Page 28 - The Indian EYE 052325

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline MAY 23, 2025 | The Indian Eye 28

Vidya Jyoti hosts “Vibrant India” cultural

festival in Chicago

OUR BUREAU

Chicago, IL
idya Jyoti Global Education
Opportunity Foundation re-
Vcently hosted the Vibrant In-
dia Cultural Festival at Ashton Place
in Chicago, Illinois. Vidya Jyoti’s
“Vibrant India” Cultural Festival en-
riched Chicago with Rich Traditions,
Colorful Performances, and Commu-
nity Spirit
From the moment the guests
stepped in, they were swept into a cel-
ebration of Indian heritage, creativi-
ty, and most importantly: hope. The
festival which was free and open to
the public, pulsed with color and life.
It was hosted with charm and energy
by two MC’s Neha Sobti and Priyan-
ka Parekh, who guided the audience
through an unforgettable journey. ti Gupta, Bharathi Devathi, Alli
The show opened with an up- Dhanaraj.
beat hip hop performance blending In the Title Walk, finalists were
rhythm and youthfulness. As the day judged not only on style, but voice
unfolded, the stage bloomed with and purpose. When Rihanna Tandon
a variety of dances: elegant ballet, and Archana stepped forward as win-
vibrant Garba, classical Indian se- ners, their poise and eloquence gave
quences, and children twirling in joy. everyone chills. The judges Sanskriti
Groups such as Suhani Dance Acad- Sharma, Sushma Bhanot, and Archa-
emy, Ghunguru School, and Four na Agarwal beamed with pride.
Stars Dance Group left audiences A moving highlight of the after-
spellbound. noon was the recognition of commu-
At the heart of it all was Vidya nity champions by Pratibha Jairath
Jyoti’s powerful purpose to educate and co-founder Madhu Uppal. With Jyoti’s technical director Shivam stand the mission of Vidya Jyoti.
underprivileged children across In- the support of Mayor John Leash Viswanathan. The two raffle draws, including a
dia, the U.S., and Haiti. The founder of Aurora and Alderwoman Shweta Around the hall, food and shop- grand prize of $250, kept the energy
Pratibha Jairath spoke passionately, Baid, Vidya Jyoti presented Plaques ping booths added flavor and flair to high throughout. And when it was
presenting stories of transforma- to Vidya Jyoti sponsors, Sunil Shah, the event. Guests nibbled on savory time for the final performance, a full-
tion. One such story was of Radhika, Pinky Dinesh Thakkar, Sudhir Agar- chaats, sweets, and home-style meals. on Garba circle that united young
an orphaned child who, because of wal, Brij Sharma, Dr. Ashok Mehta, The effort of vendor booths was co- and old, like the community had be-
Vidya Jyoti’s support, is now scoring Bill Lyon, Ramesh Mehra, Dr. Bhu- ordinated by a team led by Anita come one beating heart, dancing to-
over 80% (A grade) in school. “We pinder Beri. Plaques were also pre- Beri, Sarita Sood, Shree Gurusamy, gether for greater good.
are not just giving money,” said Prat- sented to Prem Sharma, Urmil Chaw- Alka Sood and Preeti Chawla. Color- As the event drew to a close, Prat-
ibha, her voice thick with emotion. la for their vision and leadership, and ful stalls offered handwoven jewelry, ibha took the mic one last time. Her
“We are giving dignity. We are build- to Anita Beri and Sarita Sood for textiles, and gifts with their own story. words were soft but strong. “Vidya
ing futures.” their dedication to Vidya Jyoti. Advisory Board member Dr. Bh- Jyoti started with a dream in India.
The event became alive with Recognitions and tokens of ap- upinder Beri echoed the emotions in Today, we are helping schools in the
two fashion walks, a moment where preciation were presented to commu- his powerful appeal, “We are fortu- U.S., in Haiti, and beyond. Because
grace met pride. Dressed in stunning nity heroes; the people whose silent nate because someone once invest- when we educate a child, we educate
saris, lehengas, and Indo-western efforts light the path for others. The ed in our education. For just $30 a generations. It was a radiant expres-
fusion wear, participants of all ages honorees included Ramesh Malhan, month or a dollar a day, we can of- sion of humanity’s best. Vidya Jyoti is
took to the runway in two dynamic Vipin Wadhera, Balbeer Kaur, Pra- fer a child that same gift. Let’s make not just teaching children—they are
segments. The fashionistas for the mila Malhotra, Anu Malhotra, Ram giving a habit, not a moment.” Ashok awakening possibilities.”
evening were: Swati Kukian, Supar- Saini, Anita Rawal Subhash Pandey, Potdar, a dedicated and passionate Vidya Jyoti, through this color-
na Dutta, Shree Guruswamy, Shrad- Anurag Misra, Jayanti Oza (News director of organization, reminded ful and impactful celebration, reaf-
dha Marathe, Shalaka Sawant, Sara Media Journalist), Atul Wahi, Rosey the audience that “Knowledge is the firmed its mission: to educate, em-
Bongale, Sakshi Sharma, Renuka, Bhasin, Krishna Chitturi, Nikhil only wealth that cannot be stolen.” power, and inspire through unity and
Pika Munshi, Nidhi Mishra, Neelam Shah and Uma Kartiki. Their high- Another passionate advisory mem- cultural pride. For more information,
Aloor, Manisha Pandit, Kitkat shah, lights were also presented on a video ber, Ramesh Mehra had another sponsor a child or to get involved, vis-
Falguni Sukhadia, Fal Rana, Deep- screen as they were called, by Vidya powerful appeal to help folks under- it its website.

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