Page 24 - The Indian EYE 082324

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline AUGUST 23, 2024 | The Indian Eye 24

ICO Celebrates 10th Anniversary of India Day

Parade & Celebration With Mega Success!

Showcases the best Indian Parade - Breaks all Records to Become the Largest Indian Event in the USA

OUR BUREAU curred on the platform under the Car-
illon Tower that brought lots of en-
Naperville, IL
ergy and excitement throughout the
ndian Community Outreach ground. After the cultural show, ICO
(ICO) in Naperville, IL celebrat- Scholarship winners were recognized
Ied the occasion of India’s 78th on stage and were presented with
Independence Day with its colorful checks and certificates. DJ’s Salman
and Indian culture showcasing event, and Sajan Vadali rocked the stage for
the India Day Parade & Celebration the rest of the afternoon before the
on August 11th. In just ten years, this evening program.
event has become the largest Indian The evening program kicked off
American Celebration in the country with the American national anthem
featuring numerous attractions. This followed by the Indian national an-
year had record breaking attendees them. The renditions were remarkable
and participants with estimated foot and brought about serenity in the air.
traffic of 50,000+ throughout the day. Bollywood hit singer Krishna Beuraa
A Feature-Rich Event – Year started off the concert with timeless
after year, India Day Celebrations melodies. The highly acclaimed Indi-
brings a magnificent platform for the an Bollywood Duo, Salim-Sulaiman,
Indian Americans to showcase their sal specially recognized the dignitaries, celebration that demonstrated the set the stage on fire with several Bolly-
talents in the domains of art, dance, partners, sponsors, media, and volun- rich culture of India here in the Unit- wood hit songs.
music, and culture. With the celebra- teers and everyone who contributed ed States. The participation of the US Consul General of India, Hon.
tions spanning the entire day, it en- to the stupendous success of the event. Military was the special highlight of Somnath Ghosh, was one of the Guests
compasses the true nature of a festi- International Bollywood Sensa- the Parade. of Honor at the event. He congratu-
val – food, cultural show, parade, and tional Duo, Salim Sulaiman, came as After the parade, there was a lated ICO and wished everyone the
music. A two-hour, mile long, parade the Grand Marshalls of the parade whole day of events that took place on Happy Independence Day of India.
was the highlight featuring multiple and waved both the Indian and US Rotary Hill. The Talent show includ- Naperville Mayor Scott Wehrli along
intricately & beautifully decorated flag from the ICO float through Mill ed unique and vibrant performances with scores of Congressmen, elected
floats, various community organiza- Street. Exuberant number of people by the best and most brilliant dance Judges, Senators, Representatives,
tions, businesses, and public figures, lined the Grand Parade route waving groups of Chicagoland. The spectac- County Members, Township Trustees,
capturing the imagination of one and flags of both the United States and ular display of flair by Indian youth Mayors, Councilmen and prominent
all. There were over sponsors and India. The Parade showcased culture, in music and dance left everyone leaders of Chicago and Naperville
businesses presenting their products, dances, and uniqueness from over 20 awe-struck. The winner of the talent also graced the occasion. Dr. Bharat
a health fair providing pre-screening states of India and was aired live by show was the dance teams from Team Barai read the message from Prime
for common ailments, an internation- many media outlets. Sponsors /partic- Ghunguru and runners-up was Shirl- Minister Modi sent for the occasion.
al food court with scrumptious menu ipants brought beautiful decorations zar who all were given the opportuni- Amongst honorees for this year were
from various local and out of state to commemorate the event and creat- ty to perform once again in the eve- the Patel Brothers - Mafat Patel and
vendors, and ethnic Indian bazaar ed true color and vibrancy to the pa- ning stage program. Barani Kannan, Tulsi Patel for 50 years of bringing
with fashion, clothing, and jewelry at- rade. As the cars roared through the a passionate singer from Naperville, homeland to Indian Americans, Shri
tracted the attention of the attendees. parade route, it created even more performed in multiple South Indi- Shalabh Kumar and Shri Darshan
Krishna Bansal, Chairman/Pres- excitement for the spectators. The an languages. Simultaneously, there Singh Dhaliwal for their enormous
ident of the ICO, and the chief orga- mile-long parade was truly a moving were numerous performances that oc- contributions to the community.
nizer of the event, said that the Cele-
brations and the Parade were aimed
at engaging Indian Americans into the
mainstream fabric of America. He stat-
ed, with a sense of pride that this event
has not only created huge awareness
and respect for India while it has re-in-
stigated the love and pride for India
amongst first and Gen X/Y/Z of adults
and youths here from India. Ban-
sal holds the parade very close to his
heart as it symbolizes the engagement
of people from all walks of life, show-
casing the true spirit of India through
the vibrancy that it brings about. Ban-

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