Azadi Ka Amrit Mohotsav: FIA Chicago announces plans for 75th Indian Independence Day

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The Federation of Indian Association, Chicago announced its plans for celebrating 75 years of Independent India under the banner of the Indian government’s yearlong initiative, “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.”

Highlighting India’s achievements as a mature democracy, the contributions and sacrifices of its people, FIA Chicago has planned an India Day Parade in Little India on Devon Avenue Aug. 6, 2022; a ‘Patriotic Gala Banquet’ on August 12 to commemorate and recognize the people who have been serving the community selflessly; and a flag-hoisting ceremony on August 15, the actual Independence Day, at the Daley Center downtown, a press release from Asian Media USA said.

“The entire Indian diaspora living the United States is very excited and looking forward to FIA annual India Day Parade and celebrating Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav,” President of FIA Chicago Rakesh Malhotra, is quoted saying in the press release.

The FIA has been organizing these events for the past forty years in Chicago, in which the spirit of the freedom movement, honor to the martyrs, and their vow to develop India can be experienced, the organization said.

“It is important to make the new generation aware of India’s freedom struggle and the contributions made by the freedom fighters to get India its independence. Our goal is to inspire the young generation to connect with their roots, values, and rich heritage and work hard to make India Vishwa Guru Again,” Malhotra said.

Miss India Worldwide Khushi Patel has been invited to India Day Parade as the special guest.

Several community-based organizations representing various Indian states, Bengal, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala, will have floats at the India Day Parade,

Special guests will include India’s Consul General in Chicago Amit Kumar, Illinois Congressmen Danny Davis, Raja Krishnamurthy,  and Brad Schneider, Alderman Debra Silverstein, Alderman Shweta Baid, prominent community leaders including Dr Bharat Barai, Dr Darshan Sigh Dhaliwal,  Executive Director MAFS Santosh Kumar,  Dr. Ram Chakroborty, founder of Chicago Kali Bari and Smita Shah president & CEO of Spaan Tech. are likely to attend the FIA India@75-day events.

Aparna Chakravarty, Mrs India Worldwide 2^nd Runner-Up, will be joining the Chicago Kali Bari colorful float.

To engage the young students, a poster and painting contest on the theme of “My Idea of India” is being organized, as is a “Rangoli Making” competition for all age group.

Participation in these contests is free and entries can be submitted digitally.

Organizers noted that all plaques and trophies to be given during its annual India@75 Gala are handmade in India by members of tribes  from the State of Chhattisgarh.

FIA Chicago will be also releasing India@75 souvenir on the occasion to commemorate the “glory of India” by capturing iconic moments that shaped the country, Malhotra said. Students, women and professionals are amongst the contributors.

Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), Chicago describes itself as “the largest non-profit Indian American organization” established back in 1980 to primarily serve the community and promote and educate the general population on Indian cultural heritage while making meaningful contributions to America’s growth.

More than 50 Illinois-based community organizations and nonprofits are members of the Federation, the press release said. Besides engagement with various organizations across Chicagoland, FIA Chicago says it also takes a lead role in bringing the community together to celebrate various events of historical importance to both the United States and India.