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FIA Chicago hosts grand Republic Day celebrations
Acclaimed Indian artist Shahid Rafi, the son of the legendary Mohammad Rafi, performed at the event
Celebration of India's Republic Day; Sunil Shah [Founder President and Chairman], Pratibha Jairath [President], Vinita Gulabani [Past President], Executive Board, Directors and Advisory Board / Asian Media USA
The Federation of Indian Associations, Chicago (FIA), recently hosted the largest celebrations of India’s Republic Day in the United States.
Held at the Matrix Club in Chicago the program featured a diverse array of events, impactful community service initiatives, and a special performance by acclaimed Indian artist Shahid Rafi, the son of the legendary Mohammad Rafi, revered as the greatest voice in Indian Cinema.
Founder and chairman Sunil Shah, past president Vinita Gulabani, current president Pratibha Jairath, and FIA past presidents, participated in a ceremonial lamp lighting. Consulate General Somnath Ghosh served as the chief guest at the event.
Lighting the lamp; Sunil Shah [Founder President and Chairman], Pratibha Jairath [President] and Vinita Gulabani [Past President] / Asian Media USAIn his speech, the diplomat read out the message by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu on the ocassion of India’s 75th Republic Day. He spoke about the relevance of the day to every Indian and to the Indian Diaspora.
Founder Shah in his remarks highlighted FIA’s role in uniting the diaspora in and around Chicago land over the past several years, and reiterated the organization’s vision and mission.
Vinita Gulabani noted that in 2023 FIA grew from 58 to over 160 members with a 300 percent increase in funding, event sizes, and the number of events hosted. Current president Pratibha Jairath, outlined her ambitious plan for 2024 and introduced an additional event focusing on Animal Medical Welfare and Care.
Address to audience by Consulate General of Midwest Somnath Ghosh with Founder Chairman Sunil Shah, President Vinita Gulabani and President for 2024 Pratibha Jairath / Asian Media USA
The dignitaries presented Sudhir and Archana Agarwal, Pinky and Dinesh Thakkar, Chintan and Digna Patel, Chirag Patel, Sunny Patel, Arjun Patel, Manish and Shailja Gandhi, Suketu Amin, Kunal Sarangi (ex-MLA), Naresh Shah, Dr. Bhupinder Beri, and Jayanti Oza with awards to recognise their service to the community.
Patriotic dances by the children from the Atharv Dance Academy, set the atmosphere for the event it was followed by cultural performances that showcased the rich cultural diversity of the nation.
Founder Chairman Sunil Shah, President Vinita Gulabani and President for 2024 Pratibha Jairath, presenting a memento from FIA to Shahid Rafi (son of Mohammad Rafi) / Asian Media USA“This FIA, Chicago event was not merely a reflection, but a vivid manifestation of our love for India and profound pride in being part of the world’s largest democracy, India. The celebration left an indelible impression, cultivating a heightened sense of patriotism and national pride among the Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) connected to their roots and heritage,” said Consul General Somnath Ghosh at the event’s conclusion.
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