Category: Press releases

Chicago IL: Association of Indians in America, Inc. (Illinois Chapter) held their Inaugural Function of AIA National Executive Committee and Annual Banquet and Dinner on Sunday, April 29, 2012 at Ashyana Banquets, 1620 West 75th Street, Downers Grove, IL. During social hour everybody greeted each other and enjoyed a casual evening accompanied by soft drinks and delicious snacks. The cultural event and banquet dinner followed thereafter with the Honorable Dorothy Brown, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County as the Guest of Honor. Beena Patel, the charming and dynamic MC of the evening proudly announced the election of Dr. Ghanshyam Pandey, as the National President of AIA. The program started with the American National Anthem performed by Nishal Patel (Grandson of Naren Patel) which was followed by the Indian National Anthem performed by Mr. Anil Sharma. Welcome address was delivered by Mr. Surinder Rametra, Vice President, AIA, and he welcomed all the invited guests and members of AIA. Cultural program started with a group Dance presented by Payalia Dance Studio, Choreographed by Trupti Patel, and this was followed by a Hindi Song sung by Nishal Patel. Thereafter Beena Patel introduced Dr. Ghanshyam Pandey, a renowned Research Scientist, Philanthropist and […]

Chicago IL: A team of leading scientists, artists and business leaders currently touring 10 North American cities this spring, delivered a series of cutting-edge presentations entitled “A New Paradigm: Veda, Consciousness, the Ramayana, and the Self.” The tour includes visits to San Diego; San Francisco; Vancouver; Fairfield, Iowa; Chicago; Toronto; Montreal; Boston; New York; and Washington, DC. www.newparadigmtour.org The Chicago New Paradigm presentation took place at The Meadows Club in Rolling Meadows, (Chicagoland area) and featured a pre-event social hour. A dinner followed the presentation. Thousands of people were notified of the event, which sold out quickly. Even though 650 registered, hundreds more continued to stream in at various stages throughout the evening. The event explored the meeting point of science and spirituality by presenting pioneering research that reveals the Veda and the Ramayana as blueprints of our body and the entire universe. Extensive research on these breakthrough discoveries has also documented collective benefits for society, including the potential for creating world peace. The event featured a video presentation of 1,000 Vedic Pandits in Maharishi Vedic City, Iowa, chanting the Veda. The speakers at this event come from diverse backgrounds. Tony Nader, M.D., Ph.D., neuroscientist and researcher, headlined the event […]

Chicago IL: The Indian American Medical Association’s Charitable Foundation, which operates a free community health clinic in Chicago’s West Ridge community, hosted a Fundraising Dinner and Semi Annual Meeting on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at the Waterford Banquet, 933 S. Riverside Drive, Elmhurst, Illinois. Money raised will benefit the clinic, which is run by Volunteers, Doctors and Providers of Medical Services such as Free Lab Tests and Free Medication. The event was well attended by physicians, politicians, Chicago’s prominent businessmen, community leaders and general public. Fundraising Target was $100,000 however despite the country’s challenging economy, more than four hundred members participated in the event and generously pledged donations totaling $75,000. The Chief Guest of this program was Pat Basu, M.D., M.B.A. Chief Medical Officer: Virtual Radiologic, White House Fellow 2010-2011 and Dr. Raju Ramanathan-Cook County Hospital, Chicago CEO. Dr. S. waminathan, past president of the Illinois State Medical Society, Mafatbhai Patel, CEO of Patel Brothers, Hiran Patel (National Republic Bank), Mr. Naren Patel, Chairman of Medstar Laboratory Inc. and President of AIA and Care and Share, Beena Patel Chief Deputy Clerk Cook County and many more attended this program. Booth: Seasons hospice, Yoga & Veda- Ramayana spiritual booth, NLVS medical […]

Chicago IL: Gujarati Samaj Chicago (GSC) Proudly presented Sangeet Sandhya starting at 7:00PM, Saturday – April 21st, 2012 at Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner Street, Des Plaines, IL 60016. Recently renovated Deplane Theater was filled to its capacity. Over 500 plus audience enjoyed the program till midnight. It was an evening of Beautiful Nostalgic Melodies specially directed to the grown-up audience of 1st or 2nd generation Desi, Performed by renowned SARGAM Musical Group. GSC President Suryakant Patel and his wife Urvashiben Patel warmly welcomed the audience and assured them of memorable evening. The program was sponsored by Dr. Manish Pandya. Mr. Jitubhai Bhagwnkar, owner of this historical theater was also participated actively to promote the event. Female singer Nalini Parikh started the program in her melodious voice with ‘Ishwar Satya Hai Satya Hi Shiva Hai Satyam Shivam Suneram’. Then she continued with other hits like ‘Sathya Sathiya….’ ‘Badmash Dil Tujhe….etc interrupted by thunderous applause and scream of “Once More” from the pack. program was amplified by live colorful and rhythmic energetic dance performed by Shama Shah and Madhuri of Bharat Natyam Mudra Dance Academy. This organization established and running since 1993. It’s director and team has trained nearly 100 students […]

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 sumptuous 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.. After the dinner, the program started at around 7-00 pm. First of all Aum Stuti was recited. Yash Desai and his group recited Prarthna. Dr.Hasmukh Shah narrated in brief activities of Ekal and then Shri Harish Doshi presented various activities of Ekal in his melodious voice and distinct speech. Dipalee came on the stage and started off with Saraswati Vandna […]

Chicago IL: An annual health fair was organized at Shree Jalaram Mandir located at located at 425, Illinois Blvd , Hoffman Estates , IL , on Sunday, April, 15, 2012. More than 325 patients availed the free services provided at this health fairs. The health fair is a community service program mainly for the benefit of devotees and all those without medical insurance, visitors and others in need of medical checkups. Shree Jalaram Mandir volunteers have been working hard to help the society through several beneficial programs in addition to the religious activities and events. The social and humanitarian activities include blood donation drive, bone marrow drive, yoga classes, dance classes, music and instrument classes, youth activities and educational classes. One significant program organized by the temple is the annual health fair. This event marked the 3rd year of the health fair. Long lines of participants arrived early in the morning to take advantage of the medical services at this event. The main coordinator of this event was Mr. Bakulbhai Thakkar. This healthfair started at 8.00 AM and concluded at 1.00 PM. Mr. Chirayu Parikh, President of Shree Jalaram Mandir was overjoyed to see such a large turnout. He stated […]

New Delhi, 5th April, 2012: Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh said that Global threat of terrorism and nuclear power faced by us can be solved by following Lord Mahavir philosophy of Peace and Non-Violence. Prime Minister was addressing the gathering on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti Celebration in the auspicious presence of founder of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti the renowned Jain Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni at his residence 7, Race Course Road , New Delhi . He said that Lord Mahavir gave the message of Unity in Diversity. Following his teachings our country has the sacred culture of tolerance and non-violence, giving due respect to diversity and multiplicity is part of our culture and civilization. We have to strongly maintain this heritage. I am delighted to say that Acharya Lokesh, keeping this culture alive has played an important role in solving tension between different communities many times. For his remarkable contribution Government of India honored him with ‘National Communal Harmony Award 2010’. Followers of his teachings Jain Community is a very peace loving community, Jain Community has played an important role in development of nation and society. Prime Minister further said that Lord Mahavir has associated religion with spirituality. I believe […]

Chicago IL: HTGC celebrated Ramanavami, the three day Janmotsav festival in gaiety and faith. The celebrations marked the culmination of nine day-long-auspicious Chaitra navaratra festival with Ram Katha discourse by Pundit Ram Parsad Sastri and Sundara Kanda paarayanam by Priest Narasimhacharyulu. Sundara Kandam comprising of 2885 shlokas or verses is significant in the entire Ramayana. Sage Valmiki speaks about the achievements of Hanuman (also known as Sundara), whose attitude always reminds us self-confidence, faith and devotion to Rama, fearlessness and trustworthiness. Reading one chapter or sargam of Sundara Kandam is equal to chanting Gayatri japam 1000 times. The power of Rama Nama Japa is well known to all. Our Priest Sri Krishnarajan narrated – In the epilogue to the great Vishnu Sahasra Nama, Parvathi asks Lord Shiva: How do the wise chant the thousand names in brief? And Lord Shiva responds with the well-known couplet “Sri Rama Rama Rameti, Rame Raame Manorame” Rama Nama, he says, is singularly equal to the thousand names. In Ashtaakshari “Om namo NaaRaarayanaaya ‘ Raa’ is the Beejaakasharam . Similarly Ma is Beejasksharam in Shadaskshari “Om NaMashivaaya. The two Beejaaksharaas together is” Raama”. Letter ‘ Raa’ has a value of 2 and letter Ma has […]

Chicago IL: The 2012 Ugaadi and Sri Ramanavami cultural event organized by the Tri State Telugu Association (TTA), Chicago, on 5:00PM, April 7, 2012 at Hindu Temple, Samarathi Auditorium, 10915 Lemont Road, , Lemont, IL under the leadership of TTA Board of Directors, was a feast to the eyes and kept the audience interested from start to the end. The spirit of ‘Spring festivities’ and ‘Life and teaching of Lord Rama’ was brought forth in vibrant colors with the cultural program. TTA victoriously celebrated this event that presented a multi-talented, multi-faceted cultural program of dances and inspiring music. The Samarathi Auditorium at the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago (HTGC), Lemont, was packed with over 500 art lovers. Amazing performances by the local talent with a rainbow of flavors ranging from Classical to semi-classical dances, theme based productions on “Spring Celebrations & Stories on Lord Sri Rama” as well as movie dances kept the crowds mesmerized the entire duration. The cultural show started with a beautiful rendition of ‘Upanishads’ followed by ‘Sri Rama Kalyanam Song’ by about 25 participants of Prajna – Vedic School of JET USA. This was followed by ‘Panchanga Sravanam’ – Predictions for the year according to Telugu […]

Chicago IL: Sita Rama Kalyanamahotsavam was held at Chinmaya Mission Chicago, Yamunotri Center on Saturday April 7, 2012 located at 30877, N. Fairfield Rd., Grayslake, IL. The event was presided by Swami Sharadananda (resident Acharya) and Sita Rama Kalyanam ceremony was performed by priest Srihari Samudrala and supported by local devotees. Bala Vihar children performed a beautiful Dance/Drama “Sampoorna Ramayana”. Over 400 people attended this event. The program started on time at 8-30 am with Shree Sita Rama Kalyanamahotsava Puja- Celestial Wedding Ceremony of Lord Rama and Sita Devi. Thereafter procession of Sita Rama was taken out in grand manner. Resident Acharya Swami Sharadananda delivered a short yet meaningful sermon. Cultural Program by the Balvihar Children depicting important episodes from Ramayana was beautifully presented. The program ended with sumptuous yet simple Lunch. Significance of Sita Rama Kalyanam In the Hindu religion, Lord Rama and Mother Sita are known to be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi. The divine couple were born on Earth to expunge frightful enemies that cannot otherwise be overcome. The Kalyanamahotsavam of Lord Sri Rama with his consort Mother Sita is celebrated on the holy occasion of Sriramnavami which falls on ‘Chaitra Shuddha Navami ‘ the […]

Chicago IL: The students from the Indian Students Association (ISA) at the University of Illinois at Chicago presented a beautiful Cultural Show that showcased dance styles prevailing all across India and featured other talents as well such as singing on Saturday, the 31st March, 2012. Dance and Music program was held at the UIC forum in auditorium. This year, the show’s theme was “The Beginning of the End. It all ends on 3.31.12, are you ready?” Along with Bollywood Music, the show was fused with mainstream hits by American artists that helped to define this growing generation of Indian students. Family and friends of performers packed the UIC Forum on campus for the show. The auditorium was hustling with excited Parents and Friends of the performers and invites. The show featured acts such as the Jungli Jawanis, M6 Crew, Brownwashed, Pyaar Mein Twist 2, Dhalumni, Sandburg Fusion, UIC Nazaara, Chicago Dhamaal, Dilinois, UIC Dangeraas and UIC Bhangra. Many were from other Chicago universities like DePaul also. The show had twelve main acts. Most of the teams were not exclusively UIC students and so many of the acts had students that belonged to different Chicago universities like DePaul. Along with the […]

Chicago IL: When planning a wedding, the cultural traditions have to be handled perfectly and this requires a significant amount of effort, creativity and planning. It includes preparation, managing timelines and checklists, coordinating wedding day activities and putting them all together can be quite an overwhelming process especially when you intend for it to be a major occasion with different number of elements and thousands of minute details. There are many aspects and facets that need to be considered to accomplish a Wedding. It includes renting a hall of appropriate size with required amenities, designing decorations centered around the theme of the wedding, coordinating flowers arrangements, Mandap decorations, table cloth, chair and napkin design/color, finding a DJ, selecting the entertainment, jewellery, clothes, selection of food menu for different wedding events, preparing the guest list, their local accommodation, organizing transportation for guests etc. With a view to get an amicable solution and make life easier for anxious and apprehensive parents of bride and groom, an annual Bridal Expo was organized by the owners and employees of India House on Sunday, the 25th March, between 12-00pm to 6-00 pm at India House, 1521, W Schaumburg Rd., Schaumburg IL. It was planned and […]

The message of Mahatma Gandhi to be shared by children from the slums of Gujarat through dance and music in 10 major US cities Ahmedabad, India, March 22, 2012 – EKATVA (www.ekatva.org) is an experiment to touch the lives and spirit of 16 underprivileged children ages 11 – 15 through dance, music and art, while inspiring the souls of thousands across the world. Sixteen children from some of the largest slums of Ahmedabad, Gujarat were selected through a nine month audition process, and have been trained and developed by mentors from Manav Sadhna (www.manavsadhna.org), a non profit based at the Mahatma Gandhi Ashram, and teachers from Darpana Academy (www.darpana.com) to perform a 90-minute dance-drama production sharing Mahatma Gandhi’s message of ‘Oneness’. After a successful tour throughout India, The EKATVA show and tour will begin touring the United States on May 6, 2012. The show will be performed by the children in the following cities/venues (visit www.ekatva.org for event registration and ticket information): May 6, 2012 Sunday – Chicago | The Athenaeum Theater May 12, 2012 Saturday – Chicago | Glenbard East High School May 16, 2012 Wednesday – Washington, DC | Preston Auditorium May 17, 2012 Thursday – Washington, DC […]

New Brunswick, NJ: This was the twentieth year presentation of Naya Andaz Dance competition. NAYA ANDAZ is the brainchild of 1947 Production & Entertainment, Inc., a U.S. based production house. Both the show and the company have continually grown with each other. The years of continuous enthusiasm and zeal is reflected in the quality of the show, which has bettered with each year. Team Naya Andaz hosted the unparalleled, spectacular 20th Annual Naya Andaz Dance competition at the most prestigious and popular State Theater, New Brunswick, New Jersey on the evening of Saturday, March 24th. Bollywood’s internationally renowned luminaries and celebrities, gorgeous actress Manisha Koirala as Chief Guest, and Legendary choreographer, producer, and director Farah Khan as the Guest of Honor, all attended this sold out show. Petite, beautiful Kavita Kaushik (FIR – Serial famed) wonderfully hosted the entire 4 hour long show with her talents, artistic brilliance and grace. Also veteran Nisha Mathur (AVS Channel host) lent her experience and expertise in co-hosting this increasingly popular and demanding show. The highlights of this 20th annual show are plenty and note worthy. Every year the participating groups exhibit a wide range of artistic brilliance, enthusiasm, grit, determination and an immense […]

Chicago IL: A trendy night club in the heart of downtown Chicago, Excalibur, became the hub for Yoga Rave, the counter party of the year. 800 plus participants rocked out to mantras and music from the Argentinean band, So What Project!, on a seven city tour to the United States for the first time. An unprecedented event, where the only high in the jam packed venue came from dancing, meditation and yoga. Yoga Rave was organized by the International Association for Human Values to benefit their inner city schools ‘Yes! For School’ and the ‘Prison Smart’ programs. The organizers said that they wanted Yoga Rave participants to experience a natural high, in an alcohol free, smoke free environment. Certainly, that goal became a reality, for all to witness as the crowds danced wildly to the beats of the high decibel Argentinian band, flowing into Meditation and Yoga. Yoga Rave was a unique celebration that took the crowd from movement to stillness and back, giving the word celebration a new dimension. Participants described the event as “history in the making,” and a “miracle.” As the jam packed venue rocked out to music and wild dancing, a casual observer might have mistaken […]

Chicago IL: Mahendra Ramanlal Mehta, a pioneer in the legal profession, passed away on March 29, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois, USA after a brief illness. Born in 1930 in Godhra, Gujarat, Mahendrabhai was a renouned legal scholar specializing in Immigration law, a philanthropist and a community leader with membership in various professional and community organizations. The second eldest son of Ramanlal and Kamalaben Mehta, he worked hard and obtained a law degree at a young age of 32 from L. A. Shah Law College in Ahmedabad, India. In 1956 he married Shankutala Parikh and had two children. In 1968, he immigrated to the USA, starting his career in the New York City working, learning and gaining experience in US legal system. Due to his fast learning ability and his immeasurable, impressive knowledge of the law that he acquired in a brief period in the US, he was granted an unrestricted law license in Illinois without formally attending a law school or appearing for the Bar examination; this was a rare exception granted to only a few with his kind of expertise and knowledge. After briefly working in Chicago Title and Trust Company, he opened his law practice in 1973. His […]

Chicago IL: Manav Seva Mandir celebrated Ramanavami Festival on Sunday the April 1, 2012 at 101 South Church Road Bensenville, IL. from 9-00 am onwards. On this auspicious and joyous occasion, devotees of Hinduism are encouraged to aspire to emulate the ideal virtues of Lord Rama and chant ‘Shree Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram’ so as to get the most benefit from the principal Deity as well as to help one to worship the Deity on a continuous basis for furthering spiritual growth and experience. A week long deliberation started on the first day of Chaitra to the ninth day correspondingly known as Navratri, which was enthusiastically celebrated daily in the evening and on last day, Ramanavmi all the deliberations started from 11:00 am. Exactly at 12:00 pm Ram Janam was performed amongst loud cheering of the devotees, ‘Shri Ram Jai Shri Ram Jai Jai Ram”. There was a long queue for Darshan and thereafter, Mahaprasad was taken by one and all, where Farali and regular Prasad was distributed. Jaihind restaurant was the caterer. Importance of Ramnavmi: According to Dr. C.L.Shastri, the Chief Priest at Manav Seva Mandir, “ Bhagwan Shri Ram was Purshottam (Poornavtar). Maharshi Valmiki had created […]

Chicago IL: The Blind Foundation for India (BFI) hosted a Musical Program on Saturday, March 31, 2012 at the Avery Coonley Performing Arts Center, 1400 Maple Avenue, Downers Grove, IL The event “Sunehare Geeton ki Shaam, Ankhon ki Roshni ke Naam” was organized Dr. Manu Vora, Dr. Dipak Shah and Dr. Sheela Shah for the benefit of Blind Foundation for India’s projects in India. The program started with dinner from 6:30 – 7:30 pm and Musical Entertainment commenced at 7:30 pm. The evening program included Mr. Malik Miraj of Hyderabad, India, a winner of Laughter Channel, dance performances by Soorya Dance School of Northbrook, and melodious songs by Drs. Dipak and Sheela Shah. They were accompanied by Mr. Hitesh Master and Orchestra Sa Re Ga Ma. The purpose of the Music Program Sunahare Geeton ki Shaam , Aankhon ki Roshni ke Naam was to enjoy the evening of entertainment and provide a helping hand to improve the plight of over 15 million blind people in India. The cost of a Cataract operation in India is $20 as compared to $4,000 in the United States. The Blind Foundation for India (BFI) is a registered 501 (c) (3) charitable organization in operation […]

Chicago IL: Hari Om Mandir, celebrated Ramnavami Mahotsav whole heartedly on Sunday, the 1st. April, 2012 at 6N020 Medinah Rd, Medinah, IL. Prayers started on Saturday, 11:00am onwards and Ramayan Path reading was undertaken from 11:00am. Bhog Ceremony was on April 1st, 2012, when Ramjanam was celebrated at 12:00pm with Ram Dhoon ‘Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram’ and Bhajans. Aarti was done at 1:30pm and Ladoos were distributed to celebrate the occasion. Then all the devotees took Mahaprasad and dispersed chanting Shree Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram. Rajan and Aarty Singla, Sanjay and Shelly Gandhi, Raj and Meenu Jeethi, Hemant and Indhu Bhalla along with Tangri family did a wonderful arrangement for the Prabhu Ka Bhandara which went on for 24 hours. Ramnavami was celebrated on April 1st this year to proclaim the birth of Shree Ram, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. A major festival lasting 9 days will be celebrated all over India with many special events filled with religious fervor and gaiety. The most notable being the day-long readings of a 1,000 page poem from the Ramayana, a book about Shree Ram’s life. Other practices such as singing of hymns, reciting of Ramraksha Stotra […]

Bartlett, IL: Contributing to the worldwide commemoration of the 101st International Women’s Day, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha celebrated its fifth annual Women’s Conference in Bartlett, Illinois on Saturday, March 24th, 2012. This year’s focus was on the ancient Hindu teachings of the four purusharths (goals of life), for women within the Indian-American community who work hard to balance various aspects of their personal, career, and social lives. BAPS hosted an engaging conference with panelists who shared pragmatic applications of the purusharth teachings. Many Hindu scriptures, including the Bhagvad Gita and Upanishads, speak of discovering a point of equilibrium and balance while making progress through different phases of one’s life. The conference presented the perfect opportunity for Indian-American women to coalesce these ageless values with practical scenarios from the twenty-first century. Following the theme of “Purusharth – Balanced Living,” experts ranging from college professors to healthcare professionals incorporated presentations discussing the four purusharths, namely Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha. Expressing her thoughts regarding the focus of the conference, event organizer Ms. Raina Barot noted, “This conference helped women attain balance in their life based on teachings of the four purusharths and aided them in the many roles they play in their lives.” […]