Gandhi Samaj of Chicago celebrate Diwali traditional way by lighting Diya
Chicago IL: While the festival of Diwali is observed by people of different faiths for different reasons, they all acknowledge its underlying theme: the victory of good over evil and the triumph of light over darkness.
Gandhi Samaj of Chicago (GSC) (www.gandhisamajchicago.com) hosted its 32nd annual Diwali Program on November 5, 2016, at Hanuman Temple in Glenview, IL and was led by Hitesh Gandhi and Keyur Ghayal. Gandhi Samaj of Chicago includes over 120 "Gandhi" families, native of South Gujarat part of India (Surat to Vapi), from Chicago and its close vicinity. The event started with social hour accompanied by Traditional Gujarati (Indian) Cuisine dinner, which was followed by a cultural program. This is a tradition observed by GSC for last 32 years, where families come together as a big united family to socialize and attend cultural program by young and adults.
Mr. Dipak Shah, owner and president of Direct Floors in Woodridge, was invited as Chief Guest and Consul General Mr. O.P. Meena bestowed his presence as Guest of Honor. President's Award was given to Mr. Nitin C. Gandhi for his leadership and excellent contribution as a Vice President of Gandhi Samaj of Chicago 2012-15 term. Community Service Award was presented to Mrs. Sushila N. Gandhi in honor of her active part in the community. Educational Achievement Awards were awarded to the youth, who completed their education from the college.
We are prepared and ready to tackle the big crowd with a solid executive plan. "It was a very smooth execution even though we completely "Sold out" night," "Thanks to all the sponsors of the grand event without their support it would not be possible to have such a wonderful event also thanks to audience of Chicago and well-wishers who attended the event to make this magnificent event successful" said by Mr Hitesh Gandhi, Exec Vice President of Gandhi Samaj.
Cultural program touched everyone's hearts as imaginations of performers (from age 5 to 60) showcased their talents. Program started by a small Prayer followed with American & Indian National Anthems. The Bharat Natyam performance of Ganesh Vandana by Krishna Gandhi, Misha Gandhi, Freya Gandhi and Freya Viren Gandhi added a soft touch. The children and adults of Gandhi Community performed Classical and Bollywood Dance performances, songs and other talents. Couple Dance performance on "Char Kadam" song became the highlight when Couples pair performed with glorious energy.
Special Guest performers added the charm to the event. Mrs. Mona Bhalla, who owns album "Kudi-Bindaas" performed live with her 3 beautiful daughters. Dance performance reached to an extreme thrill when Ms. Madhura Sane danced on revival of old and new classic, Mr. Elizar from Arya Dance Academy performed Bollywood Fusion dance. Also, Mrs. Shital Dhanani, founder of Tarana Kathak academy added the Classical touch with her trained Kathak students and Mr. Paul Chopra grabbed audience attention by performing a Mimicry Bollywood act.
Some of the other highlights of evening included
1. Muje Rang De dance performance by Risha Bhagat and Mansi Gandhi
2. Kal Ho Na Ho & Pani Da rang played on Instrument by Isha Guard & Daksh Guard
3. Mix songs Cham Cham, Chittiyaan Kalaiyan & Gal ban gai dance performance by Sweta Gandhi & Mansi Agnihotri
4. Deewani Mastani, I love my India & Made in India dance performance by Riya Ghayal
5. Baby Ko Base Pasand Hai dance performance by Esha Gandhi, Jiya Gandhi, Aarushi Mehta & Aniasha Mehta.
The Show ended after 3 hours of continuous entertainment with astounding performance of "Tukur Tukur & Char Kadam" couple dance performed by the Gandhi Samaj Community members.
A special mention goes out to the committee members of Gandhi Samaj Of Chicago Mr. Keyur Ghayal (President), Mr. Hitesh Gandhi (Executive Vice President), Mrs. Bhumika V. Gandhi (Vice President), Mr. Ashwin Bodalia (Treasurer), Manhar Gajjar (Secretary), Mrs. Roma Bhagat (Cultural Secretary) & Mr. Bharat Ghayal, Ramesh Gandhi, Dipak Ghayal (Joint Secretaries), and Priya Ghayal , Hiren Ghayal (Youth Secretary).