Federation of Indian Associations, Chicago hosts joyful Diwali, announces new leadership

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It was an evening of lights, laughter, and a whole lot of Diwali cheer as the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) gathered for its Annual General Body Meeting at Ashyana Banquets, November 10, 2024, in Chicago.

A lively social hour with photo-ops and networking jumpstarted the event.

Secretary General of FIA Chicago, Nilabh Dubey formally opened the meeting overseen by FIA Founder Chairman Sunil Shah and current President Pratibha Jairath. Shah delivered a speech on the organization’s journey and the events it hosts over the years, adding that FIA is one of the largest Indian associations with more than 300 board members.

Advisory Board members Brij Sharma, Dr. Suresh Reddy, Sanhita Agnihotri, Keerthikumar Ravoori, Pinky Thakkar, Dr. Anuja Gupta, Dr. Bhupinder Beri, Lakhvir Sahota, Dr. Harjinder Khaira and Syed Hussaini were called to the stage. Their remarks ranged from inspirational to witty, and included their  experiences with FIA’s contribution to community at-large.  In an unexpected twist, two on-the-spot recruits—Khushbu Bansal and Madhuri Thakkar—joined the FIA family, the press release from FIA Chicago said.

The keynote speech by Jairath highlighted FIA’s key accomplishments through 2024. Highlights included the popular Windy City Bulls event, which drew over 400 attendees and featured 85 performers, a Holi festival with free T-shirts and a lively cultural program, a record turnout of 1,200 participants for International Yoga Day and a Star Awards Night, featuring Bollywood star Jaya Prada and honoring India’s Blind Cricket Team, where 100 nominations received in 19 Categories and 25 Awards were presented to community leaders. FIA’s marquee event Republic Day celebrations had many mayors attend where FIA gave scholarship to 6 students after evaluating more than 50 applications. And the upcoming Coat and Toy Drive, scheduled for December.

Vice-Chairman Neil Khot reflected on FIA’s core mission, emphasizing its role in community service and support, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted FIA’s outreach efforts to provide food, oxygen, and essential supplies to those in need, including orphanages and homeless shelters, and highlighted how FIA has become a valuable networking platform for its members, committed to lending a hand to anyone in need.

2025 FIA Executive Board Announcement

Founder Chairman Sunil Shah unveiled the new leadership lineup of 2025, to much applause: President 2025: Anu Malhotra, Executive Vice Presidents: Altaf Bukhari, Richa Chand, Sonia Luther, Vice President: Vaishal Talati, Murugesh Kasilingam, Subbu Iyer, Vikas Kalwani, Swati Kukian, Manoj Rathod, Secretary General: Nilabh Dubey, Treasurer: Suresh Bodiwala, Cultural Secretary: Falguni Rana, Pika Munshi, Joint Secretary: Falguni Sukhadia, Kamlesh Kapoor, Joint Treasurer: Payal Shah, Joint Cultural Secretary: Priyanka Parekh, Executive Director: Deepali Saraogi, Vice President Membership: Naresh Shah, Ramesh Punatar, Sunil Shah (RN), Ajanta Talukdar Sharma, Manoj Joshi, Ajanta Sharma, Vice President Sponsorship: Jessie Singh, Public Relations: Harry Sidhu, Leela Patel, Neelam Patel, Sara Bongale, Creative Director: Avani Shah

President-elect Anu Malhotra shared her vision for the year ahead, complete with a month-by-month event calendar. Events range from Republic Day in January to Diwali celebrations in November, with Mother’s Day, Holi, International Yoga Day, and Independence Day in between. “Leadership to me is not about being in charge – it is about caring deeply for those in your charge,” Malhotra said.

The financial report was submitted and winners of its Membership Drive were awarded a prize: awarding Sunil Shah (RN International) a $250 prize for first place and Manoj Joshi a $150 prize for second. These prizes were sponsored by Ramesh Punatar of US Films and Naresh Shah of Relia Care.

Joint Secretary Falguni Sukhadia offered the closing vote of thanks, as festivities continued with a dinner, karaoke, and dancing. Emcees Shradha Marathe and Jitendra Bulsara kept the gathering engaged.