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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline NOVEMBER 07, 2025 | The Indian Eye 23

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Hosts

Grand Diwali Celebration at City Hall

OUR BUREAU
Consul General of India Som-
Chicago, IL nath Ghosh invoked poetic

n the heart of the Windy City,
where steel skyscrapers pierce depth: “Namaste—happy Diwa-
Ithe autumn sky like defiant senti- li.” Thanking officials and orga-
nels, a different kind of light pierced
through on October 20, 2025. At Chi- nizers, he observed, “Diwali’s
cago City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle Street, smallest flame dispels the deep-
the grand Diwali Festival of Light
Reception unfolded like a living tap- est darkness, delivering peace
estry, weaving tradition, triumph, and to turmoil, prosperity to want,
togetherness. Chicago Mayor Bran-
don Johnson, in partnership with the and love to hatred.” He urged a
Indian American Business Council, return to inner light, reflecting
hosted a grand Diwali Celebration
Reception at City Hall. The event, il- Chicago’s collective humanity.
luminated by glowing lamps, vibrant
hues, and harmonious melodies, Ajeet Singh’s welcome address
affirmed amid global divisions that thanked Mayor Johnson for leading
Diwali’s enduring light prevails over four consecutive Diwali events at
darkness. City Hall, each surpassing the last in
The festivities opened with a excellence. Ajeet Singh added the In-
traditional Lamp Lighting Ceremo- dian American community is forever
ny, embodying Diwali’s spirit. Ajeet from tradition to foster communal During the lively dances, Mayor indebted for your generosity in host-
Singh, President of the Indian Amer- exuberance. Johnson received dandiya sticks and ing Diwali festivities.
ican Business Council, led the rite, In his address, Mayor Johnson participated with graceful steps, ac- Keerthi Kumar Ravoori, Chair of
joined by Mayor Johnson; Consul stated, “As long as I’m mayor, we will companied by Consul General Som- the Indian American Business Coun-
General of India Somnath Ghosh; always host the Diwali celebration nath Ghosh and other dignitaries. cil, closed by thanking the mayor for
City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ir- at City Hall.” This commitment un- City Treasurer Melissa Con- utilizing City Hall’s quadrangle for
vin; Alderwoman Shweta Baid of Au- derscores a vision for a city shaped years-Irvin offered Diwali greet- this grand reception and thanked the
rora; Alderman David Moore; and by immigrants, dreamers, and inno- ings, declaring, “Diversity is our Mayor and Consul General of India
community leaders Neil Khot, Sunil vators worldwide. He praised Chi- strength—our superpower.” Ad- for exemplifying the spirit of Diwali.
Shah, Harish Kolasani, Ganesh Kar, cago’s diversity as a global strength dressing the children, she noted, Ajanta Chakraborty excelled as
Harry Mohan, and Keerthi Ravoori. and lauded Indian Americans’ con- “You embody the world’s goodness.” emcee, commended for her energetic
The evening escalated into vi- tributions to its essence. “Now more She acknowledged Consul General poise and articulate command. Ajan-
brant energy through music and in- than ever, we require peace and joy” Ghosh and Ajeet Singh, concluding, ta Chakraborty received glowing ap-
teractive dance, guided by Ajanta to establish Chicago as a beacon of “This builds bridges: today yours, to- preciation for her role as the emcee.
Chakraborty and her team, diverging inclusion, prosperity, and dignity. morrow mine.” --- Asian Media USA

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