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ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill.
More than 300 guests attended the celebration of India’s Republic Day hosted by the splinter Federation of Indian Associations here at The Meadows Club Jan. 24. The cultural program, emceed by Shalini Saxena and Mona Bhalla, included local dancers, singers and a beauty pageant. The Indian Consul General was represented by honorary consul Vishav Pal.
Inaugurated by Lt. Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti, the gala was also attended by Schaumburg Mayor Al Larson, Hanover Park Village President Rodney Craig, Hoffman Estates Village President Bill McLeod, Democratic State Representatives Michelle Mussmann and Fred Crespo, Water Reclamation District Commissioner Frank Avila and other elected officials.
They joined FIA board members in lighting the traditional lamp. Others who joined that ceremony included representatives of Indian associations such as Bihar and Jharkand Cultural Association President Satyendra Kumar, Gujarati Samaj of Chicago President Urvarshi Patel, Minority Leadership Alliance Vice President Khaja Moinuddin, Global Organization of People of Indian Origin President Gladston Verghese, MEDSTAR President Nilesh Patel, Punjabi Cultural Society President Vick Singh, Rajasthan Association President Ram Saini, Sher-e Punjab Sports and Cultural Club of Ohio President Surjit Singh Mavi, Director of Hindi Lovers Club Rita Shah, and Delhi Association of North America President Ravi Kapoor.
The FIA Founding President Sunil Shah stressed the growing ties between the U.S. and India, noting the historic significance of President Barack Obama’s attending Republic Day celebrations in Delhi. Banquet Chairman Brij Sharma said the Indian Americans have two mothers: India and the U.S. Sanguinetti applauded the Indian community’s contributions and pledged the full support of the new gubernatorial team.
The opening dance number titled “Pushpanjali” was performed by Mudra Dance Academy. Anila Sinha Foundation presented two Kathak dances, choreographed by Kiran Chouhan. There were also artistes from Ye Cheez Entertainment.
A beauty pageant was held, choreographed by Miss Jewel of India. The competition was divided into three age categories, Teen Jewel of India (age group 13 to 18), Ms. Jewel of India (age group 19 to 29) and Mrs. Jewel of India. Dr. Juhi Jagiasi, president of MJI, was present with her team. Jigna Sheith and Simran Bhalla tied as Miss Teen, Tanya Sharma as Ms. Jewel of India, and Mona Bhalla as Mrs. Jewel of India, Illinois.
