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ICO marks 10th anniversary with massive India Day parade
This year's event drew 50,000+ people throughout the day, making it one of the largest Indian events in the United States.
Shankar Mahadevan served as Gran Marshall of the parade / ImagesICO
The Indian Community Outreach (ICO) in Naperville, Illinois, celebrated India's 77th Independence Day with a colorful India Day Parade and Celebration that showcased Indian culture. the organization also celebrated its tenth anniversary since its inception on August 15th, 2013, by former Mayor Pradel.
International Bollywood legend Shankar Mahadevan served as the Grand Marshall of the parade and waved both the Indian and US flag from the ICO float through Mill Street. Various community organizations, businesses, and public figures, participated in the two-hour, mile long, parade which featured multiple intricately and beautifully decorated floats.
A highlight of the parade was the showcase of culture, dances, and uniqueness from over 20 states of India that was aired live. According to the ICO release, onlookers lined the Grand Parade route waving flags of both the United States and India.
Krishna Bansal, chairman and president of the ICO emphasized that the Celebrations and the Parade were aimed at engaging Indian Americans in the mainstream fabric of America. “This event has not only created huge awareness and respect for India but it has re-instigated the love and pride for India amongst first and Gen X/Y/Z adults and youths here from India,” Bansal said.
Following the parade, a full day of activities was hosted on Rotary Hill. The talent show featured one-of-a-kind and vibrant performances by Chicagoland's best and brightest dance groups. The Shrilizar dance teams won the talent show, and the runners-up were Dance With Me and Team Lasya.
Local Indian American singers, Vivek Agrawal, and Madhuri Patibanda also enthralled the audience by performing in multiple languages. DJ’s Salam and Sajan Vadali rocked the stage for the rest of the afternoon before the evening program. A free health fair for senior citizens, clothes and jewelry stalls, and an international food court featuring delicacies from all parts of India, fusion cuisines, ice cream/kulfi and more were part of the festivities.
The evening prgram commenced with the National anthems of both countries. Renowned singer Shankar Mahadevan performed several Bollywood hit songs at the program which was graced by Consul General of India in Chicago Somnath Ghosh, who applauded ICO for organizing a grand celebration and greeted everyone on the occasion of Independence Day of India.
Rep Amy Grant, who was also present, awarded ICO a special award from the State of Illinois for the completion of its tenth year. Naperville Mayor Scott Wehrli along with scores of elected Judges, Senators, Representatives, county members, township trustees, Mayors, Councilmen and prominent leaders of Chicago and Naperville also graced the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Vinod Vasisth, ICO Board Member, said that the Parade has surpassed expectations in both magnitude and participation. “We are constantly working to raise the bar to prove to the world that the Indian Americans are the best, both as human beings and professionals,'' he added.
Viral Shah, ICO treasurer, highlighted that despite the large magnitude of the event, the organizing team along with the sponsors and local organizations made it successful. President Bansal in his vote of thanks urged the community to join the outreach efforts organized throughout the year.
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