FIA Chicago hosts day-long Independence Day gala in Schaumburg

The event featured cultural performances, an AI forum, civic recognition and entertainment.

Left to Right:Avni Singh (Director/Singer), Team, Rita Shah (First Lady), Sunil Shah (Founder Chairman), Pinky Thakkar (Advisory Board), Richa Chand (President), Pratibha Jairath (Past President), Neil Khot (Vice Chairman), Anu Malhotra (Past President), Vinita Gulabani (Past President) / Asian Media USA

The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) Chicago marked India’s 80th Independence Day and the United States’ 250th anniversary with a daylong celebration at the Renaissance Convention Center in Schaumburg on Aug. 9.

The event drew more than 800 attendees, including dignitaries like the Consul General Somnath Ghosh, U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Schaumburg Mayor Tom Dailly, State Sen. Laura Murphy and other elected officials and community leaders.

Also read: Indian-Americans set flagpole record celebrating India@80, America@250

The celebration, led by FIA founder and chairman Sunil Shah and presidents Altaf Bukhari and Richa Chand, began with a Business Expo.

Left to Right: Altaf Bukhari (President), Sunil Shah (Founder Chairman). / Asian Media USA

Left to Right: Jassi Parmar (Desi Junction), Altaf Bukhari (President), Ajeet Singh (Advisory Board), Murugesh Kasilingam (Vice President), Sunil Shah (Founder Chairman), Richa Chand (President). / Asian Media USA

1- Left to Right: Entire FIA Team Vinita Gulabani (Past President), Richa Chand (President), Neil Khot (Vice- Chairman), Sunil Shah (Founder Chairman), Team. / Asian Media USA

Left to Right: Keerthi Ravoori (Advisory Board), Vinita Gulabani (Past President), Richa Chand (President), Lakhvir Sahota (Advisory Board), Sunil Shah (Founder Chairman), Dr Harjinder Khaira (Advisory Board), Melissa Bean (Future Congresswoman), Laura Murphy (State Senator), Altaf Bukhari (President), Jassi Parmar (Desi Junction) / Asian Media USA

A key component of the expo was a panel discussion on artificial intelligence, examining the technology’s growing influence on business, innovation and society. The panel included NASA intern Neelay Ranjan, PhoenixAI.tech co-founder Rajesh Rasalkar, FIA general secretary Kamlesh Kapoor and FIA director Vijay Gupta. The event was facilitated by FIA director Rajesh Narayan.

Following the expo, a patriotic parade was held along with the ceremonial hoisting of the Indian and American flags and the national anthems of both countries.

The event also featured “FIA’s Got Talent,” a fashion show highlighting the cultural traditions of India’s states and musical and dance performances. A patriotic presentation by FIA singers Avni Singh, Jitendra Bulsara and Shivam Vishwanathan paid tribute to those who contributed to India’s independence.

The evening entertainment included performances by Bollywood artists Shibani Kashyap, Kashish Rajput and Razin, along with a Garba performance by Tirath and a performance by FIA singer Supriya Nair.

Organizers also recognized sponsors, volunteers, performers and community contributors for supporting the event, which FIA said was planned over approximately five months.

Founder and chairman Sunil Shah summarized the spirit of the historic gathering by describing the celebration as, “a statement of who we are, what we cherish, and how beautifully we blend our heritage with the community we call home.”

Left to Right:Pinky Thakkar (Advisory Board), Pratibha Jairath (Past President), Vinita Gulabani (Past President), Rita Shah (First Lady), Sunil Shah (Founder Chairman), Shibani Kashyap (Celebrity/Singer), Rodney Craig (Mayor Hanover Park), Neil Khot (Vice Chairman), William Mcleod (Mayor Hoffman Estates), Tom Dailly (Mayor Schaumburg), Nimish Jani (Advisory Board), / Asian Media USA

Left to Right: Vijay Gupta (Director), Kamlesh Kapoor (General Secretary), Neelay Ranjan (NASA Intern), Rajesh Rasalkar (PhoenixAI.tech Co-founder), Rajesh Narayan (FIA Director) / Asian Media USA

Left to Right:Anu Malhotra (Past President), Vinita Gulabani (Past President), Richa Chand (President), Kashish Rajput (Bollywood Celebrity), Shibani Kashyap (Celebrity/Singer), Sunil Shah (Founder Chairman), Pratibha Jairath (Past President), Altaf Bukhari (President), Keerthi Ravoori (Advisory Board) / Asian Media USA

Left to Right: Jassi Parmar (Desi Junction), Vinita Gulabani (Past President), Rita Shah (First Lady), Richa Chand (President), Sunil Shah (Founder Chairman), Consul General Somnath Ghosh, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Neil Khot (Vice Chairman), Keerthi Ravoori (Advisory Board). / Asian Media USA

Left to Right:Rita Shah (First Lady), Kashish Rajput (Bollywood Celebrity), Sunil Shah (Founder Chairman), Shibani Kashyap (Celebrity/Singer) / Asian Media USA

Presidents Altaf Bukhari and Richa Chand emphasized the forward-looking meaning of the occasion: “Our Independence Day is not just about remembering the past; it’s about celebrating the bonds we build today for a stronger tomorrow.” Vice chairman Neil Khot further reinforced the evening’s message with remarks centered on patriotism, community service and giving back.

FIA leaders said the celebration reflected the Indian American community’s connection to its heritage while recognizing the United States as home and emphasizing freedom, civic engagement, service and unity.

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