Indian Consulate in Chicago celebrates Republic Day, hosts diaspora

January 27, 2023

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The Indian flag was unfurled at the Consulate in Chicago Jan. 26, 2023, by Consul General Somnath Ghosh, center, for Republic Day celebrations. Looking on is Indian MP Asaduddin Owaisi. Photo: courtesy Indian Consulate

The Consulate General of India, Chicago celebrated the 74th Republic Day of India on Thursday, January 2023. In the morning, the ceremonial unfurling of the Indian flag took place at the Consulate.

India’s Chicago Consul General Somnath Ghosh addressing attendees at the Republic Day celebration Jan. 26, 2023. Photo: courtesy Indian Consulate.

Around 250 people, mostly of Indian origin, living in Chicagoland, attended the Jan. 26, 2023, Republic Day celebrations held by the Indian Consulate. Photo: courtesy Indian Consulate

In an event held in the evening, India’s Consul General Somnath Ghosh read out the President of India Droupadi Murmu’s address to the nation on the eve of Republic Day.

A cultural program followed with singers and dancers from Chicagoland.

Consul General Ghosh welcomed some 250 people from the Indian community, including leaders in politics, business, community organizations, cultural groups, academic and media circles. Also present at the event was Indian Member of Parliament Asaduddin Owaisi, who was on a personal visit to Chicago.

Sarod and tabla performance during the Republic Day celebrations hosted by the Indian Consulate in Chicago Jan. 26, 2023. Photo: courtesy Indian Consulate

Dance performance at the Republic Day celebrations hosted by the Indian Consulate in Chicago Jan. 26, 2023. Photo: courtesy Indian Consulate

The event included a cultural segment, much appreciated by the audience, a press release from the Consulate said. It featured a Sarod recital by Souryadeep Bhattacharya accompanied on the Tabla by Surtanu Sur.

The artistes from Kalapadma Bharatanatyam Dance Academy: Anjali Varghese, Reshma Thomas, Shreya Panakkal, and Radha Sheth performed a graceful dance on the national song ‘Vande Mataram’. The rendition of Hindi patriotic songs by Ishan Ahmed, Nalini Parikh and Ranajoy Ganguli group filled the air with nostalgia.