Page 24 - The Indian EYE 042823

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline APRIL 28, 2023 | The Indian Eye 24

United Punjabis of America host Vaisakhi Mela

OUR BUREAU Dwance Academy by Anu Bhattacha-
rya. won the third-place trophy. But in
Chicago, IL
the eyes of the audience, every perfor-
t was an exciting afternoon at the mance and performer were a winner.
Mall of India as United Punjabis The entertainment ended with a bang
Iof America (UPA) hosted a very with another exciting performance of
successful Vaisakhi Mela on Saturday, Dhol Tasha by a group of young per-
April 15. More than 700 people came formers who handled their dhols with
to enjoy the festive celebration, with great confidence and skill.
20 busy booths selling colorful cloth- “I am so grateful to everyone who
ing and jewelry, providing informa- participated in these performanc-
tion for various services available in es and made Vaisakhi Mela such a
the community, and offering delicious success,” said Rosey Bhasin, a UPA
food for purchase. Board member. In his vote of thanks,
A stunning Dhol Tasha perfor- Ashwani Mahajan, UPA Secretary, of-
mance by Maharashtra Mandal her- fered thanks to the entire UPA Board
alded the start of the cultural program and Executive Committee along with
and got the audience buzzing with ex- Ms. Louisa Keefe (Susana Mendoza’s Rep.), Mr. Ranjit Singh (Consul, Indian Consulate in a special word of thanks to Girish Ka-
citement for the rest of the program. Chicago), Congressman Raj Krishnamoorthi, Congressman William Foster, Scott Wehrli, pur and Atul Wahi for working with
The emcees, Neha Sobti and Ramesh the Mall of India team on the logistics
Malhan, offered a warm welcome to Naperville Mayor-Elect, and Mohamad Clayton (Mayor Richard Irving Office) and the set up for the entire event.
all and invited the dignitaries to help “What a lovely Mela UPA has
light the lamp of friendship and cele- organized,” gushed a guest as she
bration. Congressman Bill Foster and collected her shopping bags. “I am
Congressman Raja Krishnamoor- so glad our friends and we decided to
thi offered Vaisakhi greetings and come. We’ve all enjoyed the shopping
congratulated UPA for hosting this and watching these excellent perfor-
event. Other dignitaries who joined mances.” The celebrations continued
the two Congressmen were Ranjit well after 5 PM as the traffic at var-
Singh (Consul, Indian Consulate in ious booths continued to enjoy brisk
Chicago), State Senator Laura Ell- business.
man, Naperville Mayor Elect Scott “Vaisakhi is such a beloved fes-
Wehrli, Aurora Alderwoman Shweta tival for us, and I am so proud that
Baid, Aurora Alderman John Laesch, UPA continues this tradition of host-
and representatives of Illinois State ing a Mela to bring people together in
Comptroller Susana Mendoza. The Members of the UPA Board and Executive Committee: Neha Sobti (Jt. Secretary), Madhu Uppal friendship and gratitude for the boun-
UPA BOD Chairman, Om Dhingra, ty this festival blesses us with,” ac-
could not attend the event. He dele- (Treasurer), Dharam Punwani (President), Atul Wahi (BOD), Pratibha Jairath (BOD), Girish knowledged Pratibha Jairath, former
gated his responsibilities to Pratibha Kapur (BOD), Rosey Bhasin (BOD), Sarita Sood (Vice President), Ashwani Mahajan (Secretary, Chairwoman of the Board of UPA.
Jairth and Ramesh Malhan. and Ramesh Malhan (BOD), Preeti Chawla, Jt. Treasurer and Poonam Bhala , Public Relations) Entry to the UPA Vaisakhi mela
Every year, UPA recognizes com- and Om Dhingra (Chairman), not in the photo. was free. It was made possible by the
munity members for their outstanding support of various levels of sponsor-
entrepreneurial or technical achieve- ships that included: International
ments and community services. This Fresh Market (Event Level), Mr.
year five of these awards were con- Anil Loomba, Home Mortgage Solu-
ferred. Mr. Sudhir Dureja was rec- tions Inc.(Platinum Level), Mr. Amrit
ognized as a Distinguished Punjabi Mittal, New York Life (Gold Level),
for Technical Achievements & Com- Four Silver Level sponsorships of Mr.
munity Service; Dr. Anuja Gupta Rahul Wahi, LLT Group; Mr. Sunil
as a Distinguished Entrepreneur & Shah, New York Life; Dr. Bhupinder
Community Service Leader; Dr. Vijay Beri, Crossroad Animal Hospital;
Prabhakar as a Distinguished Com- Heartland Bank, and eight Bronze
munity Service Leader; Mrs. Ratna level sponsorships of Iroquois Dental,
Kapur as a Distinguished Punjabi for Moin Hauqe Group, Verandah Se-
Community Service Leadership; and nior Living, State Bank of India, Blue
Mrs. Neha Sobti as a Distinguished Sky Innovations, Orochem, Sajmil
Young Punjabi for Community Ser- Builders, and Om Signs and Graphics.
vice. Mr. Dharam Punwani, President Giddhas dance participants UPA is a charitable non-profit
of UPA, congratulated the awardees community service organization that
and thanked them for their dedication Colorful giddhas and scintillating Ratna Kapur had the difficult job of has been organizing cultural and so-
to service. Bollywood-style medleys were the selecting the winners. Placing first was cial events since 2013, donates food
Next came the highly anticipat- order of the day and included per- Neha Sobti Dance Academy, second to various food pantries, and offers
ed dance performances from highly formances. The judges Sarita Sood, place went to Rhythms and Grace scholarships for community service.
accomplished and energetic dancers. Kanan Dhingra, Shammi Wahi, and Dance Studio by Shalini Dixit, and --Asian Media USA

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