ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
OFBJP Chicago marks BJP’s Foundation Day with focus on diaspora engagement
Attendees also observed a moment of silence in memory of Rajya Sabha member Balbir Punj, who passed away on April 19
-
1759953093.png)
Staff Reporter - Tue, 21, Apr 2026
- 12:01 EDT
- 27
Amar Upadhyay, Chicago Chapter of OFBJP was Felicitated, seen in the picture are Arvind Ankleswaria, Hasmukh Patel, Rakesh Malhotra, Vandana Jhingan, Devesh Pandit, Datta Pandit and Abhinav Raina. / Handout
Members of the Indian diaspora gathered on April 19 in Chicago to mark the 47th Foundation Day of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), reaffirming their commitment to India’s development while emphasizing deeper civic engagement in the United States.
The event, organized by the Overseas Friends of the Bharatiya Janata Party (OFBJP) USA Chicago Chapter, commemorated the party’s establishment on April 6, 1980, and brought together community leaders, media professionals, and supporters for an evening of reflection and dialogue.
Also Read: Raleigh chapter marks BJP’s 47th Foundation Day
Proceedings began with the national anthems of the United States and India, followed by a ceremonial lamp-lighting and a Vedic invocation. A cultural segment featured young Vardaan Tiwari performing Vande Mataram on the saxophone, alongside a vocal rendition by Yashswini Desai.
Attendees also observed a moment of silence in memory of Rajya Sabha member Balbir Punj, who passed away on April 19, honoring his contributions to India’s public life.
Chicago Chapter coordinator Amar Upadhyay opened the formal program, thanking attendees for their continued engagement. Rakesh Malhotra, a member of the OFBJP USA executive committee, delivered the keynote presentation outlining the BJP’s ideological foundations, including Integral Humanism, Antyodaya, and the principle of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. He described the occasion as a dual celebration, noting that OFBJP itself was founded in April in New York and inaugurated by L.K. Advani.
Members of the Indian Diaspora speaking at the event, Hemant Patel, Sri Sanathan Sansthan, USA, Dr. Manish Brahmbhatt, Hindus For America, Abhinav Raina, Secy Global Indian Diaspora Foundation, Nirav Patel, VHPA of USA / Handout
Malhotra traced the party’s origins to the Bharatiya Jana Sangh founded by Syama Prasad Mukherjee in 1951 and its evolution into the BJP in 1980 under Atal Bihari Vajpayee. “India’s destiny is greatness; our duty is to serve,” he said, emphasizing the party’s guiding philosophy.
Media professionals Vandana Jhinghan, Dr. Avinash Verma, Jayanti Ojha, and Prachi Jaitly highlighted the importance of responsible journalism in shaping narratives around India and countering misinformation in global discourse.
Community leaders including Hemant Patel, Dr. Manish Brahmbhatt, Nirav Patel, Anil Singh, Dr. Rashmi Patel, Devesh Pandit, Abhinav Raina, and Harish Kolasani led discussions on civic participation in the United States. The dialogue focused on strengthening engagement with elected officials, think tanks, and civic institutions, while advocating for India-friendly policies, trade ties, and defense cooperation.
Speakers at the BJP Foundation Day Celebration, Prachi Jaitly, IUSA Media, Rakesh Malhotra, Member Executive Committee, OFBJP USA, Devesh Pandit, Commissioner Morton Grove, Harish Kolasani, Founder of National Indian Hub and Dr. Avinash Verma of Indo US Tribune / HandoutSpeakers also reflected on key policy decisions under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including the abrogation of Article 370, the Citizenship Amendment Act, the Ram Temple consecration in Ayodhya, and the abolition of triple talaq, describing them as transformative developments in India’s governance and social framework.
Hasmukh Patel shared personal reflections of his early interactions with Modi dating back to 1991, drawing appreciation from attendees.
The event concluded with a felicitation ceremony honoring Amar Upadhyay for his contributions to the Chicago chapter.
President Dr. Adapa Prasad and general secretary Dr. Vasu Patel lead OFBJP USA, overseeing the organization's activities nationwide. From New Delhi, overseas affairs are coordinated by Dr. Vijay Chauthaiwale and Ashwin Johar, who serve as liaisons between the party’s leadership and its global diaspora network.
Discover more at New India Abroad.
Related
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login