Chicago IL: Federation of Indian Associations-Chicago [FIA] ceremoniously hosted a formal ‘Kick-off’ event ostensibly to proclaim the 2015 India Independence Day festivities in the presence of a host of leading community and business leaders with a touch of glamour quotient infused by the presence of Bollywood movie star/model Ms. Hrishitaa Bhatt on Sunday, May 3, 2015 at Maharaja Restaurant in Rosemont, IL.
After the auspicious lighting of the lamp by a host of FIA Trustees and Board members, an official declaration was made by FIA President Dr. Indrajit Patel who revealed the series of grand events in honor of India Independence celebrations encompassing four major events (1) Parade, (2) Mela, (3)Banquet and (4) Flag-hoisting ceremony. Dr. Indrajit Patel made a presidential pledged saying that 2015 celebrations will mark a new chapter in the history of FIA as, he added, we will attempt to showcase the grand cultural traditions of India colorfully reflected in the events that seek to honor India and its Independence.
Dr. Indrajit Patel disclosing the details said FIA will host Grand India Independence Day Parade on Saturday August 15, 2015 which will be preceded by Gala Banquet on August 14, 2015 at Meadows Club followed by the Flag-hoisting ceremony on August 15th morning at Daley Plaza Flag hoisting in downtown at 9.30 Am which will be hosted in partnership with the office of the Consul General of India. FIA under the event chair Trustee Iftekhar Shareef, will conclude the festivities with a wholesome family-oriented Colorful Mela complete with music, dances, singing and free samplings of culinary Indian food on Devon Avenue following the conclusion of the Parade.
After observing a one-minute prayerful silence for the victims of Nepal earthquake, Dr. Indrajit Patel who was visibly moved by emotions fervently appealed to community organizations to mobilize resources to help the victims of the Nepal Earthquake.
Guest of honor Bollywood’s movie star and model Ms. Hrishitaa Bhatt expressed gratitude to FIA for the opportunity accorded to her in helping kick-off the celebrations and she enthusiastically pledged that she would return back to Chicago to grace the Parade and the banquet. Ms. Hrishitaa Bhatt was introduced by FIA Trustee Harish Bhatt who he described her as an outstanding Bollywood artist who worked in leading movies portraying prominent leading roles. Mr. O.P. Meena, Consul at the office of the Consul General of India was the guest of honor who extended warm greetings and best wishes to the federation for its ambitious programs and joined in the lighting the lamp earlier.
Opening remarks by Iftekhar Shareef welcoming the guests extensively spoke about the significant role FIA proactively plays in spectacularly demonstrating the sense of patriotism towards the motherland year after year by hosting exciting series of memorable events that, he said, this year will surpass all expectations. Iftekhar Shareef applauded the tireless team spirit of FIA which he reiterated has truly made FIA an indisputable leading umbrella organization in the Midwest. Iftekhar Shareef generously introduced anda ushered guest of honor Bollywood Movie star Hrishitaa Bhatt. Referring to Nepal Earthquake, Iftekhar Shareef acknowledged Nepali American Mr. Sanjay Yadav and assured him that FIA would strenuously engage in garnering funds to help support the victims of Nepal earthquake as, he added, that rehabilitation of Nepal victims not a short-term goal but a long-term mission. After the appeal was made, several donation checks have poured in from Dr. Indrajit Patel, Iftekhar Shareef, Babu Patel, Bhaillal Patel, Sohan Joshi and Choksi.
Iftekhar Shareef reminded the community not to get confused by two individuals who are misleading the community by using the FIA- Chicago name and collecting funds . FIA is a brand from last 30 years and these people are playing with community sentiments . Iftekhar Shareef along with all FIA members and Trustees
condemn the actions of the group by using FIA Chicago name .
Announcing the chairmanships, Dr. Indrajit Patel declared the following chairmanships: Smita Shah to head as the Parade Chair, Raj/Neal Patel to head the Gala Banquet Chair, Ajai Agnihotri as Mela Chair and Ajeeth Singh as co-chair, Iftekhar Shareef as Finance Chair, Kanti Patel as Parade Management/Floats Chair, Keerthi Ravoori as Media/Public Relations/Souvenir Committee chair with Harish Kolasani and Kanti N. Patel serving as Co-Chairs, Babu Patel, Chair & Shabbir Patel,Co-Chair for Security arrangements.
Extolling FIA’s brand name, Keerthi Ravoori said FIA is the only Midwest community umbrella organization that has the tremendous potential to draw scores of Indian Americans together during the India Independence Day celebrations year after year. This he added is a testament to the outstanding FIA leadership team. While Ajai Agnihotri scripted the FIA agenda and helped create a logistical framework for the selection of chair and co-chairs for the summer events.
Kanti Patel conducted the kick-off ceremonies as the master of ceremonies and seamlessly introduced prominent guests; Dr.Bharat Barai addressed the guests outlining the plans for hosting a painting exhibition at the prestigious Art Institute of Chicago which he added could potentially bring Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Chicago. Nimesh Jani, Schaumburg Township Trustee offered greetings on the occasion and pledged to rope in IL Governor Rauner at the Parade.
Among the prominent attendees include Purnima Nath of Milwaukee, Ranjit Ganguly, Vinesh Virani, Anil Pillai, Syed Hussaini, Babu Varma, Chandresh Brahmbhatt, Vandana Walia, Sitaram Patel, Hina Trivedi, Sunny Gabhawala, Vandana Jhingan, Minhaj Akhtar, Vir Doshi, Jitendra Diganvker, Amar Upadhyay and Rohit Joshi.
Photographs by: Asian Media USA
Press release by: FIA