FIA Chicago celebrates India’s 79th Independence Day

Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Indian Consul General in Chicago, Somnath Ghosh, participated in the celebration.

FIA-Chicago's Independence Day celebration in Naperville / Asian Media USA

The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) Chicago celebrated India's 79th Independence Day at the Matrix Club in Naperville, on Aug 8.

Organized under the guidance of Founder and Chairman of FIA Sunil Shah and FIA President Anu Malhotra, the cultural fusion celebration drew over 600 attendees, including dignitaries like Consulate General Somnath Ghosh and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi.

The evening kicked off at 6:00 PM with the 'Tribute to Motherland,' igniting a patriotic spark within the attendees.

Anu Malhotra and Prachi Jaitley, emcees for the evening, welcomed the crowd. This was followed by singing the national anthems. Dr. Radhika Chimata sang the American National Anthem and then the Indian national anthem, honoring both the countries.

FIA founder and Chairman Sunil Shah noted, "When music and patriotism meet, magic happens. Tonight, the entire Chicagoland will witness that magic."

Past presidents Vinita Gulabani, Hitesh Gandhi, and Dr. Kamal Patel also shared anecdotes of the organization's exponential growth, painting a picture of resilience and collective effort that FIA has displayed over the years.

Around 600 community members participated in the celebration / Asian Media USA

Consul General of India in Chicago, Somnath Ghosh, praised the diaspora's dual commitment and said "This celebration showcases the strength of our diaspora and its deep commitment to both India and America."

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi highlighted the need for protecting US-India relationship and said, "India should be treated better than the Chinese Communist Party."

Local leaders, including Naperville Mayor Scott Wehrli, Schaumburg Mayor Tom Dailly, and Aurora Alderwoman Shweta Baid, lauded FIA's role in enriching community life. Wehrli's poetic reflection—"From the streets of Naperville to the dreams of Mumbai, we lift each other higher"—captured the event's innovative blend of local and global identities.

The cultural celebrations sought to generate a patriotic fervor / Asian Media USA

The celebration also included cultural performances aimed at creating a patriotic fervour.

The Pillar of Unity and Vision Award was given to FIA Founder Shah by President Malhotra, alongside Rep. Krishnamoorthi and Mayor Wehrli.

Other honorees included JP Khaira, the Grand Sponsor, Dr. Umang Patel for his philanthropy during COVID, Ajeet Singh of the Indian American Business Council, Rita Shah and Aashima Washington for their community service, Anil Loomba of Home Made Mortgage Solutions, Chintan Patel of India Co., Dr. Bharat Barai, Manish and Shailja Gandhi, Pinky Dinesh Thakkar, Mukesh Vasani of Entron Corporation, Ch. Sahab Singh, Anu and Bharat Malhotra, Dr. Bhupinder Beri, Dr. Asha Oroskar and Dr. Anil Oroskar, Brij Sharma of Power Volt, Naresh Shah of ReliaCare and Sona Shah.

Each award was presented with personal anecdotes, highlighting innovative contributions—from job creation to cultural preservation.

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