Page 18 - The Indian EYE 082225

The Indian Eye
NORTH AMERICAN Newsline AUGUST 22, 2025 18

FIA’s Patriotic Extravaganza

Lights up Midwest

Freedom’s Footprints FIA’s Innovative Celebration of India’s 79th Milestone

OUR BUREAU growth, painting a picture of resil-
ience and collective effort.
Chicago, IL
Dignitaries added layers of
n the heart of Chicagoland, where gravitas. Consulate General Som-
the winds whisper tales of diverse nath Ghosh praised the diaspora’s
Idiasporas, the Federation of In- dual commitment: “This celebration
dian Associations (FIA) Chicago or- showcases the strength of our diaspo-
chestrated a masterpiece of cultural ra and its deep commitment to both
fusion on August 8, 2025. Marking India and America.” Congressman
India’s 79th Independence Day, the Raja Krishnamoorthi, eyeing a Sen-
event at The Matrix Club in Naper- ate run, delivered a succinct yet pow-
ville wasn’t just a celebration it was a erful address, adhering to his “three
living canvas where strokes of patriot- rules of public speaking: Be sure, be
ic fervor blended seamlessly with the sweet, be gone.” He emphasized
rhythmic hues of Bollywood. Under protecting the US-India relationship,
the visionary guidance of Founder earning cheers for statements like,
and Chairman Sunil Shah and Pres- “India should be treated better than
ident Anu Malhotra, this gathering the Chinese Communist Party.” Lo-
transformed a suburban venue into cal leaders, including Naperville May-
a pulsating tribute to freedom, unity, or Scott Wehrli, Schaumburg Mayor
and timeless melodies. Drawing over Tom Dailly, and Aurora Alderwoman
600 attendees, including dignitaries Jaitley welcomed the crowd with elo- nating like a clarion call: “When mu- Shweta Baid, lauded FIA’s role in en-
like Consulate General Somnath quence, invoking the spirit of India’s sic and patriotism meet, magic hap- riching community life. Wehrli’s po-
Ghosh and Congressman Raja Krish- freedom fighters. The air thickened pens. Tonight, entire Chicagoland etic reflection—”From the streets of
namoorthi, the night unfolded like a with emotion as Dr. Radhika Chi- will witness that magic.” His message Naperville to the dreams of Mumbai,
Bollywood blockbuster: emotional mata led the national anthems—first underscored FIA’s 16-year legacy of we lift each other higher”—captured
highs, dance sequences, award twists, the Star-Spangled Banner, honoring fostering community through events the event’s innovative blend of local
and a musical climax that left the au- the adopted homeland, followed by like Diwali festivals, medical camps, and global identities.
dience chanting for encores. Jana Gana Mana, evoking the soul and scholarship programs. Shah’s The cultural performances were
The evening kicked off at 6:00 of Bharat. Attendees stood in uni- vision has grown FIA into a beacon the heartbeat of the night, innova-
PM with a cocktail hour, setting a son, hands over hearts, bridging two for over 300 active members, champi- tively fusing tradition with modernity.
convivial tone amid the elegant am- nations in a moment of profound re- oning cultural pride and civic engage- Shekhar Dance Academy’s patriotic
biance of The Matrix Club. By 7:00 spect. ment in the Midwest. Past presidents routine exploded with energy, fea-
PM, the “Tribute to Motherland” Sunil Shah FIA founder and Vinita Gulabani, Hitesh Gandhi, and turing young dancers in vibrant cos-
segment ignited the patriotic spark. Chairman, the evening’s architect, Dr. Kamal Patel shared anecdotes tumes interpreting freedom through
Co-emcees Anu Malhotra and Prachi took the stage early, his words reso- of the organization’s exponential Continued on next page... >>

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