Page 20 - The Indian EYE 082225

The Indian Eye

AUGUST 22, 2025 20

synchronized moves. The crowd tions—from job creation to cultural along, and even dignitaries tapped warmth and unity to the event, high-
erupted in applause, their cheers preservation. Sponsors like Man- their feet. Cheers of “Once more!” lighting the strong bond within the In-
echoing the choreography’s creativ- ish & Shailja Gandhi, BindiCo, and extended the set, as Shah quipped dian American community. His pres-
ity. Then came Elizar and her team others were thanked profusely, their from the stage: “This is the magic of ence, along with other community
from Shelzar Dance Academy, deliv- support framed as the “fuel for our music; it keeps us together long after leaders, showed the power of togeth-
ering a mesmerizing tribute to India’s vision.” the clock says it’s time to go.” The erness as different FIA chapters unit-
warriors. Dressed in symbolic attire, Vice Chairman Neil Khot, a con- performance was innovative in its in- ed to celebrate their shared heritage.
they evoked the sacrifices of freedom gressional candidate, shared an in- tergenerational appeal, with Raahul Hemant Patel’s friendly interac-
fighters with fluid grace and powerful spiring message on patriotism, draw- blending modern twists into timeless tions and support reflected the com-
gestures, set to anthems like “Vande ing from his immigrant journey: “I tunes, ensuring the melodies bridged munity’s spirit of collaboration, creat-
Mataram.” These acts weren’t mere want to fight for all of you to keep the elders’ memories and youths’ vibes. ing a sense of unity that goes beyond
entertainment; they were narrative American Dream alive.” His words As the night wound down, Sec- individual groups. This gathering was
innovations, using dance as a me- innovatively tied personal stories to retary General Nilabh Dubey, Joint a historic moment, with both FIA
dium to retell history in a way that broader themes, urging support for Secretaries Falguni Sukhadia and presidents sharing the stage, symbol-
resonated with younger generations, organizations like FIA that nurture Kamlesh Kapoor delivered a hu- izing a united community. Everyone
blending classical Bharatanatyam leaders. morous vote of thanks: “Special hopes that both FIA groups from
with contemporary hip-hop elements. The Bollywood Music Extrava- thanks to Jatin Pandit—we’re now the same community will meet more
Awards formed the emotion- ganza featuring legendary composer considering making him the official often, combining their strengths to
al core, recognizing pillars of the Jatin Pandit and his son Raahul Jatin, FIA sleep-deprivation ambassador!” create an impact far greater than the
community in a ceremony that felt backed by singers Khushi, Nauzad, Laughter rippled through the hall. sum of their parts, like making 1 + 1
like a family reunion. Sunil Shah and Avni Singh. Pandit, the maestro Anu Malhotra closed with, “It was equal 11.
surprised the audience by present- behind 90s hits, transported the au- the grandest Independence Day cel- In reflecting on this extraordi-
ing the ‘Pillar of Unity and Vision dience to nostalgia’s embrace with ebration Chicagoland has ever seen,” nary evening hosted by FIA Chica-
Award’ to himself—wait, no: in a classics like “Pehla Nasha,” “Jadu while Shah summed it up: “This was go, one cannot help but marvel at
heartfelt twist, President Anu Mal- Teri Nazar,” “Ho Gaya Hai Tujh- more than an event; it was a state- the innovative tapestry woven from
hotra, alongside Krishnamoorthi and ko To Pyar Sajna,” and “Ladki Badi ment of who we are.” threads of heritage, harmony, and
Wehrli, bestowed it upon Shah for his Anjani Hai.” The dance floor ignit- Mr. Hemant Patel, a respect- hope. As Chairman and Founder of
unwavering leadership. The stand- ed—couples swayed, families sang ed leader from Old FIA, brought Asian Media USA, I have chronicled
ing ovation was thunderous. Hon- countless diaspora events, but this
orees included JP Khaira (Grand celebration stands as a beacon of
Sponsor), Dr. Umang Patel for his what our communities can achieve
philanthropy during COVID, Ajeet when united. Sunil Shah and Anu
Singh of the Indian American Busi- Malhotra’s leadership exemplifies
ness Council, Rita Shah and Aashi- visionary innovation, blending patri-
ma Washington for their community otism with entertainment to foster
service, Anil Loomba of Home Made intergenerational bonds and civic
Mortgage Solutions, Chintan Patel of pride. Events like these are not mere
India Co., Dr. Bharat Barai, Manish festivities; they are vital bridges be-
and Shailja Gandhi, Pinky Dinesh tween our roots in India and our
Thakkar, Mukesh Vasani of Entron growth in America, reminding us that
Corporation, Ch. Sahab Singh, Anu freedom’s flame burns brightest in
and Bharat Malhotra, Dr. Bhupin- collective endeavors. To the honor-
der Beri, Dr. Asha Oroskar and Dr. ees, performers, and attendees: your
Anil Oroskar, Brij Sharma of Pow- contributions propel us forward. Let
er Volt, Naresh Shah of ReliaCare, , us continue innovating, celebrating,
and Sona Shah. Each award was and serving—ensuring the melodies
presented with personal anecdotes, of liberty echo eternally.
highlighting innovative contribu- -- Asian Media USA

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