Category: Press releases

Chicago IL: On June 18 2012, Illinois Wesleyan graduate Sameehan Patel will dip his tire in the Pacific Ocean at Ocean Beach in San Francisco, California and begin an epic journey across the country by bicycle. Patel and eighteen other students make up the 2012 Ride Against AIDS team that will cycle over 4,000 miles across America this summer. To Sameehan, the ride against AIDS is a unique opportunity to open the country’s eyes about a topic that has otherwise been pushed aside. This ride would give us an ability to reach people across the country on a level that a phone call or email cannot achieve. As a theatre major, he studies the art of how people communicate with one another. I would be thrilled to have an opportunity to interact with different people from different walks of life. This powerful cross-country bike ride is dedicated to raising awareness and funds to fight HIV/AIDS is run by FACE AIDS, a youth-led nonprofit that works in the U.S. and Rwanda. The Ride was started in 2007 by two Stanford students. This summer, the fifth annual Ride Against AIDS aims to raise over $100,000, as each rider pledges to raise at […]

Chicago, IL: ABC7 Chicago Anchorman Ravi Baichwal, and Professor James Whelan of the Kelley School of Business, Indian University headlined a special fundraiser on Sunday, June 3rd, 2012, from 5:00 pm-9:00 pm, supporting Chinmaya Organization for Rural Development (CORD)’s successful social programs in India. CORD has been offering sustainable development programs in rural regions of many Indian states for the past 30 years. CORD’s services are focused on improving health, education, and support for the disabled, social justice, local self-governance, decreasing poverty and solving many environmental issues. The fundraiser event had an attendance of 500 people and featured scrumptious Indian dinner, high-powered fusion Indian performances (Bhangra dances) and two comedic acts, hosted at Waterford Banquets, 933 South Riverside Drive, Elmhurst, IL. It was broadcast on the ABC 7 10:00pm News showcasing anchorman Mr. Ravi Baichwal’s address to the crowd emphasizing the spirit of giving in the South Asian community and the impact the evening would have on the people of rural India. Professor James Wahlen, who has collaborated with and visited CORD sites in the past, commended the organization on its global ethos, which has an astounding local impact. This event was spearheaded solely by the second generation, community-minded Indian […]

“In the midst of your daily work, in the tumult and storm of life, pause for a while, again and again.” “In the , MOMENT you will clear your heart, forgiving all who you think have wronged you. This can envelop the world with powerful positive vibrations ushering a New Age. The Master said, I have but only one tongue. If I had a Million Tongues, I would still utter the one word: Give! Give! Give! And the best giving is Forgiving.” Asian Media USA © Chicago IL: Dada J. P. Vaswani, the head of Sadhu Vaswani Mission, Pune, India was in Chicago with his presence at a Spiritual Discourse in English on “Slow Down Your Pace” followed by an interactive Q&A session , on Sunday June 3rd, 2012 from 5pm at the Marriott Oak Brook,1401, West Street, Illinois 60521. All those attending got an opportunity to ask Beloved Dada their innermost burning questions and got comfort in his answers that only he can provide. The Program included one hour of Bhajans sung by a renowned singer from London, Dr. Harish Wadhwani. There was also an Exhibition of photographs of Sadhu T.L. Vaswani as well as Pujya Dada. Everyone enjoyed […]

Monmouth Junction NJ: Support Organization for Kids In Need (SOFKIN) presented Rhythm 2012 on June 2, 2012 at South Brunswick Cross Roads South Middle School, 195 Major Road, Monmouth Junction, NJ. Approximately 500 people attended this prestigious and “most awaited” event that started at approximately 5 pm. Rhythm 2012 event is an Annual Fundraiser to support SOFKIN homes and to raise the awareness in the community about SOFKIN. SOFKIN is a non-profit organization. Their mission is to, “Support the upbringing of the under privileged children, irrespective of name or nationality, cast or creed, race or religion by providing basic amenities, education and medical aid in a secure and healthy environment.” This prestigious event was organized by Chaya Pamula, the Founder of SOFKIN and the managing committee. In the Cross Roads South Middle School, the Rhythm 2012 event was truly remarkable. The backstage and hallway areas, were filled with enthusiastic and smiling faces of children of various ages (6-19 years), waiting to perform on stage. The children were wearing traditional Indian outfits and jewelry, and had unique makeup for the various performances. The air was filled with joy and excitement, as the children were anxiously waiting their turns to perform. Rhythm […]

Chicago IL: On eve of the NATO Summit in Chicago, US Congressman Danny Davis of the Seventh Congressional District of Illinois presented the Golden Eagle Award 2012 to Her Holiness Amma Sri Karunamayi : Bhagavathi Sri Sri Sri Vijayeswari Devi, Founder President of S.M.V.A. Trust, Sri Manidweepa Mahasamsthanam, Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh,India , in recognition of her selfless service and dynamic leadership in providing numerous welfare programs for the underprivileged. Congressman Danny Davis’s Multi Ethnic Advisory Task Force presents the Golden Eagle Award annually to an individual who has made an exceptional difference to humanity usually during the Asian American heritage month. On arrival, Amma was greeted by a band of Westside drummers, buglers and trumpeters. The colorful processional included several Chicago Westside elected officials, Bishops and Pastors of various Churches and Community leaders. The flower girls Hampton sisters, five year old Micah and four year old Morgan showered rose petals on the red carpet as Amma and Congressman Davis reached the dais. It was a truly East meets West welcome. Ms.Tanya Prabhakar, a law student and the Youth Chair of Congressman Danny Davis’s Multi Ethnic Advisory Task Force served as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the glittering Award Ceremony […]

Rolling Meadows, IL: A diverse group of about a hundred entrepreneurs, corporate executives and professionals from multi-cultural backgrounds marked Chicagoland’s first ever Symposium, ‘The Art of Doing Business Across Cultures’. In a cultural melting pot like Chicago, doing business across cultures presents it’s own set of challenges. To address these challenges and empower Chicago’s multi-cultural communities to connect and expand their business cross-culturally, a pioneering Symposium was presented by EQuest Global Group in association with NAWBO. This ground-breaking Symposium was held on Thursday, May 17th from 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm at the elegant venue of The Meadows Club. The Daily Herald Business Ledger, Crain’s Chicago, The Meadows Club and Wintrust Bank sponsored this one-of-a-kind symposium. Kicking off the event, Shebani Kulkarni, President of EQuest Global Group and Co-founder of The Meadows Club and Dhrishti opened with an inspiring speech. She said that in Chicago’s global marketplace, it is essential to discover ways to reach out and expand your circle of business relationships. Quoting Marcel Proust, she said, “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new lands, but in seeing with new eyes”. She introduced Gail Zelitzky, President of NAWBO Chicago, who shared a common vision of connecting […]

Chicago IL: Indian Gujarati Samuday of North America Celebrated Gujarat Day / 52nd Anniversary Of The State Of Gujarat celebrated with Honorable Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Of Gujarat Live Via Satellite by Electronic Media at 5:00 PM, Saturday, May 19, 2012 at Jain Temple, 435 N. Route 59, Bartlet, IL 60103. In Auditorium was full to its capacity accommodating more than 1500 Gujaratis and also many Non Gujaratis as well as Americans. Apart from Gujarat, Chief Minister Narendra Modi’s, 45-minute speech in English and Hindi listened by over 10,000 people in USA. DOWNLOAD PICTURES Major Participating Cities: Chicago, New Jersey, Atlanta, New York, Columbus, Toronto, Houston Texas, Los Angeles, Tampa, Phoenix. All, 12 cities in USA and Canada was simultaneously connected through videoconferencing. Mr. Modi talked about the progress of Gujarat in various sectors. From Tokyo to Tennessee and from Moscow to Mombasa, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi enjoys immense international popularity Midwest Ismaili Pipe Band, performed at the Gujarat Day Celebration. They travelled through Temple Hall way to Auditorium, Stage Escorting Dignitaries and there after moved round the entire Auditorium, befitting to Traditional Beginning, which added to the dignity of the Graceful Event. Sumptuous Dinner supplied by BAPS was […]

The Hindu Temple of Northeast Wisconsin (HTNEW) located at 911 Delanglade Street, Kaukauna, WI hosted their annual fund raising dinner on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 6 pm. This event was held at Liberty Hall Banquet and Conference Center, 800 Eisenhower Dr., Kimberly, WI. The main attraction of this event was Bollywood Singer Poonam Bhatia. She presented “Bollywood Musical Evening” at this fund raising dinner program. The evening was attended by more than 300 guests. Close to $75,000 was raised. This was the Second fund raising dinner the temple has organized. The purpose of this annual fund raising dinner was “Bhoori Virala Danam” meaning “Please Donate Generously”. Masters of Ceremony were Dr. Ravi Vir & Ms. Jayashree Murali. They did an excellent job by communicating with audiences during the entire program. The event was coordinated by HTNEW Committee Chairpersons members, Executive Committee (Officers), Board of Directors and Volunteers. They worked very hard to make this event a very memorable one for the guests. The following dignitaries, City of Kaukauna Mayor – Gene Rosin and his wife; Alderman – Tom McGinnes, his wife Mary; From Appleton- Attorney Bruce Chudacoff and his wife Nancy graced this event. Goals and Immediate attention: Praying […]

Chicago IL: Manav Sadhna presented a thought provoking program United We Prosper, Divided We Fall at Athenaeum Theater located at 2936 North Southport Avenue, Chicago, IL on Sunday, May 6, 2012 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Manav Sadhna is engaged in constructive humanitarian projects encompassing life of 8000 people in the slum communities that is located mainly surrounding the Gandhi Ashram in Ahmedabad, India. Health, hygiene, nutrition, values-based education and empowerment projects are carried out with a deeply spiritual approach to service. “Manav” means “person” in Hindi and “Sadhna” is “spiritual practice.” At Manav Sadhna, they strive to see and serve God in the heart of each person they meet. Their philosophy is to “love all, serve all” and they are deeply inspired to by Mahatma Gandhi’s values of truth, peace and compassion. The message of Mahatma Gandhi is shared by children from the slums of Gujarat through dance and music in 10 major US cities. The program had a very successful tour throughout India. From India to America, EKATVA Features 16 Indian Children Sharing Music, Dance, and Message of “Oneness”. About one of every six human beings on this planet lives in poverty, according to the United Nations. […]

Chicago IL: Soham Dance Space, an Indian dance studio on a pioneering mission, hosted Spring Fest, a Launch Pad Event featuring an Open House and Performance at the Vittum Theater in Noble Square, 1012, N Noble Street, Chicago IL between 1-00 pm to 6-00 pm on Sunday, May 5, 22012. Spring Fest seeks to expound on the unique vision of Soham Dance Space and invites art supporters to join the cause of launching this Community Arts Endeavor to new heights as it builds toward its 5th Year Anniversary in September and incorporates as a Not-For-Profit Organization. Anjal Chande is an accomplished dance artist and founder of Soham Dance Space. She has trained herself under Smt. Hema Rajagopalan of Natya Dance Theatre and later studied under renowned gurus of India: Bhagavatula Sri Seetharma Sarma of Kalakshetra, Smt. Jayanthi Subramaniam, and Smt. Bragha Bessell. She is an exceptional performer and innovative dance-maker, having performed worldwide and received numerous awards and critical acclaim. As an educator, Anjal wishes to instill in students a curiosity for India’s profound culture, a passion for the arts, and the creative capacity to live a dynamic life. At the open house, attendees could register for Classes, participate in […]

Chicago IL : Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Live in Concert rocked Odeum Center, 1033 N Villa Ave, Villa Park , IL. On Saturday – May 5th, 2012 with yet another unforgettable performance show. Rahat mesmerized enthusiastic crowd (sold out Concert) for about 4 hours. Last year also he performed here. “It is huge public demand that brought him back this year too”, said by Vibrant Media Group organizer of the event. Tickets for show ranged from $35 to $200. Pakistani singer and composer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, who launched a concert tour of the United States and Canada. The concert tour, which began April 14, 2012 in Fort Lauderdale, will take Khan to 15 cities in the United State and 4 cities in Canada. Concert in Chicago was 8th show of his US tour and last show will be on June 9, 2012 at Las Vegas. Aims to give his audience a state-of-the-art show with a bigger orchestra, better lighting and sound while retaining the essence of his Sufiyana style of music. He was received by the audience with standing ovation and sang hits from various Bollywood films which rocked the crowd and kept the audience spellbound. The audience enjoyed […]