Bollywood star Sukhwinder Singh to perform his Grammy winning song 'Jai Ho' at India Day Aug. 12
Indian Community Outreach hosted a kickoff ceremony for the "India Day" celebrating 71 years of India's Independence Day.
The event was attended by over 100 guests including Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico, a DuPage County Board member, Naperville City Council member, City of Aurora Alderman, Schaumburg Township trustee Nimish Jani, Naperville Park District board chairman Mike Reilly, elected officials and representatives, sponsors, ICO Advisors, community leaders and representatives from media fraternity.
With many exciting additions, this year's India Day will be Sunday, Aug. 12, at Knoch Park in Naperville. It will feature a colorful parade, a concert by Bollywood rock star Sukhwinder Singh, and a fireworks display.
Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico, chief guest at the event, said, "India Day Celebration in a short span of just three years has become a very impressive event showcasing the Indian culture and heritage."
Mayor Chirico congratulated Krishna Bansal, chairman of India Community Outreach, and noted that heights achieved by ICO in just 4 years that usually take decades to reach. He congratulated ICO for achieving the goal of educating and integrating the communities while enhancing economic interest of Naperville. ICO has been instrumental in facilitating many Indian American businesses to come to Naperville.
ICO recently received the Illinois Bicentennial Asian-American & Pacific Islander Heritage Award from Illinois State Governor Bruce Rauner for the significant community contributions and became the first Indian American organization to receive this honor. 2018 India Day also has been inducted as part of Illinois Bicentennial celebrations.
While speaking about the history and purpose behind formation of ICO, Krishna Bansal, Chairman of ICO said that 2018 India Day Celebration would be one of the largest and best Indian American event in United States.
Bollywood Rock Star Sukhwinder Singh will be the star performer this year. He also said that there would be multiple activities lined up from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. that includes an international food court, ethnic Indian bazaar, children's activities, local talent show, Indian fashion show, parade, Bollywood concert, colorful fireworks, and many more to be added in the activities.
Bansal urged all community members and business owners to come forward to support and sponsor the event. Maintaining the commitment, event will again be free to attend for everyone.
Aurora Alderman Rick Mervine was a special guest who emphasized the necessity of civic engagement for the Indian American community.
Naperville City Councilwoman Patty Gustin applauded ICO for its efforts and urged everyone to come forward and becoming engaged.
Earlier Viral Shah, treasurer of ICO board, welcomed the guest and spoke about Indian Community Outreach and its three years achievements.
Shah highlighted ICO's efforts in different programs/engagements including "conversations" for enhancing civic participation and social awareness; Lotus Scholarship & Awards to recognize students and leaders of Indian origin in every field; Indian businesses networking and education forums; India Day, showcasing and celebrating cultures; contributing in various charity initiatives and participation in local events to represent Indian American community.
Chirag Jani, ICO board member and India Day co-chair, said this is an excellent opportunity for businesses to show case their brand and products in front of thousands of people while seen as a supporter of social and cultural diversity. He continued, "Contributions by Indian Americans businesses will play a role in boosting self-confidence to next generation and build assurance in all other communities about the contributions and heritage of Indian Americans."
He thanked everyone who took the opportunity to sign pledges for sponsoring this mega event.
The Indian Community Outreach is a nonprofit 501(c) 3 organization initiated in 2013 by Naperville Mayor A. George Pradel and helps foster connections with residents of varied and diverse cultural backgrounds. Its mission is to embrace, preserve and promote the cultural heritage and contributions of Indian Americans while educating them to get involved in America's growth. The vision is to form and be part of an all-inclusive society while contributing toward the betterment of our great country and our next generation.
More information about ICO and India Day including sponsorship details are available at the ICO website www.indiancommunityoutreach.org or by calling (630) 300-0345.