The event, held under the theme "Igniting Passion: Equipping Change," was attended by elected officials, diplomats, community leaders and performers, with thousands more watching via livestream / Asian Media USA

The American Multi-Ethnic Commission hosted its 15th Annual Congressional Global Champions Gala on July 25 at Yellow Box in Naperville, Illinois, bringing together more than 1,700 attendees and representatives from 33 ethnic communities for an evening of cultural performances, awards and bipartisan participation. The event, held under the theme "Igniting Passion: Equipping Change," was attended by elected officials, diplomats, community leaders and performers, with thousands more watching via livestream.

The program opened with interfaith prayers led by Pastor Jebasingh Jebamony, Dr. Vasavi Chakka and Anwar Sadatullah. National Chair Dr. Hong Liu welcomed attendees, followed by remarks from Gov. Martino Tankar, National Faith Chair Dr. Twin Green, Senior Vice President Dr. Ronnie Yusefzai, Executive Vice President Kathy Thorat and Student Secretary Samira Bangali.

A centerpiece of the evening was the "Around the World in 60 Minutes" cultural showcase, created by AMEC Founder and Chairman Dr. Vijay G. Prabhakar. The program featured performances representing countries and cultures including Korea, Indonesia, Poland, China, Russia, India, the Philippines, Lithuania, Japan, Mexico and West African traditions. Korean American singer Yesoe Yoon performed the U.S. national anthem alongside the color guard from Great Lakes Naval Station.
 

Among the recipients were the Center for Social Change, named Healthcare Organization of the Year; entrepreneur Pin Ni, who received the Global Icon award; and Sam Pitroda, recognized as Visionary of the Year. / Asian Media USA

A formal procession introduced guests that included U.S. Rep. Danny K. Davis, Karnataka Health Minister U.T. Khader Fareed, Chinese Consul General Wang Baodang, Illinois State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford and other elected officials, diplomats and community leaders.

ABC Channel 7, which broadcast the gala, described it as America's largest multiethnic festival.

The gala presented awards across four segments recognizing achievements in healthcare, business, public service, education, journalism, community leadership and the arts.

Among the recipients were the Center for Social Change, named Healthcare Organization of the Year; entrepreneur Pin Ni, who received the Global Icon award; and Sam Pitroda, recognized as Visionary of the Year. ABC7 anchor Judy Hsu was named Journalist of the Year, while Dr. Omar B. Lateef of Rush University received the Dr. Pratap C. Kumar Outstanding Physician of the Year award.

Additional honors included the Abraham Lincoln Leadership Award for Illinois Republican Party Chairman Bob Grogan, the Global Civic Leadership Award for Khader, the Legacy Builder Award for Jesse White III, the Man of the Year award for Ford, the Woman of the Year award for Vijay Sharma and the Danny K. Davis Peace Prize for Hassan A. Muhammad. A commemorative plaque also honored the late Dr. Pratap C. Kumar.

The program also featured the "Beyond Limits" fashion showcase by the Prosthetic Foundation of America, highlighting amputee participants, and performances including a Whitney Houston tribute by Sherie Yuette Withers and a dance presentation by PJ Dance Academy.

The evening concluded with the Edward & Lily Prabhakar Global Challenge Cup dance competition featuring nine teams. Lumina 12 won the championship, receiving the trophy from Wang and Davis.

The event brought together Democratic and Republican leaders, including Ford, Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller, Republican congressional nominee Jennifer Davis, Illinois Republican Chairman Bob Grogan and former Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White.

"I salute Dr. Vijay G. Prabhakar Our fearless & selfless leader whose initiatives are trailblazing and path breaking globally which is unparalleled today under the guidance of the Living Legend U. S. Congressman Danny K. Davis. Popularly known as Dr VGP, his creative magic has mesmerized the global for the past fifteen years by building bridges that no storm can wash away," said Suresh Bodiwala, chairman and founder of Asian Media USA.

"This AMEC gala curated by Dr. VGP was not merely an event; it was a living declaration that America's strength lies in every language, every faith, every step of every dancer. May the spirit of unity witness in Naperville continue to light the path for generations yet unborn," he added.

Discover more at New India Abroad.