Asian Media USA

Mahatma Gandhi’s Vision of Non-Violence: Celebrating Dr. Sriram Sonty’s Enduring Legacy Living Mahatma Gandhi’s Dream: Dr. Sriram Sonty’s Journey of Non-Violence Light, Laughter, and Love: Honouring Dr. Sriram Sonty’s Vibrant Life From Vision to Victory: Dr. Sriram Sonty’s Life of Service and Humour Asian Media USA © Chicago, IL: On a warm Sunday evening, July 13, 2025, the Matrix Club in Naperville, Illinois, was filled with the warmth of memories, love, and reverence as friends, family, and colleagues gathered to honour the extraordinary life of Dr. Sriram Sonty. From 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., the venue resonated with heartfelt tributes, music, and stories that painted a vivid portrait of a man who was not only a distinguished ophthalmologist but also a cultural pillar, a devoted father, and a passionate advocate for peace. The event, emceed by Dr. Sonty’s elder daughter, Siri Sonty, wove together reflections on his professional achievements, cultural contributions, and profound commitment to Gandhian principles. The evening opened on a sacred note, with Sri Siva Namuduri delivering a prayer mantra crafted by Sri Vedala Srinivasacharya. Siri Sonty, standing before a screen displaying cherished photographs of her father’s life, set a reflective tone with her speech. “I don’t think […]

Chicago, IL: July 3-6, 2025 – The 23rd Biennial JAINA Convention, held at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center and Hyatt Regency in Schaumburg, Illinois, unfolded as a magnificent tapestry of spiritual awakening, cultural splendor, and communal unity, drawing over 5,000 delegates from 72 Jain Centers across the United States and Canada, and attendees from 10 other countries including India, UK, Germany, Oman, Dubai, and Kenya. This was presumably the largest gathering of Jains outside India in recent history. This was also the first time that a North American city had the distinction of holding the JAINA Convention for the fourth time. From July 3 to July 6, 2025, this transformative four-day celebration, hosted by the Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA) in collaboration with the Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago (JSMC), radiated the timeless principles of Ahimsa (non-violence), Anekantvad (multiple viewpoints), and Aparigraha (non-possessiveness) under the theme “Unity in Diversity: A Path to Peace.” For more details, visit www.jainaconvention.org. The convention launched with a vibrant flourish on July 3, setting a divine tone for the journey ahead. Registration opened early, welcoming a global influx of attendees with seamless efficiency. The afternoon’s Temple Dwar Opening Ceremony captivated a large […]

Raising the Glass: Foreign Exchange’s Grand Opening Ignites Aurora’s Spirit       A Toast to Togetherness: Foreign Exchange Brews a Bright Future in Aurora Asian Media USA ©Aurora, IL: On July 2, 2025, downtown Aurora buzzed with excitement as Foreign Exchange Brewing Co. officially opened at 110 Cross St, Aurora, IL 60506. The grand opening, marked by a vibrant ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon, drew local dignitaries, community members, and beer enthusiasts to celebrate a milestone for Aurora’s growing business scene. With clinking glasses, heartfelt speeches, and a palpable sense of pride, Foreign Exchange emerged as a symbol of innovation, flavor, and community in the city. The event was a lively blend of music, cheers, and camaraderie, reflecting Aurora’s growth and the entrepreneurial spirit of Foreign Exchange’s founder, Ricky. The brewery, a homegrown venture, has been crafting and distributing beers for five years, but this opening marked its first permanent home in Ricky’s hometown. The crowd’s energy was electric, with chants of “Heat! Heat! Heat!” echoing through the streets, a playful nod to the passion fueling the day. Samir, a broadcaster from Asian Media USA, emceed the event with infectious enthusiasm. “We’re here at the grand opening of Foreign Exchange Brewing Co.,” he announced. “This is […]

Tapestry of Glamour: BrowArt Weaves Dreams in Hanover Park Brushstrokes of Resilience: BrowArt’s Dazzling Debut in Hanover Park Asian Media USA © Chicago IL: On a vibrant Thursday afternoon, June 19, 2025, at precisely 12:00 noon, the village of Hanover Park, Illinois, witnessed a radiant celebration of resilience, entrepreneurship, and beauty. The grand opening of BrowArt Salon & Spa at 1230 E Lake St, nestled next to Caputo’s, marked a triumphant milestone for co-owners Anisha Talati and Dipmala Patel. This event wasn’t just the unveiling of a salon; it was a testament to dreams reborn, community support, and the transformative power of self-care. With a crowd buzzing with anticipation, local dignitaries, friends, and beauty enthusiasts gathered to christen this haven of elegance, setting the stage for a new era in Hanover Park’s cultural landscape. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was a kaleidoscope of emotions, music, and heartfelt speeches. Anisha Talati, the visionary behind BrowArt, shared her journey with raw authenticity. Her story began in 2004, fueled by a passion for beauty and a dream to empower others through her craft. “This is my journey started in 2004, and this is my dream, like power of business,” Anisha said, her voice trembling with […]

Shines Bright Vibrant Voices: AMEC’s 14th Annual Gala Unites a Global CommunityColors of Courage: AMEC’s 2025 Gala Honors the Spirit of TogethernessAsian Media USA ©Chicago IL: On a warm June evening in Naperville, Illinois, the Yellow Box at 1635 Emerson Lnpulsed with the heartbeat of humanity. The American Multi Ethnic Commission (AMEC) unfurledits 14th Annual Congressional Global Champions Gala on June 14, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 11:00PM, weaving a vibrant tapestry of 38 ethnic communities into a celebration of unity, culture, andshared dreams. Guided by the indomitable Dr. V J Prabhakar, popularly known as Dr. VGP thatsparked 15 years ago by Congressman Danny K. Davis’s vision, this gala wasn’t just an event,but it was a movement, a kaleidoscope of music, dance, and stories that lit up the night withhope and harmony.The evening burst into life with “Around the World in 60 Minutes,” a whirlwind of performancesthat whisked the audience across continents without a passport. Korean Americanpercussionist Chansoo Lee ignited the stage with a thunderous drumroll, setting the tone for aglobal journey. The Polonia Dance Ensemble spun Poland’s traditions into mesmerizing twirls,while the Ghunguru Dance Group unleashed Bollywood’s dazzling beats. The ChicagoNightingales brought the Philippines’ soulful grace, and Russia’s Kalinka […]

Asian Media USA ©Chicago, IL: On a warm Chicago evening, the air buzzed with anticipation as the stage at TheMatrix Club prepared to come alive with the soul-stirring voice of Priyanka Barve. On June 13,2025, at 7:00 pm, Aarush Entertainment, Rudra Creation, and Dhrishti presented anunforgettable musical journey — “Celebrating Legendary Divas: Mughal-E-Azam’s Anarkali.” Itwas more than just a concert; it was a heartfelt tribute to the timeless voices that have definedgenerations — delivered by a classical vocalist whose talent knows no bounds.The Matrix Club, with its state-of-the-art acoustics and inviting ambiance, provided the perfectsetting for this musical extravaganza. It was a celebration of culture, community, and theuniversal language of music. The event was a houseful show, where families, friends, and musiclovers of all ages came together to share in the rich legacy of song — creating memories thatwill linger long after the final note.Priyanka Barve, a name that resonates with versatility and brilliance, is no stranger to stealingthe spotlight. A classically trained vocalist from a rich musical family, she has carved a niche inBollywood and Marathi cinema with her soulful playback singing. Her voice — a blend ofclassical finesse and modern flair — has graced numerous films and albums, […]

Roses, Rivers, and Rebel Spirit: Unraveling Portland’s Magic Portland’s Eclectic Heartbeat: Where Wild Meets Wonder Chicago IL: Beneath a canopy of evergreens and the gentle hum of urban whimsy, we embarked on a summer pilgrimage to Portland, Oregon—a city where bridges arc like poetry over the Willamette River, and the air carries the scent of roses, coffee, and dreams. Known as the Rose City, Portland weaves a tapestry of rugged wilderness, eclectic culture, and progressive charm. Fresh off last year’s breathtaking encounter with Mount Rainier, we plotted a road trip from Tacoma, Washington, in late May, armed with the vibrant insights of TravelPortland.com. Our adventure began with a detour to the raw, elemental beauty of Mount St. Helens. At the Forest Learning Center and Visitor Center, we were swept into the fiery saga of the 1980 eruption through immersive exhibits, feeling the pulse of a mountain still whispering its volcanic secrets. Trails led us to vistas where the peak stood proud, a photographer’s muse framed by wildflowers and sky. Further along, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site unfolded tales of the Columbia River’s fur trade past, its Hudson’s Bay Company legacy etched into the riverbanks. Seeking respite, we melted into the […]

Raga & Resonance: A Night of Classical Magic with Ustad Ghulam Abbas Khan Ustad Ghulam Abbas Khan: Global King of Raga, Sufi, and Ghazal Asian Media USA ©  Chicago, IL:  On the enchanting evening of May 31, 2025, the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts in Schaumburg, Illinois, transformed into a sanctuary of soul-stirring melodies, as the legendary Ustad Ghulam Abbas Khan took center stage for an unforgettable night of Hindustani classical music, Sufi, and ghazals. Organized by Khurram Syed under the esteemed banner of DK Omsheel Production and with the gracious support of Chicago community leader Mr. Iftekhar Sharif, the first overseas citizen of India, this cultural extravaganza, titled Soulful Classical, Sufi & Ghazals, brought together connoisseurs of music for a four-hour journey from 8:00 PM to midnight. The event was a testament to the timeless allure of Indian classical music, weaving together tradition, artistry, and emotional depth. The evening was masterfully hosted by Amin Haider, whose eloquent commentary and storytelling added a profound layer to the experience. Haider’s insightful introductions, peppered with anecdotes from Ustad Ghulam Abbas Khan’s illustrious career, illuminated the maestro’s journey from a musically inclined youth to a globally revered artist. One such story captivated the audience: […]

Chants and Cheers: Medinah’s Grand Hanuman Utsav United Community Petals from the Sky: Shri Hanuman Mahotsav 2025 Promises Divine Bliss Asian Media USA © Chicago, IL: In a vibrant celebration of faith, culture, and community, Hari Om Mandir in Medinah, Illinois, hosted the Shri Hanuman Mahotsav on May 31, 2025, transforming the temple grounds into a radiant hub of devotion and festivity. Drawing over 900 devotees from the Chicagoland area, the event was a testament to the enduring spiritual legacy of the Hindu Society of Metropolitan Chicago. From sacred rituals to mesmerizing cultural performances, the Mahotsav wove together tradition and innovation, leaving attendees inspired and deeply connected to their heritage. The day commenced at 9:00 AM with a hearty breakfast, setting a warm and welcoming tone for the spiritual journey ahead. By 10:00 AM, the air was thick with reverence as approximately 50 families participated in the Sapt Kundiya Havan, a sacred Vedic fire ceremony. The rhythmic chants and the rising flames created a serene ambiance, invoking divine blessings and fostering a sense of unity among participants. This ancient ritual, meticulously organized under the guidance of Acharya Vajpayee Ji, was a powerful reminder of the community’s deep-rooted spiritual traditions. At 11:00 […]

Lighting the Path: Oak Brook’s Vibrant Ceremony for New Leadership Harmony in Oath: Oak Brook Welcomes Trustees with Heart and Heritage Asian Media USA © Chicago, IL: On May 13, 2025, the Samuel Dean Board Room at the Butler Government Centre in Oak Brook, IL, pulsed with civic pride as the village celebrated the re-election of Trustees Melissa Martin, Suresh Reddy, and James Nagle. This vibrant swearing-in ceremony, infused with spiritual depth, community engagement, and heartfelt pledges, marked a pivotal moment for Oak Brook. The Village Honor Guard’s solemn colours, Anu Malhotra’s transcendent invocation, and Judge Neal Cerne’s oath administration wove a tapestry of tradition and progress, setting an inspiring tone for the trustees’ new term. Key Speakers and Their Messages the evening began with Village President Larry Herman’s warm welcome, framing the ceremony as a celebration of shared values. “This election was a testament to our residents’ resolve,” he said, urging unity in serving Oak Brook’s best interests. His call for integrity and collaboration set an optimistic tone, emphasizing a collective vision for peace and prosperity. Anu Malhotra, a Hindu priestess and founder of Mindful Meditation Yoga, delivered a captivating invocation that elevated the event’s spiritual resonance. “Namaste,” she […]

Asian Media USA © Chicago, IL: Chinmaya Mission Chicago’s Badri center was host to a spiritual retreat from Saturday, April 19 to Saturday, April 26, 2025. Swami Shantananda of Chinmaya Mission Princeton, President Chinmaya Mission West, offered evening discourses on Saundarya Lahari, a text by Adi Shankaracharya on the glory of Tripura Sundari form of Devi, along with discourses on Mandukya Upanishad every morning. The retreat started with Shri Suktam Homam on the morning of the 19th and concluded with grand Chandi Homam on Saturday, the 26th. This entire retreat was planned and executed by a large group of dedicated volunteers. Shri Suktam Homam and Chandi Homam were performed by Shri Chandasekhar Gurukkal and presided by Swami Shantananda and Swami Sharanananda. Volunteers joyously prepared 13 Havan Kundas (one for each chapter of Durga Saptashati). All sponsor families performed the havan simultaneously to the powerful chants. Meals were offered throughout the eight days that were freshly prepared onsite by dedicated volunteers. Devotees are grateful to be witness to such a divine experience. Photographs and Press release by: Asian Media USA Suresh Bodiwala Chairman Asian Media USA Cell: 847-420-4789    E-Mail: [email protected] Copyrights ©: Asian Media USA No one shall download or otherwise duplicate the graphics, images, press release and written […]