Category: Press releases

Chicago, IL: Kalapadma Dance Academy Chicago celebrated their 24th Annual day Event with students and their families, friends and prominent leaders of our community on Saturday, March 10,2018 at the North Eastern University auditorium, 5500 St Louis Ave, Chicago, IL 60625. Students of Kalapadma, ranging in ages from 6 to 60 years, adorned in colorful costumes, dazzled the audience of about 600 art lovers of Greater Chicago land area. It was 3 hours of pure entertainment that consisted of Indian classical as well as folk, Gujarati and Hindi Bhajans, Bollywood, tribal and fusion dances which were presented by more than 80 students. Such a grand show was made available to the audience at no cost. The chief guest Mr. Sunil Shah, president, FIA. Many other dignitaries and VIPs who graced the show were Mr. Ravi Raju, Dr. Jayshree Raju and many other community leaders and business leaders. The event marked the sheer celebration of Indian heritage, culture, dance and music. The students, the Artistic Director, Ruth Varghese, the President, Santosh Varghese, and all those who were involved in the presentation of the show deserve esteem. Sunil Shah along with Mr. Ravi Raju, Dr. Jayshree Raju and the students who performed their […]

Chicago IL: Consulate General of India Chicago, in collaboration with TiE Chicago organized a Seminar and Panel discussion on “India’s new initiatives, Budget 2018, Business opportunity in Indian States, Upcoming Business& Cultural Initiatives” on March 7, 2018 from 05:00 PM – 09:00 PM at Meadows Club. The speakers included Ms. Neeta Bhushan, Consul General, Mr. O.P.Meena, Consul[PCV], Mr. Raju Chinthala, Founder & President, Indiana India Business Council, Mr. Bala Palamadai, President, TiE Midwest, Mr. Wilson A., Head International HR, L&T Technology Services Limited and Mr. D.B. Bhati, Consul[HOC]. The panel comprised of Consul General, Prof. Sampath Ramesh, Adjunct Professor, Kellogg School of Management, Dr. Ajit Pant, President, US India Chamber of Commerce-Midwest, Ms. MaliniVaidhyanathan, Manager Midwest, Air India, and Mr. SrinivasPulikam, US CEO, AxisCades. At the beginning, Consul General Ms. Neeta Bhushan welcomed the guests and highlighted the contribution of State Governments of India playing significant role in India’s economic diplomacy and external engagements. The program started with a presentation on States by Mr. O.P. Meena, Consul [PCV] who informed the audience about the creation of a separate States Division in 2014 in the Ministry of External Affairs to recognize the emerging trends of the State Governments of India. The Division […]

Chicago IL: Umiya Mataji Sanstha Chicago Midwest (UMSCM) Celebrated colorful legendary Festival of  Holi, symbolizing victory of God over Evil by Hindu’s all over the word, by sprinkling  colors with Dancing & Chanting,. This occurred on Saturday – March 03, 2018. It is unusual for any event to be held outdoors in Chicago is this time of year in month of March due to the unpredictable freezing cold weather. Believers in trust faith and miracle of the Mataji ignored the standard and against the odds of snowy weather, held the celebration outdoor at Umiya Mataji Temple Chicago, 1800 Joliet Street, West Chicago, IL 60185. Over 500 community members braved the weather and showed up in big turnout including prominent community leaders, sponsors, committee members, volunteers, friends, and well-wishers, participating in half day event. Holi is a Hindu festival that marks the arrival of spring. Known widely as the Festival of Color, it takes place over two days, and is a celebration of fertility, color, and love, as well as the triumph of good versus evil. Holi split into two events: Holika Dahan and Rangwali Holi. Holika Dahan takes place the night before Rangwali Holi. Wood and dung-cakes are burned in a symbolic pyre […]

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, 3rd South Asian Wedding Expowas organized by Pearl Banquetson Sunday, February 25, 2018, between 12-00pm to 5-00 pm at Pearl Banquets, 1490 West Lake Street, Roselle, IL. It was planned and co-ordinated to accommodate every aspect of […]

Chicago IL: Sivic Inc. has secured $350,000 at 26% equity from Seftech India Pvt. Ltd. at the pre-seed stage to develop its Alpha version due for soft-launch in fall 2018. Sivic is a ‘post function’ app that addresses civic engagement. The technology allows people to instantaneously address issues or policies that matter to them with the relevant influencers- that consist of politicians and organizations. Over the years it has become prominent that the incumbent social media platforms have not been able to address civic engagement despite having the social reach. Instead, petition sites have risen with an attempt to resolve civic engagement but offer a complicated & lengthy process to complete. It also does not provide any insight onto directly communicating with their influencers. People are still finding it hard to contact their local US representatives and senators. Hence, the biggest obstacle for a common person to use a petition site is the lengthy plan required, from writing the description of your reasons, to then researching the appropriate influencers and lastly that it will not take effect until a threshold for a certain number of endorsements are reached. Sivic is designed to solve this problem by providing a quick and effective alternative. It offers an intuitive web app where you simply […]

Chicago IL: Prarthna Sabha was held in Memories of Shree Anilbhai T Patel on Sunday February 18, 2018 between 3 to 6:00pm at Umiya Mataji Temple Chicago, 1800 Joliet Street, West Chicago, IL. Despite snowy cold February Chicago weather, throngs of his admirers paid tribute for this departed great soul. Event was organized by Umiya Mataji Sanstha Chicago Midwest (UMSCM) under umbrella of Kadava Patidar Samaj. Event attended by Kadva Patidar Samaj of Chicago in which overwhelming members from all walks of life, old, young, professionals; community members,dozens of prominent community leaders, UMSCMDevotees generous sponsors, committee members, super donors and volunteersat large were present. Event started with Bhajan and ended with Umiya Mataji Aarti and Mahaprasad. Speaker at the Memorial event wasBabubhai (Marsha) Patel,Kishan Patel, Jayantibhai Patel, Narendrabhai Patel, Khodabhai (Ken) Patel, D. S. Patel, Devendra Patel, Dr Kamal Patel, Narsinhbhai M Patel, Sitaram Patel and Dr. Chittranjan Patel. Everyone in their homage reflected lifelong message of Anilbhai, urging all members, followers and affiliate of Umbrella organization of Kadava Patidar Samaj to stay United and be strong robust and resilient.This will be ultimate tribute to the life of beloved Anilbhai. Anil Tribhovandas Patel, called Anilbhai, was born at Lanvaat out skirt […]

Chicago IL: On Tuesday, the 13th of Feb, 2018 devotees celebrated the festival of Maha Shivaratri, in the Hari Om Mandir, with great joy and enthusiasm. As per the Hindu tradition, devotees bathe the Shiva Lingam with Holy Water, Milk, Honey and offer Chandan, Bel Patra amidst chanting of prayers, mantras and the resonating sound of Om Nama Shivaya….called the “Rudra Abhishek”. Living up to the tradition, hundreds of devotees came to the Hari Om Mandir to perform the rituals and sing the glory of Lord Shiva. Due to renovation in progress at the Hari Om Mandir, the regular ‘SHIV DURBAR” was not ready for the Pooja this year, so the Mandir Management had made special arrangements and set up a temporary Durbar for the Devotees to perform the Pooja & Shiv Abhishek. The marble statues of Shiva & Parvati were seated on a high pedestal, with the Shiv Ling below, so that people could offer Milk, Water, Honey etc and do the Abhishek. The whole ambience of this set up reminded people of the Heavenly Abode of Shiva on the Kailash Parbat!!! The Snakes, the Rudraksh mala, the half Chandrama, the Ganga on Shiva’s forehead, the Trishul, the Damrus…all added […]

Chicago IL: When Chandrakant M. Modi was growing up in India, his father suggested a career in medicine because it would enable him to earn a decent living while also helping the needy. Modi is glad he listened to his father’s advice. Dr. Modi settled in the Chicago area after medical school in India and residency in the Chicago area in Pathology and Internal Medicine. He pursued a successful career in the U.S. that has included pathology and emergency medicine. Despite his professional success, what has given him the greatest sense of fulfillment is that in the last 20 years Dr. Modi has helped people in distant lands. He has been on numerous missions with Flying Doctors of America, a division of Medical Mercy Missions, Inc. Under the banner of Flying Doctors, volunteer medical professionals fly to remote villages in countries including Haiti, Madagascar, Amazon, Panama, Jordan and the borders between India and Tibet. There is no cost to the patient for the expert medical attention these doctors offer, and for the physicians, the heartfelt appreciation of the patients is beyond material value. “The trips to provide medical care have been very rewarding,” said Dr. Modi, now an energetic septuagenarian […]

Chicago IL: The first ever launch of Ashley’s Music Foundation (also known as AMF) took place at the Tall Grass Clubhouse in Naperville, IL. Ashley’s Music Foundation, is a non-profit organization that was created by a very talented 16-year teenage singer Ashley Singh from Naperville to promote music programs in underprivileged schools in Chicago land area. Ashley Singh is a junior at Waubonsie Valley High School in Aurora, IL and has been a prominent member of the Waubonsie music program for the past 3 years. She is incredibly passionate about music, as she started training in Indian classical music at the age of 4. After learning various styles of singing for 12 years, she grew very fondly of music. She is fully convinced about the importance of music learning for young minds such as integration of left and right brain, concentration, self-confidence and self-identity. She herself is the beneficiary of leaning music and changes she has experienced in her life. She believes that music education should be an integral part of every child’s learning curriculum. Nothing pains her the most when she hears that school districts cut back on music programs due to lack of funding and resources. To make a difference in the lives of children in those school districts who are struggling with their own […]

Chicago IL: The Federation of Indian Associations, an umbrella organization of the Indian American social service organizations in partnership with The Windy City Bulls the official NBA D-League affiliate of the Chicago Bulls celebrated the Indian Heritage Night on Friday, February 9, 2018. It is a proud moment for the Federation of Indian Association as this is the second year in a row that the Federation of Indian Associations has partnered with the Windy City Bulls for such an event. This concept was created and presented again this year by Sunil Shah, the founder President of the Federation of Indian Associations. Indian Cultural dances were presented during the game by Junoon Dance Company and Kalashree Dance Academy by ToralChaudhari. There were about 35 dancers of different ages, who braved inclement weather to represent their dance schools. Sahaj Shah a renowned DJ enthralled the crowds with a mix of Indian and Western music. Founder President Sunil Shah and Current President Neil Khot were honored and recognized on the center stage. “This was a real honor for the Federation of Indian Associations,” Sunil Shah said.” Neil Khot current President praised the 35 odd dancers from different dance schools who came and represented and […]

Chicago IL: Radhika’s Kitchen, located at 825 W. Higgins Road, Schaumburg, IL opened for Public on Thursday -Feb. 1, 2018 @ 10.30 a.m. The opening celebration started with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony by the VIP guest and followed by Lunch for invited guests.The 72-seat establishment will be serving an Enticing Indian Cuisine that represent various parts of India, serve in a traditionally-decorated Indian environment.Invited guest were from Political, medical procession, education, sports, and business field includingMayor Al Larson (Village of Schaumburg), Raja Krishnamoorthi (Eight District Congressman), Matt Frank (AICP), Mallka Kapoor (IT Connect US) Kent Welch (Higher Ground), Rohit Shah (Pietch). Raja Krishnamoorthi said, small business are the life and blood of this country and majority jobs are created by this small business owners. He added that,small business creates wealth and prosperity in the country. Today we are here to celebrate Radhika’s accomplishments and Schaumburg welcomes any business owner to the city. Raja congratulated Radhika’s team and would like to see them succeed and grow high with more employees in the team. Mayor of Schaumburg congratulated the hotel owners and encourage to do more business in the city. He also wished them great luck for their business in the city.  With the vogue nature […]

Chicago, IL: The Federation of Indian Associations Chicago (FIA) celebrated India’s 69th Republic Day by holding a Community Event at Shree Swaminarayan Temple, Itasca Illinois on Sunday, Jan 28 2018. The event comprised of a blood Donation drive, a Health and Wellness Camp, Information on Medicare and Medicaid benefits, Information and advice on Taxation, College counselling, and Passport and Visa help. The event attracted more than one thousand people from the community who took advantage of the various services offered. The Blood Collection Drive was conducted by Heartland Blood Centers. The Health and Wellness Camp saw more than 25 doctors in attendance comprising of dentists, Internal Medicine, Orthopedic, Optometric, Cardiologist, Chiropractors, Urologists, Physiotherapists and Podiatrist taking care of people, around 325 people had their blood and other vitals checked, and more than 55  had an on the spot EKG taken for their heart issues, while others went on to see other doctors with their general and specific health issues starting rom dental issues, general and specific health issues, orthopedic issues, heart issues not to forget muscle and joint issues. There were booths with experts and counselors giving people advice on Medicare and Medicaid, in home help for seniors, taxation advice, and […]

Chicago IL: Right after a vibrant Lohri, Hari Om Mandir buzzed with activity once again on the 28th of Jan, 2018 to celebrate three Functions together, namely: Basant Panchami, Saraswati Pooja & the Republic Day of India. The temple was once again beautifully decorated to highlight the three different themes and keep up the spirit of each Festival. Yellow, the color of Basant, was seen to dominate…Yellow flowers, the people dressed in Yellow, Yellow Food served as Prasad & Langar, the Deities adorned in Yellow etc etc. The walls were also decorated with kites flying high, to revive old memories from back home, when Kite Flying Competitions were held on Basant. The Indian Tricolor and the American Flag were also displayed with Pride to commemorate the 69th Republic Day of India. This Day is also considered to be the auspicious day for Maa Saraswati – the Goddess of Wisdom, Learning & Knowledge. In order to bless all the children, a special Saraswati Pooja was organized by the Temple Management. Our two learned Priests, PtRaghubir Dave and PtDharmendra Brahmbhatt, recited Shlokas and sang Vandana in praise of Maa Saraswati, and prayed to the Goddess of Learning to bless ALL the children with […]

Chicago, IL: Diversified South Asian Association (DSAA), a not for profit organization founded by Amit Vatal and co-founded by Shabana Rahman, Shafee Baig and Meliha Vatal organized its official launch on January 27 at Bristol Palace, Mount Prospect, IL. DSAA has been founded on the belief that every child has the basic right to education, nutrition, love and care.  DSAA started with a common dream shared by its core team members, a common dream of the upliftment and nurture of all the children of human kind. “We at DSAA firmly believe that each child has the potential to becoming a responsible part of society and can make a difference in their own lives, their families and it starts with making the difference with one child at a time”, said Amit Vatal, President DSAA. DSAA, through its efforts wishes to create opportunities for children to have a bright, healthy and safe future and help every child live a happy, healthy, disease -free, full of nutrition life and encompassing physical and emotion well-being. It aims to focus on providing opportunities for education and skill development to kids, aide in providing them food and nutritious diet, arranging medical Camps and other related activities. The […]

Chicago IL: Federation of Indian Associations [FIA] Chicago hosted a grand Indian Republic Day Gala replete with colorful celebrations encompassing traditional, patriotic and stunning contemporary dance presentations remarkably depicting the beautiful majestic elements and soul of India that which was enhanced further by the presence of Consul General of India Neeta Bhushan, legendary Sarod maestro & Padma Vibhushan Sri. Amjad Ali Khan along with wife Subhalakshmi and sons Amaan Ali Bangash, Ayaan Ali Bangash – all fused into an extraordinarily memorable Republic Day celebrations on Friday January 26, 2018 at the Meadows Convention Center in Rolling Meadows, IL. The highlight of the evening’s celebrations was the swearing-in ceremony of the FIA Executive Board: Sanhita Agnihotri as new FIA President with Executive Vice President Pradeep Shukla, Vice Presidents: Harish Kolasani, Secretary: Saloni Dar, Treasurer: Satish Dadepogu, Joint Secretary: Chris Aryan, Joint Treasurer: Raj Patel and host of Directors Yoga Balaji, Vijender Doma, ShafeeqKhaja and Shabana constituting the newly elected board for 2018-2019. Chief Guest Consul General of India Neeta Bhushan in her address conveyed her heartfelt Republic Day greetings and congratulated FIA-Chicago for hosting an impressive event in celebration of the Republic of India. Consul General Neeta Bhushan fondly recalled her first […]

Chicago IL: Consulate General of India, Chicago celebrated the 69th Republic Day of India on Friday, January 26, 2018 with great enthusiasm and traditional zeal. The Flag hoisting ceremony was held at the Consulate premises in downtown Chicago with an overwhelming participation of the Indian-American Community and Friends of India under the umbrella of the Consulate General of India, Chicago. The atmosphere at the venue was charged with feelings of patriotism and pride. The celebration kick started with the lighting of lamp by Consul General, Ms. Neeta Bhushan and Ms. Evelyn Sanguinetti, Lieutenant Governor of the state of Illinois. The Consul General welcomed the Lieutenant Governor by presenting her a bouquet. The fervour of patriotism picked up with the singing of Vande Matram by Ms. Prerna Arya, Teacher of Indian Culture. Thereafter, Consul General hoisted the National Flag followed by singing of the National Anthem of India. Consul General Ms. Neeta Bhushan also read out the address of the Hon’ble President of India. Lt. Governor Evelyn congratulated and conveyed her best wishes to the Consul General on behalf of the state of Illinois. The event concluded with a cultural program by the students from Team Ghunguru & Soorya Dance School who presented colourful Indian dances.

Chicago, IL: On Sunday, Jan 21th, Launch of Pritam Live Chicago was hosted at the Thumka Grill in Schaumburg – Chicago, IL announcing the Launch of the much awaited and the historic North American Tour of Bollywood Musical Maestro Pritam Chakraborty dedicated to the cause of Opioid Epidemic awareness in America. “ Pritam – first Time ever tour in North America” A musical concert created by and around the musical Maestro Pritam Da, with more than 600 songs in 120 movies to his Credit, this tour will be the Biggest Bollywood musical journey North America has ever seen along with eight singers and extraordinary performers in seven cities across North America. “It is a Genuine Honor that Legendary Pritam Chakraborty is pledging this historic tour to the awareness of Opioid Epidemic Awareness, most of us are still unaware of this America’s #1 crisis and that it has reached as a national emergency as declared by our President. Numbers are only growing each year, unfortunately, we experienced 500,000 American deaths, and the awareness is essentials to reach to all our youth to refrain from drugs abuse. This Historic Bollywood Tour is a genius and a powerful approach to bring the awareness to […]

Chicago: Telugu Association of Greater Chicago (First Telugu association in North America) celebrated Makara Sankranti and India Republic Day with Chicago land area Telugu families at the HTGC Rama Temple Auditorium, Lemont IL.The event was a grand success with an overwhelming response from the Telugu community with over 1000 guests in attendance. The event was conducted on 13th January, 2018 from 3:00PM to 10PM. TAGC Board has decided to do this event with all local talent promoting the Telugu culture, traditions and encouraged youth to preserve traditions. The response from the Telugu community was tremendous as per Membership committee chair Mr. Praveen Vemulapalli more than 1000 guests were attending the event even during the Cold climate in Chicago. On behalf of all TAGC, We wish all our community a happy Makara Sankranthi and advanced Republic Day wishes. The cultural programs included more than 30 programs with 330 local talents, followed by Chicago famous singers Praveen Jaligamagaru, Sailajagaru and Madhavi Merugugaru who entertained audiences with different movie songs. TAGC President-elect Ramu Billakanti garu welcomed and wished good health, prosperity and wealth to all the guests on behalf of President Jyothi Chintalapani garu. President garu thanked all Sponsors, Volunteers and encouraged to take membership by […]

Chicago IL: Unprecedented crowds thronged the Hari Om Mandir, Medinah, IL on January 13th to celebrate the vibrant Festival of LOHRI!!! This Festival has always been celebrated in HOM in the Traditional North Indian Style, with the favorite foods, clothing, songs, customs etc. of Punjab. This year too, despite the very cold & frigid temperatures, Devotees from far and wide, in unexpected numbers – close to a 1000, came to the Temple to enjoy the Festivities. The Temple Management had made adequate arrangements to serve the Special Meal of the Season – Makki Ki Roti, Saag, Lassi and Gur Wale Chawal. Along with this, the traditional items like Bhugga, Popcorn, Rewari, Moongphali, Khajoor and Chirvara were distributed as Prasad. The Food was relished by one and all! People were raving about the delicious food, and truly appreciated the immense efforts put in by the Ladies, who had spent the morning cooking all the delicacies. Another star attraction was a Beautiful Village of Punjab, (Pind in Punjabi), set up to depict the true culture & ambience of this Festival. Colorful Phulkaris adorned the walls, while Idols of young girls in typical Punjabi Suits & boys in colorful Turbans, and were displayed to […]

Chicago IL: January 1st 2018 started off with a Bang in the premises of Hari Om Mandir, Medinah, IL. Huge crowds gathered in the Temple to seek Blessings from God Almighty on this auspicious day, and prayed for a healthy, wealthy and prosperous Year ahead. Unlike the tradition from past years, (Akhand Ramayan Path), HOM, this year, had organized “Sunderkand Path” on the 1st of January. Singers from India, along with Chicago Land Tabla Maestro, Puran Dada Vyas, recited the Path and mesmerized the Congregation with their soulful singing. Despite the frigid cold weather, severe wind chills, negative temperatures, almost 500 Devotees attended the program! The Hall was full to capacity and people waited patiently in long lines, to offer flowers in the lotus feet of Hanuman Ji and seek His Blessings on this very first Day of the New Year. The Mandir was beautifully decorated with Buntings, dazzling Streamers, Banners, Flowers, Bellsetc to enhance the ambience for the celebrations. As the Devotees walked in, Pandit Raghuvir Ji welcomed everyone with the auspicious Tilak on the forehead, Hanuman Ji Sash around the neck, and handed over the Holy Path Book to sing along. In Hari Om Mandir, the 1st of […]