The Indian Seniors of Chicago marked its annual Diwali celebration on Oct. 11 at Manav Seva Mandir in Bensenville, Illinois, drawing a crowd of nearly 500 members and guests for an evening of performances, prayers, and community recognition.
The event began with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp by founder Narsinghbhai Patel and current president Dilipbhai Patel, joined by chief guests Chhotalal Patel, Dahyabhai Prajapati, Haribhai Patel, Bhailalbhai Patel, and Rajendrabhai Chauhan.
Treasurer Hemant Modi welcomed the guests and highlighted the organization’s upcoming jubilee year, noting that the group would mark both milestones together in the coming months. President Dilipbhai Patel then greeted the attendees with floral bouquets, emphasizing the organization’s role in fostering unity among the senior community.
Chief guest Chhotalal Patel, in his remarks, spoke about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through simple habits. “Regular exercise, enough water, seven to eight hours of sleep, nutritious food, and positive thoughts are necessary for a healthy life,” he said, extending his wishes for the success of the celebration.
The cultural portion of the evening featured devotional and folk performances by members. Singers Panna Shah and Jayshree Seth opened with Shankar Stuti and a dance set to ‘Satyam Shivam Sundaram’. A karaoke talent segment followed, featuring Jayanti Oza, Hemant Modi, Pushpa Parekh, Daksha Parikh, Ashwin Thakkar, Jashwant Seth, and Arvind Kotke. Group dances and songs—including ‘Maro Sonano Ghadulo’ and ‘Vagyo Re Dhol’—added to the festive mood, while performances by Saroj Patel’s and Deepak’s groups celebrated Gujarati and Hindi film music traditions.
Members also enjoyed a light-hearted skit titled ‘Alexa Tu Kya Che?’, which drew warm applause. Dancers and performers were later felicitated by President Dilipbhai Patel and Vice President Kantibhai Patel.
The evening concluded with a musical segment by singer Rajesh Chalam, who performed classic Hindi songs to the delight of the audience.
Closing the event, organizer Panna Shah thanked volunteers, donors, and members of the media, including Jayanti Oza and Bhailalbhai Patel of Parikh Media, for their support.
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