Gandhi Samaj of Chicago celebrates 35th annual Day and Festival of Lights
Diwali (also called Divali or Deepavali) is the "festival of lights" to celebrate the triumph of light over dark and good over evil. Prayers are offered to seek God's blessings for enlightenment. The name Diwali in Sanksrit means "row of lights."
On the night of Diwali, the families light dozens of candles and clay lamps (called diyas), by placing them throughout their homes and in the streets to light up the dark night.
Gandhi Samaj of Chicago hosted its 35th annual Diwali Program on Saturday, Nov. 2, at Ashton Place in Willowbrook.
andhi Samaj of Chicago includes over 120 "Gandhi" families, from Chicago and its close vicinity, who are native of South Gujarat part of India (Surat to Vapi),.
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 34 years, where the families come together as a big united family to socialize and attend cultural program organized by the young and adults.
The objectives of Gandhi Samaj of Chicago are to achieve and promote unity amongst members while helping the community to enhance cultural awareness via educational programs and through celebration of our festivals such as Diwali and Navratri. Their activities include but not limited to the annual summer picnic, community service day, food donation drive, Navratri and Diwali Celebrations and more.
"If you are not a member of GSC, please join us via Membership Page of the website. A warm Diwali wishes for every happiness. May the warmth and splendor of this auspicious occasion, Fill your life with happiness and bright cheer, and bring to you joy and prosperity, for the whole year", said the GSC President Hitesh Gandhi to editor Jyotikumar Chokshi.
Ganesh stuti was recited "Vakratunda Maha Kaya Surya Koti". Welcoming the audience, the Emcee Tushar Modi and Roma Bhagat, wished Happy Diwali and Prosperous New Year to all. The GSC President Hitesh Gandhi briefed about all programs done during his tenure of two years, He highlighted the help of his entire team. Hiteshbhai reqested all current 2018-2019 committee members to join on the stage, and requested the Sponsors to come up on the stage for lamp lighting ceremony. He also invited Dignitaries: Raja Krishnamoorthi, Senater, Consul Gupta, Sunil Shah- Founder President, FIA, George Miller- Syed Hissaini, Pinky/Dinesh Thakkar, Amit Jhingran and all committee members to perform Lamp lighting.
The American National Anthem was recited by Risha Bhagat; followed by recitation of Indian National Anthem by Alpesh Gandhi. Moment of Silence observed for those who have passed this year.
Hitesh Gandhi introduced Sunil Shah and Raja Krishnamoorthi; He offered the plaque to sponsors Raja Krishnamoorthi, Consul Gupta, Sunil Shah, George Miller, Syed Hissaini, Pinky/Dinesh Thakkar, Amit Jhingran, Vinoz Chanamolu and Kevin Morrision.
Tushar Modi and Roma Bhagat took over and started Entertainment Program:
Namo Namo - A Group Dance by Krishna Gandhi, Manya Gandhi, Freya Gandhi, Riya Gandhi
Kabhi Kabhi Mera Dil, Yahan Pyar Zindagime (songs)- by Farah Salam
Bum Diggy & Lamberghini, Dance by - Priya Modi and Naiara Gandhi
Rajwadi Odhni- solo dance by Sarena Malhan
President Award - Hiteshbhai made announcement for outstanding work and community service to: Keyur Ghayal, Bhumika Gandhi, Pinky Thakkar, Manhar Gajjar, Roma Bhagat, Ashwin Bodaliya, Ramesh Gandhi, Bharat Ghayal, Dipak Ghayal, Hitesh Gandhi invited team of 2017-18 and 2018-19 and applauded for putting untiring efforts.
Then he invited Kalpana Gandhi President elect for the years 2019-20 and 2020-21. Kalpana Gandhi appreciated the efforts put in by Hitesh Gandhi in bringing out Samaj to great height and assured to continue during her tenure. She announced her team as: Vice President- Hitesh Gandhi, Secretary- Pravin Gandhi, Treasurer- Manharbhai Gajjar Directors: Dharmesh Gandhi, Meenaben Gajjar, Jagruti Ghayal, Jamisha Gandhi.
MC Roma and Tushar continued with entertainment program with Ghar More Pardesiya- a group dance by Krishna Gandhi, Manya Gandhi, Freya Gandhi, Riya Gandhi Tumhi Meri Manzil - a solo dance by Hema Shastri Aankh Marey- group dance by Krishna Gandhi, Manya Gandhi, Freya Gandhi, Riya Gandhi thes group dances were performed under banner of Krishna's Dance Academy run by Krishna Gandhi.
Ye Kya Hua- a solo performance in role of Rajesh Khanna by Pravin Gandhi. This was a happy end to annual day proceedings, and all disbursed after Sumptuous Dinner. Everybody enjoyed the program and many couple danced after this also.
The office bearers of GSC are:
President Hitesh Gandhi; Executive Vice President: Dinesh Gandhi; Vice President: Tushar Modi Treasurer: Dharmesh Gandhi; Secretary Jay Gandhi, Cultural Secretary: Roma Bhagat; Directors: Kalpana Gandhi; Dimple Gandhi; Pravin Gandhi; Annie Gandhi; Sandhya Gandhi; Meena Gajjar; Youth Secretary: Radhika Gandhi; Krina Gandhi, Advisory Board: Dinesh Gandhi; Kaushik Mehta;