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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline NOVEMBER 14, 2025 | The Indian Eye 23

Congress from Illinois’ 8th District. kar, and Seema Patel. Mrs. Pinky Luther was announced as Senior ecutive Director). A new VP Mem-
Taking the stage amid a stand- Dinesh Thakkar remarked, “Every Executive Vice President. Executive bership team was created with Pika
ing ovation, current President Anu new face brings new energy and VPs include Chintan Patel, Ajanta Munshi, Manoj Rathod, Smitesh
Malhotra expressed deep gratitude ideas together; we will make 2026 Sharma, and Prashant Mehta. Vice Shah, Shivam Vishwanathan, and
for her team’s support. “Together, another milestone year.” Advisory Presidents were expanded to include Anjali Mohanty. An Event Manage-
we didn’t just host events — we cre- Board Members Pradeep Shukla, Dr. Radhika Chimata, Vaishal Ta- ment Team was also formed, com-
ated memories. Every achievement Brij Sharma, Yogi Bharadwaj, Man- lati, Murugesh Kasilingam, Jessie prising Jitendra Bulsara, Hemendra
was built on teamwork, trust, and ish Gandhi, Santosh Pandey, Nimish Singh, Swati Kukian, Neelam Sab- Shah, Rajeev Maheshwari, Leela Pa-
our shared love for the community.” Jani, Harish Kolasani, and Keerthi oo, Priyanka Parekh, Sara Bongale, tel, Asha Mehta, and Daljit Sabhar-
Anu Malhotra walked through the Ravori were also honored for their and Dakshesh Modi. Secretaries are wal. “The Dream Team 2026 reflects
events which smashed all previous mentorship and support. Kamlesh Kapoor and Anshul Bindal, passion, diversity, and renewed pur-
records through an astounding slide The highlight of the evening Joint Secretaries Avni Singh and pose,” said President Anu Malhotra.
show that included vibrant events, was the unveiling of the FIA Dream Dinesh Kapoor. Treasurer Suresh As formal proceedings conclud-
cultural programs, and community Team 2026, reflecting the organi- Bodiwala and Joint Treasurer Payal ed, the evening transitioned into
initiatives from Independence Day zation’s expanding vision and dy- Shah continue their roles. Cultural a vibrant Diwali celebration. Bol-
to medical camps. She thanked Sunil namic approach. For the first time, Secretaries are Falguni Rana and lywood playback singer Abbas Ali
Shah for his mentorship and con- FIA appointed dual presidents — a Mayuri Parmar, with Neha Sobti Mirza and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa fame
stant encouragement, saying, “Your decision applauded by the entire as Joint Cultural Secretary. Public Paulami Mazumdar electrified the
unconditional support, inspiration, board. The Co-Presidents are Altaf Relations will be handled by Sakshi audience with high-energy perfor-
leadership, and trust in me meant Bukhari and Richa Chand. Sonia Sharma and Prashant (serving as Ex- mances, turning the banquet room
the world.” She recognized 27 key into a concert hall. Guests sang
volunteers, the “FIA Ambassadors,” along to flashing lights and swirling
giving special mention to Falguni dance moves, transforming the night
Sukhadia for taking on extra respon- into a festival of rhythm and radi-
sibilities. ance. DJ Melody Mahesh Kumar
Following her remarks, Vice kept the energy alive with infectious
Chairman and entrepreneur Neil mixes, while his team handled sound
Khot praised Anu Malhotra’s excep- engineering and stage equipment
tional leadership and extended his flawlessly.
appreciation to Founder Chairman Photographer Ramesh Punatar
Sunil Shah for his vision and guid- captured the visual magic of the
ance. He also announced his candi- celebration. Vishal Thakkar, owner
dacy for the U.S. Congress seat from of Crowne Plaza, ensured world-
Illinois’ 8th District, drawing enthu- class hospitality and facilities
siastic applause from the audience. throughout the event. The night
The celebration continued as also included birthday celebrations
Sunil Shah, to the beats of live dhol, for FIA members born in October
introduced new members of the FIA and November.
family for 2026. Each was welcomed “Tonight was not just a meeting;
amid cheers, music, and bright lights it was a movie, a melody, a move-
symbolizing renewal and growth. ment,” said Vipul Srivastav. “Ev-
New members included Mehul ery diya lit tonight represents our
Adhikari, Shivam Vishwanathan, shared dream for unity, growth, and
Vishal Gadhia, Dr. Jayanta Mukher- harmony,” added Sharda Jain. As
jee Jr, Dr. Anuj Jain, Dakshesh Anu Malhotra (President), Neil Khot (Vice Chairman), Richa Chand (President Elect), Altaf guests enjoyed a sumptuous dinner
Modi, Dharmender Gill, Smita Bukhari (President Elect), Sunil Shah (Founder & Chairman) and photo sessions, the spirit of Di-
Shah, Jyoti Vanjara, Pooja Prabha- wali resonated through every heart.

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