A Grand Christmas celebrations in Chicago
Chicago IL: With the symphonic choir presenting melodious Christmas carols eclipsed only by the grand entry of huge convoy of Kerala Drum beats headed by fully attired dancing Santa Claus kicked-off a spectacular Christmas Nite Banquet at the colorfully decked Meadows Club on December 14, 2018 in Rolling Meadows, IL.
The mesmerizing high-decibel sounds of Kerala drum beats reverberating the hall joyfully unveiled the grand evening of great festive fervor which was followed by dazzling dance performances and musical carols each heartwarmingly unveiled the profoundly beautiful story of Christmas spectacularly depicted through songs, dance and music.
The Christmas Nite Banquet hosted under the aegis of South Asian Christian Cultural Association [SACCA] attracted a great host of elected officials headed by U.S. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, State Senator-elect Ram Villivalam, Oakbrook Mayor Dr. Gopal Lalmalani, Bishop Mar Jacob Angadiath, Air-India's Chief Malini Vaidyanathan, Redberri Corp CEO Deepakant Vyas joined by large number of business and community leaders including SBI Manager Amit Jihngran, PM Mortgage CEO Ashok Lakshmanan, Joyallukas Jewelers Manager Justin Joseph, SBI-VP Deepa Nath, Ajeet Singh, Harish Kolasani, Prachi Jaitley and Dhitu Bhagvakar.
The glittering banquet set off in motion with lamp lighting ceremony lead by U.S.Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi who in his remarks applauded the organizers and extolled the spirit of Christmas, which he emphasized, fosters peace, goodwill and love. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi who inspired a new generation of new leaders added that he would like to see a public figure emerging from the south Indian Christian community. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi publicly acknowledged and thanked Gladson Varghese and Keerthi Kumar Ravoori and his team for hosting this grand event celebrating the essence of Christmas.
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi presented special plaques of appreciation to Mr. Ashok Lakshmanan, Mr. Amit Jhingran, State Bank of India and Joseph of Joyallukas Jewelry. Malini Vaidyanathan of Air-India was honored with floral bouquets for her outstanding support to the community events and projects.
State Senator Ram Villivalam [elect] presented seasons' greetings and thanked the community for all the support he has received in his electoral victory as the new State Senator in the 8th Senatorial district.
Bishop Jacob Angadiath gave an uplifting Christmas sermonette that presented the central theme of the birth of Jesus Christ, which he said, is very foundation of Christmas. Bishop Angadiath said Christmas exemplifies love, peace, joy and hope. Anto Kavalackal presented an introduction to Bishop.
The highlight of the evening was ethereally melodious carols and anthems presented by the acclaimed St. Thomas Marthoma Church choir with over 30 singers directed by Choir Director Jacob George in a repertoire performance enhanced by candlelit ambience with a sparkling collection of timeless carols evoked sustained applause and some standing ovation. Young dancers who put grace, beauty and emotions in their dances illustrating the story of Christmas beautifully presented the evening's dance presentations from Kala Dance Academy choreographed by Ruth Varghese and Surya Dance Academy.
Earlier, Gladson Varghese, Chairman welcomed the elected officials and thanked the gathering of families of all faiths for unitedly celebrating Christmas with a greater sense of appreciation, love and understanding. Keerthi Kumar Ravoori, Banquet Convener presiding over the evening's banquet served as the emcee, introduced the chief guests, and elected officials. Keerthi Ravoori called the Christmas banquet a celebration of inter-faith unity during this festive season. Emmanuel Neela, President SACCA presented seasonal remarks and outlined future programs; while Vasanth Charles presented an overview of the history of South Asian Christian Cultural Assn [SACCA] and Satish Dadepogu proposed a vote of thanks. Margaret Sanyogita Charles, Shirley Kalvakota & Persis Dadepogu led the lamp-lighting ceremony and intermittently took to the stage in the honoring ceremonies presenting shawl and flower bouquets to Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi in appreciation of his gracious presence and support; to State Senator [elect] Ram Villivalam on his recent electoral victory and to Shree Guruswamy for presenting beautiful cultural dance presentations and Oakbrook Mayor Dr. Gopal Lalmalani.
Johnson Kodipally, Merari Bushpaka, Vijay, Michael Konda, Tony Chettupally, Mohit, and Sheetal & Komal Panchal presented the Telugu carols; while Rev. Rajamani Gonu, Rev. Dr. David Vidyasagar, Rev. Omega Verma, Dan Williams, and Prem presented the closing Christmas Skit with musical score by Michael Konda.