Federation of Indian Associations-Chicago holds Indian Heritage Night with Windy City Bulls

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Left to Right: Vinita Gulabani (Past President), Vinoz Chanamolu (Advisory Board), Andrew Stasinopoulos (Windy City Bulls Executive), Sunil Shah (Founder Chairman), Anu Malhotra (President), Hitesh Gandhi (Past President), Bharat Malhotra (Director) receiving the Certificate of Appreciation from Andrew Stasinopoulos. ALL PHOTOS: Nilabh Dubey, FIA-Chicago
Left to Right: Hitesh Gandhi (Past President), Vinita Gulabani (Past President), Ruhi Athreya, Sunil Shah (Founder Chairman), Anu Malhotra (President), Pratibha Jairath (Part President), singing the American and Indian National Anthems

The Federation of Indian Associations of Chicago, held its 8th consecutive Indian Heritage Night in collaboration with the Windy City Bulls at NOW Arena, Hoffman Estates, on February 27, 2025. The evening was more enjoyable as the Chicago Bulls secured a 102-100 victory over the Birmingham Squadron.

Key members of the Federation of Indian Associations

Sunil Shah, and FIA-Chicago’s new President, Anu Malhotra, and the team led the celebrations. Malhotra and Executive Vice President Richa Chand selection of various dance academies which performed included BollyBhangraUSA Dance School (Choreographed by Prerna Arya), Shirlzar Dance Company (Choreographed by Elizar & Shirley Rodrigues), Chicago Dance Varsity (Choreographed by Puja Joshi), Atharv Gurukul (Choreographed by Aparna Deshmukh).

Dance Team from Atharv Gurukul Dance Academy with their Choreographer Aparna Deshmukh, receiving the Certificates of Participation from key leaders of FIA

A press release from FIA-Chicago noted other attendees included past presidents of the organization,  Vinita Gulabani, Pratibha Jairath, and Hitesh Gandhi. Dr. Dilip Shah, president of the Indian American Medical Association, and FIA Advisory Board Member Vinoz Chanamolu were also present.

Shirlzar Dance Company (Choreographed by Elizar & Shirley Rodrigues), performing on the main floor
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The event commenced with children performing the national anthems of India and the United States, as the stadium listened. A patriotic dance followed.

Dance Team from BollyBhangraUSA Dance School with their Choreographer, Prerna Arya, receiving the Certificates of Participation from key leaders of FIA

Shah, Malhotra, and Team FIA were honored with a Certificate of Appreciation for celebrating eight successful years of Indian Heritage Night with Windy City Bulls. Windy City Bulls Account Executive Andrew Stasinopoulos thanked Shah and FIA for bringing the celebrations to the game. In turn, Shah thanked Windy City Bulls President Brad Seymour, for the honor given to FIA.

Dance Team from Chicago Dance Varsity Dance Academy with their choreographer Puja Joshi, receiving the Certificates of Participation from key leaders of FIA

All cultural program participants and their families were thanked for their support by the FIA leadership.  appreciation to their families as well for their support of the event. Malhotra gave a  speech at the dinner party after the event, which was hosted by FIA Director and Owner of India Foodie Lounge, Yagnesh Patel. Malhotra recognized the generous hospitality of Patel and the Lounge, and thanked the FIA Secretarial team, including Shah, Nilabh Dubey, Kamlesh Kapoor, and Falguni Sukhadia for doing outstanding work to support this event.

Post Game celebrations at India Foodie Lounge declared open by key leaders of FIA, led by Sunil Shah (Founder Chairman), Anu Malhotra (President).

Secretary General Nilabh Dubey was the photographer at the event; V.K. Gupta managed the ticket distribution; Chand cooredinated the cultural activities, and Joint Secretaries Kamlesh Kapoor and Falguni Sukhadia documented the event.

FIA-Chicago is a non-profit organization that conducts several other community activities and events over the last 15 years.