS President Baljit Singh Sidhu. “The theme of the PCS decorated float and it’s contingent was […]

Chicago IL: Holiday Inn presented ‘The South Asian Bridal Expo 2012 from 11:00am to 5:00 pm on Sunday, November 11, 2012 at Holiday Inn, 3405 Algonquin Road, Rolling Meadows, IL. Bridal Expo started with “Dholmastersherlock” Shirish Shah from Chicago and his Troupe of brightly adorned dancers that practically danced on air, mesmerizing the crowd around. If you looked closely you could see the music infiltrating into the audience and a few shoulders actually bouncing to the beat! Top Vendors specializing in Jewelry, Boutiques, Mandaps, Hair and Makeup Artists, Décor and Floral, Gift Favors, Photographers/Videographers, Invitations, DJs, Wedding Planners, Hotels, Caterers and Graceful Equines which provides white mare for the groom to ride during the Baraat ceremony participated in this event. Public and Vendors came from near and far to attend this year’s expo whose back-drop seemed like a getaway well worth the travel. The event took place at the Holiday Inn Express of Rolling Meadows, with its island inspired banquet hall, taking us from the windy city to a Goan retreat. The Fashion show was a two part extravaganza featuring two distinct designers. Trusha Mehta of “Palkhi” dominated the first half with her large array of glamorous, and very much […]

Chicago IL: Bright lights, fireworks, colors, and delicacies, what can all these words represent? These are the words that signify one of the most renowned Hindu festivals, Diwali, or the “Festival of Lights”. This festival is celebrated by Hindus all around the world and symbolizes the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. Diwali is the last day of the Hindu calendar and is followed by New Year celebrations. This year’s Diwali festival was celebrated with great devotion at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett, IL. On November 13th, devotees gathered at the Mandir with family and friends to participate in the Chopda Pujan, a special ceremony for business owners to receive blessings for the upcoming New Year. This is traditionally the day when business owners close their existing account books for the year and open new ones in preparation for the upcoming year. Through chanting Vedic hymns and prayers, hundreds of ledgers were blessed during the ceremony. On November 14th, devotees gathered early in the morning to offer their prayers on the first day of the New Year. They graciously greeted each other and spread wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year. All were dressed […]

Chicago IL: Shariq Sidz ‘s “Dil Toota” Video Premiere Party & an exclusive performance was held on ‘Sunday’ November 18th 2012 at Eclipse Entertainment Lounge, Chicago Illinois. Shariq Sidz is an upcoming singer from Chicago who is making a big name for himself already in the music industry. He has performed with names such as RDB, Rahim Shah, Jawad Ahmed and many more. However, it was time for Shariq to shine on his own and let the world know what his music is all about. He released his debut single “Dil Toota” and celebrated with his hometown fans at the video premiere party at Eclipse Lounge. The ambiance of the event was very classy and everyone was dressed to impress for the red carpet pictures. As the event started, fans were welcomed by two lovely MC’s for the night, Omehabiba Khan and Sabih Nawab. The fans were treated to videos about Shariq’s past, his childhood and even some messages from important & influential people in his life such as other singers, RJ’s, models and actresses. It takes countless hours to create a music video and everyone had the opportunity to watch behind the scenes footage of the making of “Dil […]

Rolling Meadows, IL: The Indian American Medical Association of Illinois held its 32nd Annual Meeting and Banquet on November 17, 2012 at the classy Meadows Club reflecting on highlights of this past year. Dr. Aruna Vade, President of IAMA thanked her team and members for a successful year in fulfilling the vision and goals of the IAMA such as supporting the Free Clinic, educational and community awareness seminars. The key note speaker for the evening was Dr. Shrinivas Shanbagh Medical Director of Reliance company of India. Dr. Shanbagh addressed how health education and emphasis on preventive health care led to increased participation and compliance with preventive measures among employees in his organization. Dr. Malliswari Challapalli, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist said that the successful measures implemented by Dr. Shanbagh could serve as a blue print for all organizations and industries throughout the world. The Guest of honor Congressman William G Foster spoke to members elaborating the need for reform in immigration policy to recruit and keep talented people in USA. Golden Stethoscope Awards were created by IAMA to encourage research among students, residents and fellows. The first prize went to Rahul Bijlani, 2nd year Medical Student for his innovative research on […]

Chicago, IL: Chicago Fashion Boutique ‘Studio Elite’ Hosts “Walk in Her Shoes”, Couture Fashion Show at The Meadows Club in Rolling Meadows, IL. New Chicago retailer is the exclusive Midwest retailer for India & Pakistan’s top fashion designers; silent auction proceeds to benefit Human Development Foundation Charity. October 4, 2012 Studio Elite has announced its partnership with the Human Development Foundation in staging a couture fashion show and charity drive to benefit women’s empowerment in Pakistan. On Sunday, November 11, 2012, Studio Elite will host the “Walk in Her Shoes” couture fashion show at The Meadows Club in Rolling Meadows, IL from 1pm to 4pm. The runway show will boast beautiful pieces from Studio Elite’s exclusive collection of international couture; featuring labels and houses such as HSY, Mina Hassan, Nomi Ansari, Faiza Samee,Sana Safinas, Satya Paul, and Manish Malhotra. The show will also feature a silent auction with pieces from Studio Elite’s exclusive lineup of designers, with all proceeds going to fund Human Development Fund’s efforts in Pakistan to “help people help themselves”. Studio Elite founder and CEO Abiha Javed Khan says, “We couldn’t be happier about hosting this event.” “This is Studio Elite’s first runway show, and by partnering […]

Chicago IL: Desi Fest 2012 was presented by Desi Times at Boomers Stadium, located at 1999 Springinsguth Road in Schaumburg. Grand Opening Ceremony commenced at 5:30 pm on Friday, 21 September, 2012. The main event was held from noon to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 22 2012. DesiFest 2012 displayed a beautiful hand painted Mural from India which was specially painted by a famous artist, Aejaz Saiyed from India. Measuring 10ft x 50 ft, it was the World’s largest hand painted mural, symbolizing peace and featured world leaders Mahatma Gandhi, Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Martin Luther King Jr. – each a follower of peace and unity who’s ideologies are followed all around the world. The world’s largest mural on canvas was envisioned by event promoter Monty Saived and created by Indian artist Aejaz Saived. DesiFest2012 brought together the beautiful cultures of India and Pakistan, and allowed visitors to experience the distinct cultures of the 2 countries with focus on food, jewelry, clothes, beauty pageants, fireworks and entertainment. The festival was open to the public and attracted a large gathering. Local vendors displayed their merchandise in a fun-filled festival complete with dance performances and other entertainment for the little ones, including […]

Schaumburg, IL: Gujarati Samaj Chicago organized a gala Diwali Dinner and Dazzling Bollywood Masti on Saturday, November 10, 2012, at India House Banquet located in 1521, Schaumburg Road, IL Illinois. The evening was attended by about 612 guests. 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 the Manish Pandya, who kept the crowd fluid, attentive, and involved for total length of the program. Diva lighting ceremony was performed by Chief Guest Harshit Patel from NY Life and appreciated that Diwali Festival is being celebrated and conveyed his best wishes for Happy Diwali to all. MC called on stage Jasbir and Shital Patel. Addressing the gathering, current President Suryakant Patel wished everyone a Happy Diwali and Happy New Year! He said, “Diwali marks the attainment of moksha or nirvana and to rejoice conquering of evil Ravan by Lord Ram. Let us thank, pray, and celebrate for all the blessing by supreme Bhagavan.” He outlined objectives of the Samaj that “We are glad to be serving the Chicago Metropolitan area for many years. Our goals are to encourage people to explore and learn […]

Rolling Meadows, IL: It was an evening full of color, celebrations, great food and sizzling music as the Six Gam Patidar Samaj of Chicago held its annual Diwali banquet at The Meadows Club on Friday, November 9 2012. Over 440 Six Gamis gathered together dressed in colorful traditional attire to celebrate Diwali with verve and joy associated with Gujaratis allover. The cocktail hour kicked off at 6.30 pm with tasty appetizers. Program started with the ceremonial lamp lighting by the President, Dilip Patel, Chief Guest Naren Patel and the Board of Trustees and happy spirits and was followed by some colorful dances by young second generation Gujarati American dancers. Some rocking Bollywood numbers were the flavors of the evening. The dances were followed by brief speeches by the President Dilip Patel and other officials of the Samaj who thanked the members for their whole hearted support of the organization. Leading members of association and sponsors were then introduced. Diptesh Desai was the master of ceremonies. A delicious dinner cooked by the Chefs of the Meadows Club followed and put the attendees in the right spirit for a couple of hours of riveting entertainment from singers Samir Date and Dipalee Somaiyya […]

Chicago IL: Festivity is in the air as Chicago land is all set to celebrate the Diwali once again. Having considerable Indian presence, mood in Chicago is upbeat Indian community members and the Temple are geared up to celebrate. Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago (JSMC) celebrated Diwali Gala on Friday, November 10, 2012 at Jain Center, 435 N. Route 59, Bartlett, IL. Purpose and goal of organizing this event was dual, Diwali Celebration and Membership Appreciation Dinner. The auditorium was fully packed with about 600 people This was a ticketed event with VIP and Regular seating passes for $20 and $10 respectively for JSMC Life members. Non-Members paid additional $5. Diwali is a festival of utmost importance in the Indian subcontinent. It is celebrated with exceptional enthusiasm across the country by people of every sect and religion. People light diyas (cotton string wicks inserted in small clay pots filled with oil) to signify victory of good over the evil within an individual. As with other Indian festivals, Diwali signifies many different things to people across the country. While in North India Diwali celebrates Rama’s return to Ayodhya after the defeat of Ravana and his coronation as king, in Gujarat, the […]

Chicago IL: Hi India, Sixgam Patidar Samaj of Chicago presented Dandiya Dhoom with Dandiya Queen Falguni Pathak on Saturday, November 03, 2012 at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N River Rd, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018. Ticket charges were $20 (Advance and Online) $25 at the Door. The Convention Center was fully crowded with over enthusiastic people of all ages encompassing the whole arena with more than 5000 present. Participants enjoyed clapping, dancing, moving and playing Garbas and Raas in full swing up to 1-30 am, when it was closed on account of time. Falguni Pathak’s name is synonymous with fantastic beats, powerful melodious voice and of course Navratri and Dandiya. Falguni Pathak performed her new list of Gujarati folk tales and hit songs from latest upcoming Bollywood movie releases. With the right blend of her heart-filling compositions to romantic lyrics and melodic voice Falguni Pathak surely enthralled all. The talented and highly energetic, Falguni Pathak is a real diva in making. She can leave you gasping for breath with her high pitched performances, be it her powerful vocal chords or her on-stage charisma. Falguni is an epitome of our Navratri celebrations in Mumbai. She is not only respected in […]

Chicago IL: Chinmaya Mission Chicago Badri and Yamunotri Centers together held its annual fundraising gala on Sunday, November 4th, 2012 at the renowned Waterford Banquet and Conference Center, located at 933 South Riverside Drive, Elmhurst, Illinois. The Mission holds their annual gala to help its growth and continue serving the Chicago area Indian community. Over 700 individuals attended this heartwarming event, which had speeches by Swami Sharananandaji and Swami Ishwaranand of Chinmaya Mission Los Angeles. More than $200,000 was raised in donations. There were also remarkable cultural performances presented by students of Bala Vihar. The theme of this year’s banquet was “Gratitude is the Attitude’. Distinguished dignitaries in attendance were Prof. and Mrs. Bala Bala Chandran, Dr. Gopal Lalmalani, Amrit Mittal, Nand Kumar and Dr. Lata, Dr. Sudarshan Sharma and Nituji, Mr. Rishikant Singh, Gen Mgr of Air India, Chicago, Mr. & Mrs. Sanjay Sharma, Finance Mgr. of Air India, Chicago, Dr. Bharat Barai, and other prominent Indian community members. The evening commenced with a traditional PurnaKumbha, Invocation, Gurustotram Chanting, welcome for the Acharyas, Honorable Head Table Guests, accompanied by Vedic Chanting that was rendered by Sevikas of the mission. The Acharyas then proceeded to light the lamp and paid […]

Chicago IL: Punjabi folk dance Bhangra teams from Columbia university, George Mason University, Duke university, Washington University, and independent traditional teams from Chicago “Ministry of Bhangra”, and “Ankh-E-Gabroo” from New York competed in the 8th PCS Chicago International Bhangra and Gidha Competition held on Nov. 3, 2012 at Des Plaines Theater in Des Plaines Illinois. Dr. Bhupinder Singh Saini of Pain Management Milwaukee Wisconsin was the chief guest. More than 800 attended this colorful high energy performing arts show punctuated with hilarious comedy by Jus Reign of Canada, and stellar performances of Gidha by Punjab Sports and Culture Club of Cincinnati Ohio and a variety fusion dance by Chicago Dhamaal. More than 120 male and female performers from all over the country participated in this event. The competition this year was among the Bhangra teams only. In addition to the great Bhangra competition experience, the participants had a lot of fun games and dancing during pre-event social mixers, post-event networking parties, meals and celebrations like a youth festival. “Ankh-E-Gabroo” an independent traditional bhangra team from New York won the Bragging rights to the 2012 PCS Chicago Bhangra Championship first place trophy and $1500 cash prize sponsored by Punjab Sports and […]

Chicago IL: Bollywood Milestones 1961-2011 musical charity concert was organized by Ekal Vidyalaya from 7:00 PM to 11:PM, on Saturday April 14, 2012 at Glenbard East High School, 1014 South Main St, Lombard, IL. Ekal had invited two young rising singers Samir Date and Dipalee Somaiya from Mumbai to help celebrate the milestone and raise more funds to continue their mission to eradicate illiteracy among the children of rural and tribal India with holistic empowerment. It was the singer’s twenty first performance of the tour that will span across several cities over the next five month period when in all forty two performances are to be staged. As always, Ekal included a extravagant dinner in its modest ticket price. All the attendees were served the dinner at around 5:00 pm. that included Puri, Mix Vegetables, Dudhi Halwo(Sweet), Fulwadi(Farsan),Chana, :Dal, Rice.. (food prepared by BAPS). After the dinner, the program started at around 7:00 pm. First of all Aum Stuti was recited. Yash Desai and her group recited Prarthna. Guest of Honor Mr Mafatbhai lighted a lamp with Ekal Chicago Chapter President and group of kids . Master of ceremony was performed by two youngsters Jugal Doshi and Sonali Majmudar. They […]

Bensenville, IL: On Saturday, October 27, 2012 the Gujrati Samaj Chicago (GSC) Board of Trustees, members of executive committee and volunteers hosted colorful Raas Garba festivity on the occasion of Navratri. 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. and attended by over 400 individuals. 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 celebrations started when darkness fell and continued till the wee hours of the day. Young and old, men and women danced their heart out in front of Amba Mata. Particularly in the Chicago area which is the hub of the Indian and Gujarati population. Musicians from India made it to […]

Chicago IL: Cine Starz Entertainment – Rafi Hussain. A leading name in the Entertainment World presented Bollywood and Desi Songs with live band Bollywood Badshah Mika Singh performed Live at the Sears Center for the first time ever in Chicago. It was an electrifying performance by Mika along with Professional Dancers. He was accompanied by the beautiful feminine Miss India Finalist Ishita Sarkar and a successful Playback Singer Shraddha Pandit, live on Friday, October 26, from 8:30 PM, at Sears Centre, 5333 Arena – Hoffman Estates, IL. Ticket Rates were: $75, $55, $39. Ishita Sarkar one of the most talented Emcees started the program with her scintillating and gorgeous style. Presenting a Musical Song by Ravi on violin, followed by forceful, talented, upcoming stars Raman Kappor and Aka Singh. Presented popular Bollywood and Punjabi Songs in Hilarious style. Thereafter array of love, romance started with Shraddha Pandit presented an array of songs mesmerizing the audience. Then entered Badshah of music, Mika Singh starting with ‘Ek Dusre Ko Rat Bhar Sone Nahi Denge and ending also with the same songs. In between there was an Ocean of Vigour, Spirit making the entire audience rocking with his spectacular presentation of Punjabi and […]

Great Neck, NY: The Indian American Kerala Cultural and Civic Center (http://keralacenterny.com) will honor five Indian American Malayalees for their outstanding achievements in their field of specialization or for their service to the society and one diplomat for his service to the UN. The awardees will be honored at Kerala Center’s annual banquet on Saturday, November 3rd starting at 7.00 p.m. at Leonards of Great Neck in Long Island (near Queens, New York City, address: 555 Northern Boulevard, Great Neck, NY 11021). The Chief Guest for the evening is Vijay K. Nambiar, Under Secretary-General and Special Adviser of the UN Secretary-General on Myanmar. Ambassador Nambiar will be honored for his service to the U,N. The keynote speaker is Dr. Geeta Menon, Dean, Undergraduate College and Abraham Krasnoff Professor of Global Business, Stern School of Business, New York University. Dr. Menon will also be honored for her achievement in the field of Education. Other award recipients who will be honored at the Awards Banquet are: Joy Kuttiyani, President of Kerala Samajam of South Florida, whose initiative to erect Mahatma Gandhi came to fruition recently for Community Service; Viju Menon, Vice President of Supply Chain Management at Verizon, the largest wireless carrier […]

Chicago IL: National Federation of Indian-American Associations NFIA hold its17th Biennial Convention during October 12-14, 2012 at Holiday Inn, 3405 Algonquin Rd, Rolling Meadows, IL. National Federation of Indian American Associations (NFIA) Invited guests and keynote speakers: Minister of Overseas Indian affairs Vayalar Ravi, Prime Minister of Trinidad Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Indian Ambassador Nirupama Rao, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, Secretary of State Jesse White, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Consul General of India, Mukta Dutta Tomer, Congressmen Danny Davis, Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Clerk Dorothy Brown, Past & Present Leaders of NFIA Program of the convention was, Inauguration: Friday October 12, 2012 6:30PM followed by Cultural Program and Dinner. Saturday October 13, 2012 9:00AM to 5:00PM Conferences. 7:00PM-11PM Public Meeting, Entertainment program, Award Ceremony, Grand Gala Banquet. Sunday 9AM-12:30PM General Body meeting, Lunch. Convention theme was ‘Unity/Empowerment of Youth and Women’ Message from the President Lal K. Motwani, “I am grateful to all of you for placing your confidence in me by electing me to head this association during the national convention in New York in September 2010, which also marked the 30th anniversary of the illustrious, umbrella organization for the Indian American community. I am proud to say that […]

Stoneham, MA: The month of August saw heavy rains in the city of Jaipur, Rajasthan, and surrounding areas, causing residents of the region to face flash floods, displacement and food insecurity. Thousands were rendered homeless and a few people were killed in the heavy downpour. At the request of district administration, the Akshaya Patra Foundation came to the rescue of the flood victims and distributed over 50,000 meals in the disaster affected areas. From August 22nd to September 8th, 2012, Akshaya Patra distributed food in the low lying areas of Jaipur in colonies such as Bhatta Basti, Shastri Nagar, and Jahawar Nagar. The Akshaya Patra distribution vans were stationed near the water logged areas while food was hand carried to the affected places. The officers from the food & civil supplies department, police and district administration guided the relief operation. The Foundation continued to support the district in relief efforts until the threat had passed. Recently, the District Collector of Jaipur, Sri. Naveen Mahajan, recognized the services of Akshaya Patra during the flood. Sri. Naveen Mahajan awarded a certificate of appreciation to Rathnangada Dasa, Unit President Akshaya Patra Jaipur, who received the honor on behalf of the Foundation. “We are […]

Robbinsville, NJ: Sixteen-year-old Chetna Patel hurried across the parking lot shielding herself from the brisk autumn morning with a plain white sweater covering her vibrant ochre-colored sari. When asked why she was in a rush, she responded saying, “I don’t want to miss a single second of today’s festivities. I have been waiting for this festival for the last four years.” Chetna was not alone. Well-wishers, devotees, and community members from across the region thronged to celebrate the opening of the Satsang Activity Center (SAC), a new home for cultural, social, and religious activities for the Hindu American community in Central Jersey. This once vacant and hardly noticeable plot of land in Robbinsville, NJ has come to life within the last few years. According to one of the Township County Officials, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha’s conceptualization and creation of the Hindu American Religious Center (HARC) has changed the social and cultural landscape of the entire community. The opening of the first phase of the center, the Satsang Activity Center, was celebrated over three days of ceremonies and rituals. The new assembly hall will provide a location for many spiritual, cultural, educational, and recreational activities for children, families, and community members. Several […]