FIA Chicago holds Indian flag hoisting ceremony at Daley Plaza, Chicago

August 22, 2022

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Indian National Flag hoisted by Consul General of India at Chicago Amit Kumar, Surabhi Kumar, President of FIA Chicago, Rakesh Malhotra, at the Daley Plaza in Downtown Chicago on 15th August 2022 to celebrate 75th anniversary of India’s Independence Day. Photo: FIA Chicago

This August 15, 2022, the Federation of Indian Associations Chicago, held a flag hoisting ceremony to celebrate India’s 75^th anniversary of independence from British rule, at Daley Plaza downtown. Close to three hundred people from the Indian American community, local government officials, Executive members and Trustees of FIA, were present according to a press release from FIA.

Consul General of India in Chicago Amit Kumar, and Rakesh Malhotra, president of the FIA Chicago hoisted the Indian flag, which was followed by the United States and Indian national anthems.

United States Congressman Brad Schneider, Alderman Debra Silverstein, Alderman Raymond Lopez, IL State Senator Darren Bailey, Cook County Treasurer, Maria Pappas, and candidate of IL State representative Kevin Olickal, were among the attendees.

Amit Kumar, India’s Midwest Consul General extended his greetings to Indian American people and dwelt on the wide-ranging India-US strategic partnership encompassing almost every facet of human endeavor.

Students of Sadhana School of Indian Music with Consul General of India Amit Kumar and Rakesh Malhotra, president of Federation of Indian Associations, Chicago at the Aug. 15, 2022 flag hoisting ceremony at Daley Plaza, Chicago. Photo: FIA Chicago

Malhotra called it a “a special day commemorating the birth of a free nation after selfless sacrifice and relentless efforts of infinite freedom fighters, soldiers, and revolutionaries,” applauding India’s many achievements under Prime Minister Narender Modi.

Wishing the people of India on the 75th anniversary, Congressman Schneider praised the Indian American community for its “crucial role” in every walk of life, and a strong economic ally of U.S.

“At the stroke of midnight on this day 75 years ago, the great nation of India was born,” Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas said reading from the proclamation presented FIA.

Alderman Silverstein and Raymond Lopez, greeted those present and as well as Illinois State Senator Bailey highlighted the contribution of the Indian diaspora to U.S. progress.

FIA Executive team Rajesh Patel, Past President, Hemant Patek, Executive Vice President, Amar Upadhyay, Vice President, Treasurer Vijender Doma seen with IL State Senator Darren Bailey Aug. 15, 2022, at Daley Plaza for flag hoisting ceremony on India’s 75th anniversary of independence. Photo: FIA Chicago

Nimrit Dholakia of Sadhana School of Indian Music led the patriotic medley of “Vande Mataram” sung by middle school students. A Kathak dance performance by renowned dancer Madura Sane followed.

Other speakers included FIA Trustees Hina Trivedi and Sohan Joshi, anchors, and Banquet Chair Iftekhar Shareef, Hemant Patel, executive vice president, Rajesh Patel, a past president, as well as Treasurer Vijender Doma, Jt. Treasurer, Nirmala Reddy, Vice President Amar Upadhyay and Director Rohit Joshi. A group marched around the Daley Plaza with Indian and American Flags and colorful balloons.