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The Federation of Indian Associations that was established in 1980 hosted a parade, marking India’s 70th Independence Day, and a banquet Aug. 20-21 in Chicago, Ill.
Despite rain, the annual parade took place as scheduled on Devon Avenue.
Chief guests included Redberri chairman and chief executive Deepak Kant Vyas, MLA and NCT Delhi parliamentary secretary Adarsh Shashtri, former Illinois gov. Pat Quinn, 9th District Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court Dorothy Brown, Illinois 8th District Democratic Candidate Raja Krishnamoorthi, former FIA trustee and community leader from Indiana, Bharat Bharai, and Smita Shah, chair of Chicago sister cities.
Despite the recent decreasing participation by the community due to last minute changes in the program, the FIA leadership gathered to celebrate the event with great enthusiasm.
The two-hour event, started with a marching band and flag-hoisting ceremony led by Consul D.B. Bhatti, representative from the Indian Consulate General in Chicago, and President of FIA Minhaj Akhtar; followed by procession of floats from local community groups, including the United Telugu Cricket League, Overseas Friends of the BJP, Federation of Christian Associations, Air India and the Indian Motorcycle club.
Adarsh Shashtri and Patt Quinn were both impressed with leadership. “I think it’s very special for everyone who believes in democracy, the United States, the first democracy and India, the largest democracy. Sixty-nine years ago at midnight, the democracy of India began and it is very important that we honor that and also honor the friendship of the people of India and the people of America. I have been a part of this parade when it started and it’s been a long time. It’s a great parade,” commented Patt Quinn.
“It is phenomenal to see the enthusiasm from the community leaders. Indian- Americans are a part of the greatest county and democracy in the world, and they have come from a country, which is largest democracy. They fact that these two democracies can work together, not just as countries but as people, is the biggest message that we can carry forward,” said Shashtri.
The next day FIA held its annual Independence Day banquet at the Meadows Club in Rolling Meadows that featured chief guest Ausaf Sayeed, consul general of India in Chicago.
The event began with the rendition of patriotic songs by Jitendra Bulsara. Opening remarks were given by Shastri, who offered his best wishes to the FIA. “I would like to thank FIA and Minhajbhai to provide me the opportunity to participate and speak to the community. Today, even more than15,000 KM away from our motherland, I am proud and congratulate you on celebrating our nation’s Independence Day with such enthusiasm and love. It is so endearing. “
He said the progress of India as a nation has been supplemented greatly by the Indian diaspora, “I think (of) a quote by John F Kennedy (who) once remarked that people see things which are there and ask why, I see things which never were and ask why not? I think that clearly demonstrates the sentiment of Indian people where we have made great strides in development in various aspects of social life, community and country.
“Over that last few years India has seen a lot of changes politically and economically. I bring a message here that we may have or political differences but when it comes to nation we are united. I hope that in the future we will continue to build a better nation together. ”
FIA founder and trustee Bhailal Patel introduced chairman and chief executive of Redberri Deepak Kant Vyas and thanked him for his participation in both the parade and the banquet. Patel announced that through the leadership of the FIA established in 1980 Vyas will donate funds for a bust or statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Gandhi Marg and in one of the Chicago parks.
Vyas, in his address, talked about the importance of Mahatma Gandhi’s contribution to world. “
As we celebrate 70 years of India’s independence, 100 years back a “pravasi” like him (Gandhi) went back to India with one mission to unite and lead us to Independence and his teachings are more relevant than ever today, and become one of the greatest brands India has, which is Mahatma Gandhi. He gave to us not only Independence but also the vision for “swaraj” and has become the core basis for peace, inspired not only our freedom but freedom across the world.”
Tim Choi, representative from the Office of Leslie Munger, chief financial officer of State of Illinois, extended a message conveying her congratulations to FIA of Chicago.
The FIA honored Midwest Bureau Chief Vandana Jhingan for her work in the community. The award was presented by Ausaf Sayeed on behalf of the FIA and was given in recognition of Jhingan’s “fearless journalism” and community service that she has been rendering to Chicagoland for more than 20 years. “I would like to thank the FIA for this recognition, and would add that this award was earned and not bought, “ said Jhingan after receiving the award.
The highlight of the event was a patriotic skit and dance performed by Shalini Saxena, which commemorated the sacrifices made by those who lost their lives to achieve Indian independence. The performance received a standing ovation from the audience.
Sayeed congratulated the FIA that was established in 1980 “I would like to congratulate the FIA for carrying out the Indian Independence and Republic Day events with due dignity and solemnity. It is very important that when we celebrate any national events, they are celebratory in nature but at the same they are very solemn. There have been enormous sacrifices made by thousands of people who have made these days possible by shedding their blood and their lives, and these events serve as a tribute to them. I was very moved and emotional by the performance of Shalini Saxena,” he said.
Sayeed talked about the live broadcast of the Indian Independence Day parade in New York and said he feels that Indian-Americans in the Midwest also has an enormous potential which can be translated into a positive energy. “There are occasions when we all should forget our differences and work together. I don’t see any reason why we cannot have 50,000 people at our events” Sayeed said.
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