Indian Community Outreach in Naperville, Ill., holds impressive Indian Independence Day

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On August 11, 2024, Indian Community Outreach (ICO) in Naperville, IL celebrated India’s 78th Independence Day showcasing a colorful parade and cultural diversity.

In just ten years, this event has become one of the largest Indian American celebrations in the country and this year, attracting  record-breaking crowds, estimated at being more than 50,000 throughout the day, a press release from Jayanti Oza said.

A two-hour, mile long, parade was the highlight featuring multiple intricately decorated floats, representing various community organizations, businesses, and public figures. Also,  sponsors and businesses presented their products, a health fair provided pre-screening for common ailments. An international food court offered food from local and out-of-state vendors. And an ethnic Indian bazaar with fashion clothing, and jewelry attracted attendees.

Chairman & President of ICO Krishna Bansal, the chief organizer of the event, said that the celebrations were aimed at making Indian Americans part of mainstream America. The event attracted youth and instilled a sense of pride in them as well, Bansal noted. He specially recognized the dignitaries, partners, sponsors, media, and volunteers and everyone who contributed to the success of the event.

Bollywood duo, Salim Sulaiman, came as the Grand Marshalls of the parade, holding up and waving both the Indian and US flag on the ICO float through Mill Street.

Massive crowds lined the parade route waving flags. The   culture, dances, and uniqueness from more than 20 states of India were represented in the parade.  The participation of the US Military was the special highlight of the Parade.

After the parade, there was a whole day of events that took place on Rotary Hill. The Talent show included unique performances by dance groups of Chicagoland. The winner of the talent show was the dance teams from Team Ghunguru and runners-up was Shirlzar who all were given the opportunity to perform once again in the evening stage program.

Barani Kannan of Naperville, sang in multiple South Indian languages. Simultaneously, there were numerous performances that occurred on the platform under the Carillon Tower.

ICO Scholarship winners were recognized on stage and were presented with checks and certificates. DJ’s Salman and Sajan Vadali rocked the stage for the rest of the afternoon.

The free Health Fair with multiple providers provided services to senior citizens – blood pressure, blood sugar, bone density screening and availability of multi-disciplinary medical services like physical therapy, fall-risk screening, pain management, body composition screening and sleep apnea under one roof to answer their questions. The international food court featured delicacies from all parts of India, fusion cuisines, ice cream/kulfi and more.

The evening program kicked off with the American national anthem followed by the Indian national anthem.

Bollywood hit singer Krishna Beuraa started off the concert with timeless melodies. The acclaimed Indian Bollywood Duo, Salim-Sulaiman, gave the excited audience several Bollywood hit songs.

Consul General of India Somnath Ghosh, was one of the Guests of Honor at the event. He congratulated ICO and wished everyone Happy Independence Day of India. Naperville Mayor Scott Wehrli along with scores of Congressmen, elected Judges, Senators, Representatives, County Members, Township Trustees, Mayors, Councilmen and prominent leaders of Chicago and Naperville also came to the event.

Dr. Bharat Barai read the message from Prime Minister Modi sent for the occasion. Amongst honorees for this year were the Patel Brothers – Mafat Patel and Tulsi Patel for 50 years of bringing the homeland to Indian Americans; Shalabh Kumar and Darshan Singh Dhaliwal for their enormous contributions to the community.

Vandana Jhingan, ICO Advisor, said the Parade surpassed expectations in both magnitude and participation. “We are constantly working to raise the bar to prove to the world that the Indian Americans are the best, both as human beings and professionals,” she said.

Viral Shah, ICO Treasurer, noted that the event was free for the public. “A program of this magnitude takes a village to put up and that is what our core team does year after year,” he said. Generous support of sponsors, including business organizations and leaders, technology companies, corporates, and local organizations, and Title Sponsor Patel Brothers made the event possible, Shah noted.