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Global Indian Diaspora Foundation marks Independence Day in Chicago

The events featured a patriotic cultural evening Bande Mataram and a sold-out pre-release screening of The Bengal Files.

GIDF president Rakesh Malhotra and general secretary Abhinav Rain honoring Abhishek Aggarwal, producer of The Bengal Files / Photo by GIDF

The Indian American community in Chicago came together this weekend for a grand Independence Day celebration hosted by the Global Indian Diaspora Foundation (GIDF). 

The festivities featured a patriotic cultural evening titled Bande Mataram and an exclusive pre-release screening of the historical drama The Bengal Files by acclaimed filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri.

The event kicked off on August 8 with Bande Mataram, a tribute that blended history, art, and civic pride. Somnath Ghosh, Consul General of India in Chicago, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the phrase “Bande Mataram” as a symbol of devotion and unity. 

Vivek Agnihotri , writer and director of The Bengal Files speaking at the event “Bande-Mataram” organized by Global Indian Diaspora and International University of Vedic Wellness. / Photo by GIDF
Releasing the souvenir ‘ The Bengal Files” – Vivek Agnihotri, writer and director, Pallavi Joshi, National Award winner actress & producer, Pallavi Joshi, president of Global Indian Diaspora, Rakesh Malhotra, Mayor of South Barrington Paula McCombie, founder of International Vedic University, Santosh Kumar, president of Vishwa Hindu Parishad- Chicago, Vinesh Virani, general secretary of GIDF, Abhinav Raina, and Mayank Singhania, promoter of the Bengal Files. / Photo by GIDF

“A nation is not just a territory on a map — it is a shared consciousness, a living spirit that binds its people,” Ghosh told the gathering. “Bande Mataram is more than a slogan; it is a pledge of devotion to the motherland.”

GIDF founder Rakesh Malhotra emphasized the foundation’s role in promoting cultural diplomacy and connecting the diaspora globally. “Celebrating India’s Independence is not just about remembering the past — it is about building bridges for the future,” Malhotra said. Speakers such as Santosh Kumar and Bharat Barai reflected on India’s struggle for independence and its broader democratic values.

The evening included a lamp lighting ceremony, the national anthems of India and the U.S., and a vibrant dance performance by the Bengali dance troupe led by Lina Chakraborty and Rashmi Roy Chowdhury. The program also featured discussions on the global Hindu diaspora’s cultural identity by Adityan Banerjee and a meet-and-greet with filmmaker Agnihotri and National Award-winning actress Pallavi Joshi.

Santosh Kumar, founder of International University of Vedic Wellness, Mayor of South Barrington, Paula McCombie and Rakesh Malhotra , president of GIDF Foundation, Chicago / Photo by GIDF
Stunning cultural performance by Bengal Dance Troupe Reshmi Roy Chowdhury, Lopamudra Bhattacharya, and Heeah Banerjee / Photo by GIDF

On August 9, AMC Naperville hosted a sold-out pre-release screening of The Bengal Files, which explores the 1946 Direct-Action Day riots and related communal violence leading up to India’s partition. 

This screening was part of the “One Truth. Ten Cities” tour, organized in partnership with various diaspora organizations. Agnihotri described the film as a “moral responsibility” to honor silenced histories, while Malhotra called it “a piercing mirror to our history.”

Together, the events celebrated India’s heritage and encouraged dialogue on its complex past, strengthening the community’s cultural ties in Chicago.

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