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FIA Organized a High-Profile Event to Celebrate India's 67th Republic Day, with a Patriotic Fervor

FIA Organized a High-Profile Event to Celebrate India's 67th Republic Day, with a Patriotic Fervor

Inspired by the spirit of patriotism, the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), hosted the 67th Republic Day celebrations on January 24th, 2016, at Ashton Place in Chicago. The event was attended by over 500 eminent people, including leading dignitaries and popular elected officials. Festivities included high-end entertainment, mesmerizing music, energetic dances, great food, and much more. Above all, it was one of the memorable events of Chicago.

Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Consul General of India in Chicago, who was the Chief Guest at the event, wholeheartedly congratulated the Indian-American community for serving as a strong pillar of India's engagement with the US. He thanked them profusely for their positive, proactive, and passionate contribution not only in handsomely contributing to the economies of the US and India but also in making his job as a Consul General a lot easier.

"While different organizations representing Indian-Americans may separately celebrate different events under their respective banners, all of them should come forward to join hands to have one single united celebration for two events of great national importance-- Independence Day and Republic Day", Dr. Sayeed added.

State Senators Mike Noland, Laura Murphy, and Patti Bellock, State Representatives Stephanie Kifowit, Deb Conroy, and Michelle Mussman, Village Presidents Gopal Lalmalani and Kathleen Weaver, representatives from Attorney General's Office and Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, and a large number of elected officials graced the occasion. They said that the Republic Day celebrations are an expression of profound appreciation of the ideals of Justice, Pluralism, and Democracy, which are shared and cherished both India and the US.

Congressional Candidate Raja Krishnamoorthy said that Republic Day is an occasion to celebrate not only India but also Indian-Americans. He stated that Indian-Americans have become the pride of the US, on account of their positive work ethics, spirited values, vibrant culture, inspiring traditions, and their innumerable success stories.

"I am running for the US Congress in order to enriching and consolidating the voice of the Indian-Americans", Raja stated and solicited their voluntary services and precious votes for his victory.

"God bless America, God bless India, and God bless Indian-Americans", said Raja while concluding his emotionally-charged and intellectually inspiring speech, which was enthusiastically responded by the audience with energetic and continuous clapping.

Syed Hussaini, Vice President, Wintrust Community Bank, who was the Guest of Honor, said that the Republic Day celebrations provide an opportunity to the Indian Diaspora to reaffirm their commitment to upholding the ideals enshrined in the Indian Constitution. He added that Wintrust Community Bank supports a large number of socially-relevant events towards fulfilling its responsibility towards society.

I urge one and all to support not-for-profit organizations in a big way. Those who cannot do this financially, may contribute their valuable time and talent in order to enable these organizations to achieve their cherished goals", he added.

Earlier, Sunil Shah, Founder and Past President, FIA welcomed the audience. He said the participation of a large number of people from different countries in the event shows their love for India.

The dancers from Junoon Dance Academy presented a welcome dance, Ganesh Vandana. The National Anthems of the US and India were sung by Ashley Singh and the FIA Team, respectively. Nisha Saraswat sang Vande Matram in her soulful voice. The traditional lighting of the lamp was done by the FIA team and all the dignitaries.

Dhitu Bhagwakar, President, FIA introduced his dynamic team of office bearers. Hitesh Gandhi and Moin Khan, Vice Presidents, Neil Khot, Executive Vice President, and Onkar Sangha, Founder and Past President said that the strong team FIA-volunteers contributed to the stupendous success of the event.

Ishan Ahmed presented such inspiring and high-voltage numbers as "Mere Desh Ki Dharti Sona Ugle" and "Ye Desh Hai Veer Jawano Ka". Mahijit Virdi and Sheen Trivedi added to the mood by rendering the all time hits, "Sare Jahan Se Achha Hindustan Hamara" and "Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo", respectively. These songs not only evoked great national pride among the audience but also made them experience the rush of patriotism in their blood.

Pratibha Jairath enthralled the audience by presenting two contemporary songs, "Prem Rattan Dhan Payo" and "Chittiya Kalaiyan". Ashley Singh and Nipa Shah sang the high-energy numbers, "Mere Dholna and "Dama Dam Mast Kalander", and garnered a huge round of applause of the audience.

Mona Bhalla, performed to the catchy tune of her recently released blockbuster music video, Kudi Bindaas. The audience gave her a standing ovation for her brilliant performance.

The dancers from Shingari School presented a captivating performance on the theme of the Republic Day. The performances of dancers from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana State, Kerala, and other parts of India provided a rare opportunity to the audience to witness and enjoy the diverse culture of India.

The mimicry of Bollywood stars, presented by Samadani and Pankaj Chopra, further raised the entertainment quotient of the event.

Mukesh Shah proposed a vote of thanks. The event concluded with a sumptuous dinner, which was relished by all the attendees.

A large number of eminent organizations, including WINTRUST COMMUNITY BANK, AIR INDIA, POWER VOLT, Medstar, Metropolitan, PATEL BROTHERS, All State, SUGA BUILDERS, NEW YOR LIFE, VINAKOM, iia Group, SR, RN-SUNIL SHAH, Dimple Beauty Saloon, Desi Junction, and TV ASIA, sponsored the event and extended their help in a variety of ways.

Jassi Parmar, Gaurav Arora, Mona Bhalla, and Shalini Saxena, who were the MCs for different segments of the event, conducted the proceedings with a professional touch.

Founders & Past Presidents: Sunil Shah, Onkar Sangha President: Dhitu Bhagwakar Executive Vice Presidents: Mukesh Shah, Neil Khot Vice Presidents: Moon Khan, Hitesh Gandhi, Ali Khan, Shital Daftari, Manjeet Singh Secretary: Khaja Moinuddin Joint Secretary: Shalini Saxena Treasurer: Payal Shah Directors:Ninad Daftari, Mona Bhalla, Nirav Shah, Gaurav Arora, Shree Gurusamy Founding Members: Sunny Kular, Monty Sayed

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