Page 18 - The Indian EYE 052325

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline MAY 23, 2025 | The Indian Eye 18

FIA Chicago’s Soulful Celebration of

Motherhood and India’s Independence Day

kick-off: Her Love, Our Legacy

OUR BUREAU Ajeet Singh’s experience, both as a
seasoned community leader and a
Chicago, IL
tireless supporter of cultural Indian
n a radiant spring evening, causes, will make the evening unfor-
the Federation of Indian As- gettable. Neil Khot, whose leader-
Osociations (FIA) Chicago ship was warmly acknowledged, was
brought together families, friends, officially invited to once again take
and community leaders to celebrate the helm, to elevate the upcoming
a bond that transcends time, borders, celebrations. Adding to this excite-
and generations, the love of a mother. ment was announcement by Founder
It was also an event to kick-off the up- Chairman Sunil Shah of Neil Khot
coming mega celebrations of India’s (FIA’s Vice Chairman) as the can-
Independence Day. didate running for Congressman for
The evening began with a warm 8th district.
meet-and-greet, complete with de- A highlight of the evening was
lectable appetizers and family photo the Awards Ceremony, celebrating
booths where smiles were as abun- the lives and legacies of remarkable
dant as the memories being made. women in our community. Anu Mal-
The beautifully lit venue radiated in hotra (President) said “The uncon-
hues of soft pink and purple, colors ditional love of a mother and the
that echoed the softness and strength fierce pride of our motherland is
of motherhood, set to the Mother’s what inspires us to be better human
Day theme designed and executed by beings and continue contributing to
Anu Malhotra (President), Falguni humanity.”. Founder and Chairman
Sukhadia and Leela Patel. Sunil Shah, and President Anu Mal-
We were honored by the gracious hotra welcomed each Ideal Mother
presence of Consul General of India to stage: Rita Shah, Vinita Gulaba-
in Chicago, Mr. Somnath Ghosh, Il- ni, Pratibha Jairath, Dr. Sheila Dipak
linois State Senator Laura Murphy, Shah, Anu Malhotra, Richa Chand,
and Cook County Commissioner Sonia Luther, Purnima Makkar, and
Kevin Morrison, each of whom ad- Madhu Rohatgi.
dressed the audience with words that Each award was presented with
stirred hearts. Mr. Ghosh began by a brief, heartfelt introduction, cap-
acknowledging the emotional tone turing the essence of their journeys
of the evening and reflected on the and their impact. Adding a poignant
significance of maternal strength, touch were the SEWA youth tributes,
both in our families and in the ongo- where children walked on stage with
ing resilience of India amidst current their mothers, offering flowers and
global tensions. He said emotionally mothers. Then the stirring address by remain ever-present in our hearts. A words of gratitude; Aarush Upad-
“I have a message of hope, unity, and Founder and Chairman Sunil Shah, candle-lighting ceremony, marked by hyay, Preeti Upadhyay, Jaya Varshi-
cultural pride, urging the communi- whose passion and joy were conta- soft silence and shared memories, be- ni Gudipalli and Venkata Sai Ishaan
ty to stand together and uphold the gious made the audience emotion- came a sacred pause. Gudipalli with Suneetha Gudipalli,
values passed on by our mothers.” al with every word he spoke. Sunil Exciting announcement by Yezdan Akthar with Sanober Jah-
Senator Murphy spoke passionately Shah reminded us all that mothers FIA Founder Chairman Sunil Shah an. These intergenerational tributes
about the nurturing spirit of moth- are our first teachers and our forever stirred the crowd with anticipation, as filled the room with joy.
ers. Commissioner Kevin Morrison, guides. President Anu Malhotra, Past he unveiled the much-awaited details The venue, India Hub, was gen-
said “When we talk about character, Presidents Vinita Gulabani, Pratibha of FIA Chicago’s upcoming India’s erously provided by Harish Kolasani,
compassion, and citizenship, we are Jairath added personal reflections on 79th Independence Day Gala, to be whose support ensured not only a
truly talking about the lessons we’ve the sacrifices and strength of moth- held on August 8th, 2025. This year’s seamless experience but also a space
learned from our mothers.” ers and reminding everyone of our celebration, he shared, promises to that felt intimate, welcoming, and full
The program commenced with dual heritage. A tribute performance be one of the grandest yet, headlined of cultural pride. When was called
a heartfelt welcome by Richa Chand followed, choreographed by Cultur- by none other than Jatin Pandit, the upon stage to be honored and speak,
and Shikha Tandon. Setting a warm al Secretaries Pika Munshi and Fal legendary Bollywood composer and he said, why he felt compelled to con-
and inviting tone for the evening, Rana, a group dance that paid tribute his son Raahul Jatin, who will take tribute to this wonderful cause and
Rita Shah sang two songs. A soulful to motherhood. In a deeply touching the stage with his full band for a nos- what India Hub is all about. This was
prayer song that bathed the room in segment, Keerthi Reevori invited us talgic, soul-stirring musical perfor- followed by a group dance choreo-
spiritual grace, followed a timeless to remember the mothers who are mance. Ajeet Singh was introduced graphed by Mrs. Pika Munshi and Fal
melody honoring the selfless love of no longer with us physically, but who as the Chair of this banquet and gala. Rana, both Cultural Secretaries.

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