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NORTH AMERICAN NEWSLINE OCTOBER 24, 2025 | The Indian Eye 22

Victory Vibes at City Hall - Lights, Laughter,

and Lions Light Up Chicago’s Diwali Dream

Lights of Unity: Chicago’s Diwali Illuminates Hearts Amid Global Shadows

OUR BUREAU the gathering. Entry was secured with the light within you, and the flower sul General Mr. K.D. Thokchom con-
two IDs, reflecting the cautious opti- represents your heart — pure and veyed greetings and appreciation to
Chicago, IL
mism of our times. Yet once inside the ready to spread love,” Anu shared, as FIA and the State of Illinois:
n the heart of Chicago’s bustling hall’s embrace, barriers dissolved into diyas flickered and petals glowed in “Namaste and good afternoon.
Loop, where skyscrapers pierce smiles. “Join us to light up Chicago to- reverence. Together, the crowd recit- Wishing everyone a very Happy Diwali.”
Ithe autumn sky like modern-day gether with Unity, Joy & Tradition!” ed the Sanskrit shloka: May Almighty Sunil Shah, Chairman of FIA
minarets, a symphony of light unfold- the invitations had read — and they take us from darkness to light, negativity Chicago, then delivered a heartfelt
ed on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, truly delivered. to positivity? May all be happy? May all message, warmly welcoming everyone
at City Hall, an iconic public build- As the afternoon sun dipped to- be peaceful? May all celebrate life every to this grand celebration of Diwali. He
ing transformed with colorful Diwali ward the horizon, Cook County Trea- day? May there be peace — within and reflected on the deeper meaning of
décor. It was no ordinary afternoon; surer Maria Pappas, radiant as ever, all around.” the festival, saying,
it was Diwali the Festival of Lights — opened the ceremony with heartfelt Tears glistened, smiles spread, “Diwali reminds us that when we
brought to life by the Federation of In- words: “Diwali greetings to all of you.” and applause thundered — the energy come together with light in our hearts
dian Associations (FIA) Chicago and Her message of light and gratitude set of shared humanity filling the hall. and purpose in our actions, no dark-
the INDO-US Lions Club, in heartfelt the tone for the evening — a reminder A special guest, the Consul Gen- ness can prevail. It is a celebration of
collaboration with Cook County Trea- that, in a world troubled by conflicts eral of Ukraine in Chicago, arrived hope, goodness, and new beginnings.”
surer Maria Pappas . and chaos, light still finds its way. “Let with his assistant, greeted with deep Brij Sharma, Chairman of UPA,
As the clock struck 3:30 PM under this light of Diwali shine — today and appreciation. “Thank you for having also joined the celebration, express-
soft October skies, hundreds gathered always.” me here. Let the good win over the ing his joy in being part of an event
— not just to celebrate an ancient tra- Mariyana Spyropoulos, clerk of tough times,” he shared — a simple, that unites communities through the
dition, but to kindle a flame of hope in Circuit Court of Cook County & Mi- heartfelt reflection from a nation still timeless message of Diwali — light
a world shadowed by uncertainty. chael Puccinelli, Press Secretary also at war, turning the festival into an act over darkness, and togetherness over
The air carried the gentle fra- joined the celebration. of global solidarity. division.
grance of marigolds and incense, min- Then came a moment of spiritual Representing India, Deputy Con- -- Asian Media USA
gling with the crisp Lake Michigan resonance. Anu Malhotra, President
breeze. A family in shimmering saris of FIA Chicago, took the stage, her
and elegant kurtas stood alongside calm and inspiring presence radiating
city officials in tailored suits — fac- serenity.
es glowing with anticipation. Adults “Diwali is a festival of lights, but
and children clutched tiny diyas, clay more than that, it brings communities,
lamps symbolizing faith and unity. hearts, and people together with grat-
This was more than an event — it was itude and joy,” she said. Explaining
a beacon of togetherness, a defiant the ancient roots of the celebration
glow reminding all that light triumphs — Lord Rama’s homecoming after
over darkness, and unity over division. 14 years of exile — she reminded the
The celebration began with ex- gathering that goodness always tri-
citement as organizers The City Trea- umphs over evil.
surer Maria Pappas along with Sunil Guiding the crowd through a brief
Shah, Hina Trivedi, Anu Malhotra, prayer and chanting “Om” thrice, the
and Ajeet Singh — pillars of Chicago’s hall filled with peaceful vibrations.
vibrant Indian diaspora — welcomed “The light in your hand represents

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