Federation of Indian Associations, Chicago, hosts Star Awards Night, celebrates India’s independence

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The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) of Chicago, hosted an evening of celebration and recognition at the organization’s flagship event, Star Awards Night, August 16, 2024, at the Matrix Club in Naperville. The event was also a celebration of India’s 78th Independence Day.

The event was a grand success, FIA Chicago said in a press release, bringing together leaders, influencers, and community members to honor outstanding achievements across various categories.

Sparsh Shah, a Guinness World Record holder, singer, and rapper jump-started the celebration of India’s 78th Independence Day with patriotic songs, during which Nache Mayuri dance troupe and their team performed alongside him.

Bollywood actress Jaya Prada, a multiple Filmfare Award winner, was the special guest at the event which was led by Founder and Chairman Sunil Shah and Pratibha Jairath, the current President of FIA.

Jaya Prada was also honored with the FIA Choice Award for Timeless Icon in Indian Cinema

A medley of performances took place during the event featuring among others, Deepika Shah, social media influencer with over 8 million followers, the press release said. Nache Mayuri and Elizar Dance Academy also performed to some of Jaya Prada’s  iconic hit songs, a combination that brought the audience to its feet in admiration.

Past President of FIA Vinita Gulabani, added her years of experience to make the event a success, organizers said.

Chicago singer Rita Shah rendered the patriotic song, “Dil diya hai jaan bhi dengay, Aye watan tere liye.”

As a surprise element, the audience was thrilled when India’s World Champion Blind Cricket Team, known for its extraordinary achievements, was brought on stage and honored.

The Star Awards Night was more than just an evening of entertainment; it was a heartfelt tribute to individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the community, the press release said. Awards were presented to winners, after nomination round, voting round and jury round in the different categories:

• Deepakkant Vyas – FIA Choice Award for All-Round Excellence
• Shreenivas Reddy – FIA Choice Award for Distinguished Service to the Medical Community
• Syed Hussaini – FIA Choice Award for Humble and Dedicated Community Leadership
• Ajeet Singh – FIA Choice Award for Excellence Champion
• Santosh Kumar – FIA Choice Award for Service to Humanity
• Avani Shah – FIA Choice Award for Pillar of Strength
• Pinky & Dinesh Thakkar (Rita Shah) – FIA Choice Award for Supportive Excellence
• Brij Sharma – FIA Choice Award for Dedicated Community Leadership
• Bhupinder Beri – FIA Choice Award for Supportive Excellence
• Asha & Dr. Anil Oroskar – FIA Choice Award for Innovative Dynamic Duo Leadership
• Amarbir Singh Ghoman & Harsharan Singh Ghoman – FIA Choice Award for Excellence in Hospitality
• Anil Loomba (Banquet Chair) – FIA Choice Award for Community Champion
• Sparsh Shah – FIA Choice Award for Uplifting Spirit and Resilience
• Jaya Prada – FIA Choice Award for Timeless Icon in Indian Cinema
• Pratibha Jairath – FIA Choice Award for FIA Service Achievement
• Ashok Mehta – Best Medical Professional
• Anita Rawal – Outstanding Achiever
• Vinoz Chanamolu – Entrepreneur of the Decade
• Shimla Pepper – Most Popular Restaurant
• Harish Kolasani – Friend of Indian Community
• Sara Bongale – Best Fashion Icon Award (Female)
• Saanvi Singh & Ria Raj – Young All-Round Rising Star
• Bharat Barai – Community Leader of the Year
• Share A Smile Chicago – Best Community Service Organization
• Shirlzar Dance Company & Nache Mayuri – Best Dance School

Some of the key awards were presented by high profile guests, including India’s Consul General in Chicago Somnath Ghosh,   Mayor of Schumburg Tom Dailly; Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Illinois, and State Senator Laura Murphy.

Shah emphasized the importance of recognizing community excellence during the event.

The program was directed and managed by Vice Chairman of FIA Neil Khot, ensuring a smooth flow. Gulabani coordinated the Welcome Team and Red-Carpet Management.