Page 16 - The Indian EYE 050126

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline MAY 01, 2026 | The Indian Eye 16

A Symphony of Saffron, Sky, and Soul:

FIA Chicago’s Holi 2026 Sets a New Benchmark

for Community Unity

OUR BUREAU powerful bridges that unite people of
all backgrounds.
NAPERVILLE, IL
Adding to the moment was the
n Sunday, April 12, 2026, presence of FIA’s esteemed Adviso-
the Mall of India was trans- ry Board: Yogi Bhardwaj, Vijay &
Oformed into a breathtaking Brij Sharma, Keerthi Reevori, Ajeet
kaleidoscope of culture and joy. The Singh, Dinesh & Pinky Thakkar,
Federation of Indian Associations Sushma Bhanot, Nimish Jani, and
(FIA) Chicago hosted a multi-sen- Dr. Meher B. Medavaram, alongside
sory Holi masterpiece that seamlessly FIA First Lady Rita Shah, creating a • Cultural Showcase: Falguni Rana and Sonika Khandelwal
blended ancient tradition with con- stage filled with leadership, legacy, shined in her dual role of program • Shirlzaar Dance Academy, Payel’s
temporary celebration. Under the and community -pride. coordination and breathtaking Vocal Studio, Telugu Sangam Swar
visionary guidance of Founder Chair- The Backbone of Success: The “FIA choreography, joined by Mehta, Priya, Mona Kapoor & Asha Meh-
man Sunil Shah, the event marked Rockstars” Team who brought multiple performanc- ta’s Morni Baga Ma, Holi Defini-
a historic chapter for the leadership “Moments like these are creat- es to life. tion by Kids, Gunjali Mittal & Chet-
team led by President Altaf Bukhari ed with love and selfless effort”, re- • The Rhythm: DJ Mahesh & DJ Sa- na Mittal, Rang Barse By Neha
and President Richa Chand, in or- marked the leadership. The Founder rita kept the josh soaring through- Jain & Asha Mehta, along with Ri-
chestration with General Secretary out the celebration, fueling the en- cha Chand, Smitesh Shah & Team.
Kamlesh Kapoor. Chairman Sunil Shah added that the ergy of the cultural performances. • Sridevi Pandala’s Sapphire Dance
event’s flawless execution was a true
Group was a Show Stealer!
The Grand Opening: Dignity and testament to the FIA Rockstar Team Cinematic Magic: Riya Sen Honors the • Sonia’s & Priyanka’s Giddha Team:
Distinction of volunteers. Community
The electric atmosphere was set • The Forward Thinker: FIA Past A major highlight of the day was A powerhouse performance that
in motion by FIA’s dynamic emcees: President Vinita Gulabani led the arrival of Bollywood star Riya had the entire hall dancing Vocal
Magic: Soulful performances by
FIA President and all rounder Richa Stage Décor and T-shirt Design, Sen. Elegantly styled by Vinni’s Sa- great singers Raju Bankapur, Shai-
Chand, joined by Munish Kaistha collaborating closely with both FIA lon; Riya captivated the audience la Khedkar, Haresh Masarani, Dr.
whose vibrant energy ignited the am- Presidents and Chairman Sunil with her charm and grace. Beyond Sheela Shah, Abbas Ali Mirza and
biance as they kicked off the cultural Shah. her presence, she played a pivotal FIA President Richa Chand along
program and welcomed the partici- • Foundational Support: Past Presi- role in the formal ceremony—pre- with a vibrant Garba duet by Jigna
pants to the stage. dents Anu Malhotra, Hitesh Gand- senting Certificates of Honor to Pathak and Jeetendra Bulsara.
Founder Chairman Sunil Shah hi and Dr. Kamal Patel provided cultural performers and awarding
then took the stage to warmly wel- essential operational strength. Lifetime Member Certificates to Grand Finale: A Cloud of Joy and
come our guest Somnath Ghosh, • The Workforce: Dinesh Ka- dedicated supporters. Gratitude
Consulate General of India in Chi- poor, Smitesh Shah, Sujay Shah, Riya expressed her admiration As the celebration spilled out-
cago, who commended FIA for its Prashant Shah, Shivam Viswana- for the high caliber of talent and doors, the leadership team—Found-
unwavering dedication to preserv- than, Hemendra Shah, Jitender the “vibrant energy of India” alive in er Chairman Sunil Shah, President
ing and promoting Indian heritage Balsara,Kamlesh Kapoor Sonia Chicago, making her participation a Altaf Bukhari and President Richa
across the United States. The stage Luther, Neelam Jai, Leela Patel, deeply encouraging moment for the Chand—along with the Rockstar
continued to shine with distinguished Neeraj Malik, Ajanata Talukdar, community. A Cultural Extravaganza Team, launched a 25-foot blast of
dignitaries, including Alderwoman Suresh Bodiwala, Ramesh Punatar, The stage came alive with a whirlwind color into the Naperville sky. To the
Shweta Baid and Oakbrook Mayor Suresh Bodiwala, Seema Patel, Ra- of talent, including: crowd, this wasn’t just Gulal; it sym-
Larry Herman, who emphasized how jeev Ranjan, Seema Patel ensured • Suhani Dance Academy: Vibrant bolized unity, friendship, and the
cultural festivals like Holi serve as every detail ran seamlessly. sets by Falguni Rana, Dolly Gupta, positivity that FIA embodies.

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