Page 28 - The Indian EYE 053025

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline MAY 30, 2025 | The Indian Eye 28

Oak Brook’s Swearing-In Ceremony Ignites

Unity and Hope for a Thriving Future Oak

OUR BUREAU
Chicago, IL
n May 13, 2025, the Samuel Dean Board
Room at the Butler Government Centre in
OOak Brook, IL, pulsed with civic pride as the
village celebrated the re-election of Trustees Me-
lissa Martin, Suresh Reddy, and James Nagle. This
vibrant swearing-in ceremony, infused with spiritual
depth, community engagement, and heartfelt pledg-
es, marked a pivotal moment for Oak Brook. The
Village Honor Guard’s solemn colours, Anu Mal-
hotra’s transcendent invocation, and Judge Neal
Cerne’s oath administration wove a tapestry of tra-
dition and progress, setting an inspiring tone for the
trustees’ new term.
Key Speakers and Their Messages the evening pledged to uphold the U.S. and Illinois constitutions. clapped enthusiastically as flower petals showered
began with Village President Larry Herman’s warm Reddy’s oath, sworn on the Gita, Bible, Quran, Bud- the trustees, a moment of shared blessing. Cerne’s
welcome, framing the ceremony as a celebration of dhist Dharmapada ant Adi granth symbolized inclu- light-hearted exchange with Nagle—“You picked
shared values. “This election was a testament to our sivity, earning nods of approval from the audience. the judge who beat me in the courtroom!”—drew
residents’ resolve,” he said, urging unity in serving The trustees’ acceptance speeches were deeply chuckles, humanizing the formal proceedings. The
Oak Brook’s best interests. His call for integrity and personal. Melissa Martin, with humour and emotion, audience’s attentive silence during the oaths con-
collaboration set an optimistic tone, emphasizing a shared her Texas roots, where a McDonald’s open- trasted with lively chatter at the West Queen Con-
collective vision for peace and prosperity. ing was monumental. “That I serve in McDonald’s ference Room reception, where glasses clinked in
Anu Malhotra, a Hindu priestess and founder headquarters village is weird karma,” she said, voice toasts. Photographers captured the trustees’ smiles,
of Mindful Meditation Yoga, delivered a captivating trembling. “I’m so grateful for this worldly communi- with Reddy’s inclusive oath sparking whispers of ad-
invocation that elevated the event’s spiritual reso- ty.” James Nagle, concise yet resolute, thanked vot- miration for Oak Brook’s diversity.
nance. “Namaste,” she greeted, expressing gratitude ers and rallied, “We have a lot of work to do—let’s Conclusion the May 13 swearing-in ceremony
for officiating. Leading the audience in chanting get started.” Suresh Reddy, beginning his second was more than a formal induction; it was a celebration
“Om” three times, she explained, “This primordial term, spoke passionately: “This victory belongs to of Oak Brook’s unity, resilience, and forward-looking
sound symbolizes unity and divine presence.” Her every resident who believes in a united Oak Brook. spirit. Malhotra’s invocation, the trustees’ heartfelt
recitation of the Gayatri Mantra invoked wisdom, Let us build bridges.” He thanked his wife, Leela, commitments, and the community’s engaged voices
followed by a fire-lighting ritual with Trustees Red- and son, Rohan, pledging “integrity, transparency, underscored a collective dedication to progress. As
dy, Martin, and Nagle. “Fire embodies strength, as- and purpose.” Oak Brook stands at a pivotal moment, this event
piration, and light to dispel darkness,” she noted, as Trustee Ef Tiesenga offered a philosophical re- reaffirmed its values of inclusivity and collaboration,
sandalwood’s fragrance filled the room. Malhotra’s flection, citing Jacob Bronowski’s Western Intellec- setting the stage for a vibrant future. Asian Media
blessing with flower petals—“May you be filled with tual Tradition. “The core value here is the right to USA proudly amplifies this milestone, honouring the
joy, peace, and wisdom”—culminated in a prayer for make a case for change,” he said, praising the dem- leaders who will shape Oak Brook’s legacy.
global harmony: “Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.” Her words ocratic process and Oak Brook’s unique guidance “This ceremony exemplified Oak Brook’s in-
left a lasting impression, blending cultural richness by founder Paul Butler’s vision. His remarks under- clusive spirit, with Anu Malhotra’s blessings and the
with universal hope. scored the board’s strength and the trustees’ re-elec- trustees’ pledges inspiring hope. As a champion of
The oath administration by Judge Neal Cerne, tion as a mandate for progress. unity through events like International Yoga Day, I
a DuPage County associate judge and son of for- Event Highlights and Minute Details The cer- applaud Oak Brook’s leadership for fostering a com-
mer Village President Glenn Cerny, was a solemn emony’s atmosphere buzzed with warmth, from the munity that thrives on diversity and collaboration”
highlight. Cerne, who grew up with Herman, ad- Honor Guard’s precise movements to the scent of Mr. Suresh Bodiwala, Chairman and Founder of
ministered oaths to Martin, Nagle, and Reddy, who sandalwood during Malhotra’s ritual. Attendees Asian Media USA.

www.TheIndianEYE.com