Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago celebrates Contributions of Dr. Darshan Singh Dhaliwal and Dr. Bharat Barai

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The Ad Hoc Committee (Repairs) of The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago (HTGC) recently celebrated the outstanding contributions of Dr. Darshan Dhaliwal and Dr. Bharat Barai, MD, at the Sama Rathi Auditorium.

The event was attended by special guests including India’s Consul General in Chicago Somnath Ghosh, Swami Ishatmananda of the Vivekananda Vedanta Society, Swami Sharanananda of Chinmaya Mission’s Badri, Ausaf Sayeed, India’s former Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and former Consul General of India in Chicago.

It honored Dr. Dhaliwal and Dr. Barai, recipients of the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, the highest honor given by the Government of India to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). The Indian community of Greater Chicago joined in celebrating this achievement.

Organized by Sri Amrish Mahajan, Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee (Repairs), and Dr. Gopal Srinivasan, President of HTGC, along with committee members, the event featured inspiring talks, cultural performances, dances, and a vegetarian dinner. Award-winning standup comedian Rhea Harsoor of ABDC Generation served as the Master of Ceremonies.

A notable feature of HTGC is the 10-foot-tall bronze statue of Swami Vivekananda on “Vivekananda Hill.” This statue, modeled after his famous photograph taken in Chicago in 1893, is the first of its kind to be installed in a public place in the United States.

Beginning with an invocation and prayer led by a priest, the event included the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Swami Sharanananda of Chinmaya Mission, Badri, Darshan & Debbie Dhaliwal, and Dr. Bharath & Panna Barai. HTGC President Dr. Gopal Srinivasan delivered the welcome address, setting the tone for the evening.

Darshan Singh Dhaliwal was introduced by Dr. Khaira and Mr. Happy, followed by the presentation of a garland by Shri Somnath Ghosh, Consulate General of India, a shawl by Bhima Reddy, HTGC Past President, and a plaque by Dr. Gopal Srinivasan, HTGC President. Dr. Bharath Barai was introduced by Dr. Ramakrishnan Unni, with a garland presented by Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Former Ambassador of Saudi Arabia, a shawl by Prasanna Reddy, HTGC Past President, and a plaque by Dr. Gopal Srinivasan. Additionally, the Chicago Medical Society Chair presented and Dr. Tarikh Bhatt gave a speech in honor of Dr. Barai.

Several special guests gave speeches at the event sharing their experiences with the two honorees.The event honoring the two guests featured cultural performances, including Gurbani singers, bhajans, and the songs “Satyam Shivam Sundaram” and “Deewana Hua Badal” performed by Shashidhar Kallur & Indira; Dance performances included a Shiva Vandana by students of Sheetal Dhanani, a Bollywood medley, fusion solo by Madhura Sane, Kathak and tabla, among other programs.

About the Honorees:

Darshan Dhaliwal, a prominent figure in the American fuel industry, traces his roots back to the village of Rakhra near Patiala, Punjab. Born and raised on a successful family farm. After he came to the US at the age of 21, he did various jobs until he struck out to establish his own business starting with leasing his first gas station. He married Debra, a third-generation Wisconsinite and a nurse by profession, in 1974. In a few years, he was able to purchase a gas station, and the rest is history. Today, his privately held company boasts at least 50 stations each in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Colorado.

“God has been good to me and I’m thankful,” Dhaliwal is quoted saying in the press release.  He and Debra have three daughters and three sons.

Dr. Bharat Haridas Barai is a highly respected oncologist based in Merrillville, Indiana, who continues to make significant strides in both the medical field and community service. Affiliated with Franciscan Health Hammond and Methodist Hospitals, Dr. Barai has dedicated over 20 years to treating various types of cancer, including lung cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, and breast cancer. His extensive medical expertise and commitment to patient care have established him as a leading figure in oncology.

Barai received his medical degree from Baroda Medical College in 1971. Today, he is the Medical Director of the Cancer Institute at Methodist Hospitals and an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Indiana University Medical School, and has played a crucial role in advancing cancer treatment and research. His work includes innovative research and clinical trials focusing on lung cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, breast cancer, hematologic oncology, and thoracic cancer.

Beyond his medical practice, Dr. Barai is a prominent figure in the Indian-American community. His notable contributions include serving as a Trustee and former President of the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) Chicago, former Chairman of the Board of Trustees and current Trustee of Manav Seva Mandir, Trustee of the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago, and Trustee of the Indian American Cultural Center NW Indiana. He has also served as the voluntary Medical Director of the Sickle Cell Foundation of NW Indiana for children in Gary, IN, and as a director of the American Cancer Society, NW Indiana.

As President of the Indian American Community Foundation, Dr. Barai organized a historic reception for Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 28, 2014, at Madison Square Garden, New York. He has been awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2013 and the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award in 2017. Dr. Barai has also been recognized by Jewish organizations for his efforts to strengthen ties between India, the US, and Israel, and for his stance against antisemitism.