FIA Chicago (1980) celebrates India’s 78th Independence Day

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Schaumburg,IL.:The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) of Chicago, founded in 1980,  recently celebrated India’s 78th Independence Day, an annual event, imbued with vibrant festivities and cultural items portraying pride in India.

Under the leadership of FIA President Nitin Patel, the event was a success, thanks to the dedicated teamwork of the Executive Committee, organizers noted. Key members include Executive Vice President Roshan Patel, Vice Presidents Anil Singh, Naresh Patel, and Dipal Patel, Treasurer Paras Kayastha, Secretary Kruti Pandya, and Joint Secretary Chhaya Patel.

The evening’s proceedings were led by two emcees, Kruti Pandya and Shivani Kayastha who welcomed trustees, association members, and dignitaries, beginning the celebration with the singing of both the Indian and American national anthems, symbolizing the shared values of freedom and democracy.

A key highlight of the evening was a speech by the Consul General of India in Chicago Somnath Ghosh. He emphasized the importance of the Indian-American community in fostering strong ties between India and the United States, while also commending FIA for its role in celebrating India’s rich cultural heritage. Consul General Ghosh has long been a supporter of FIA’s events, underscoring the organization’s role in promoting cultural diplomacy and unity.

Another notable figure honored during the event was Dr. Rashmi Patel, former FIA President and current ex-officio member. He was recognized for setting FIA’s record for organizing a multitude of successful community events. His contributions to the Indian-American community were celebrated as he continues to inspire the next generation of leaders.

Newly-elected Trustee Director Dr. Bharat Barai, a prominent figure in the local community, was welcomed with great enthusiasm. Dr. Barai has been a leading sponsor of numerous community initiatives and has made significant contributions to promoting Indian culture in the United States. The evening also included a special recognition for Hari Patel, president of the Bharatiya Senior Citizens of Chicago, who was honored for his dedication to uniting multiple generations of immigrant families and fostering a sense of community.

In addition to these honors, FIA welcomed its newest Trustee, Sanhita Agnihotri. It also paid tribute to Mafat Patel, co-founder of Patel Brothers. For over 50 years, Patel Brothers has been a cornerstone of the Chicagoland Indian community, providing fresh South Asian groceries.

The gala also featured seven dance performances, organized by the FIA Women’s Empowerment Group (WEW), led by Heena Pandya. For the audience, these evoked nostalgia and pride for India’s cultural heritage while highlighting the talent of the local Indian-American community. Divya Damam, founder of Divya Nritya, opened the cultural segment with a powerful rendition of “Vande Mataram” and a classical Kuchipudi dance.

Three kathak fusion performances followed: a solo performance by Aasvi Choksi, a duet by cousins Aanvi Chokshi and Sreeja Parikh, and a trio featuring Raina Parekh, Naya Patel, and Kaavya Parameswar.

The largest group performance, choreographed by Falguni Rana of Suhani Dance Academy, featured Sonika Khandelwal, Swetha Sharda, and Asha Mehta. Falguni also choreographed an energetic dance by the youngest performers of the night, the Sullivan sisters, Aanya and Riya.

FIA Chicago, now in its 44th year, said it remains dedicated to preserving and promoting India’s cultural legacy while encouraging the next generation of Indian-Americans to embrace their heritage.