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Lt.Gen KJS Dhillon keynotes FIA Chicago patriotic gala
The organization will host its Grand India Independence Day Parade on Aug. 23 at Devon Avenue.
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Chicago Bureau - Wed, 19, Aug 2026
- 13:10 EDT
- 56
FIA-Chicago patriotic gala / FIA-Chicago
The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) Chicago (since 1980) hosted a Patriotic Gala on Aug. 16, where retired Lt. Gen K.J.S. Dhillon took center stage as the keynote speaker, delivering a powerful address to mark India’s 80th Independence Day.
Joining other distinguished military veterans, Lt. Gen Dhillon led a program that also celebrated the U.S. 250th anniversary and the 150th anniversary of “Vande Mataram.”
The program opened with the national anthems of the United States and India, followed by "Vande Mataram," led by Mayanka Pathak and 13-year-old Vardaan Tiwari. Darshana Patel performed "Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon," joined later by Hemant Patel. Veterans were recognized during the program, and attendees paid tribute to their service.
The gala also featured a diya-lighting ceremony, a video presentation and patriotic dance performances by Kavya Sheth, Pranvi Kakkar and Sheryl Goyal.
Also read: FIA-Chicago marks Independence Day with vibrant Triranga Car Rally
In his address, Dhillon paid tribute to India's veterans and discussed his book, Operation Sindoor: The Untold Story of India's Deep Strikes Inside Pakistan, describing the operation as reflecting India's resolve and preparedness.
FIA-Chicago president Hemant Patel said the celebration fulfilled a long-held vision of marking Independence Day in a patriotic setting. “Millions sacrificed, and countless freedom fighters endured hardship and gave their lives to make India free. That is why Independence Day must be celebrated with pride and deep respect,” Patel said in a statement.
Among the dignitaries were the High Commissioner of India to Malaysia, Somnath Ghosh, Deputy Consul General Kriti Das, Israeli Deputy Consul General Delphine Gamburg, former U.S. Rep. Melissa Bean, FIA Trustee-Director Bharat Barai.
Ghosh in his address talked about USA-India friendship and the contribution of the Indian diaspora to the American economy. He said that the Indian diaspora is only 1.5 percent of the American population and yet pays 4 times, or 6 percent, of income taxes. “It is very significant by all standards,” he said.
Prominent community leader Bharat Barai said in his remarks, “It was a very well-arranged and well-attended celebration of India’s 80th and USA’s 250th anniversary celebrations. Remarkable that the Hero of Operation Sindoor, Retd. Lt. General K.J.S. Dhillon, was personally there as Keynote Speaker, along with many retired high-ranking officers of India’s armed forces. Long live U.S.-India friendship.”
FIA-Chicago executive vice president Anil Singh thanked all performers, dignitaries, guests, and the entire audience. “FIA festivities are not over yet! Join us for the Grand India Independence Day Parade on August 23 at Devon Avenue. I invite everyone to participate with your families and friends and make this celebration truly memorable,” he said.
The organization also launched its 2026 Annual Souvenir, a 136-page publication featuring the organization's history, leadership, events, activities and advertisements. The organization invited the community to its Grand India Independence Day Parade scheduled for Aug. 23 at Devon Avenue.
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