Page 18 - The Indian EYE 052926

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline MAY 29, 2026 | The Indian Eye 18

FIA Chicago Celebrates Mother’s Day

and Begins Independence Day Festivities

OUR BUREAU
CHICAGO, IL
n a radiant Saturday evening,
the Federation of Indian As-
Osociations (FIA) Chicago
brought together families, community
leaders, and friends at the Marriott
Hotel Oak Brook to honor a bond
that transcends borders—the uncon-
ditional love of a mother. The elegant
“Soulful Celebration of Motherhood”
also served as the official curtain-raiser
for a historic milestone: the upcoming
signature celebrations marking India’s
80th Independence Day and the 250th
anniversary of the United States.
The evening commenced with a
warm reception, where mothers were
welcomed with fresh roses in a venue the biggest business fair ever hosted in
beautifully adorned in hues of soft and Chicago by an Indian American non-
deep pink. The thoughtfully curated am- profit organization—an expo uniting
biance was designed by FIA Past Pres- businesses, entrepreneurs, and com-
ident Vinita Gulabani, in collaboration munities to celebrate shared achieve-
with current President Richa Chand ments and explore future possibilities.
and Chairman Sunil Shah, creating an State Senator Laura Murphy, FIA
atmosphere of elegance and warmth. Advisory Board Member Ajeet Singh,
Distinguished dignitaries—in- and Dr. Vijay Prabhakar joined Mr.
cluding State Senator Laura Murphy, Shah to share further details about
Deputy Consul Sanjeev Pal, Chicago the conclave, which will be introduced
City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Er- during the signature event on August
vin, and Aurora Alderwoman Shweta 9, 2026, at the Renaissance Hotel.
Baid—offered heartfelt tributes, rec- Following his address, FIA Presi-
ognizing the invaluable role of mothers dents Altaf Bukhari and Richa Chand
in shaping families and communities. delivered inspiring remarks that res-
The evening’s program was ex- onated deeply with the audience,
pertly emceed by Swati Kukian and emphasizing the indispensable role fessional Dr Niharica Raizada, along- goes to FIA’s diligent General Secre-
Saurin Thakkar, whose dynamic pres- mothers play in shaping families, val- side the recognition of 15 extraordi- tary, Kamlesh Kapoor, whose unwav-
ence, warmth, and seamless coordina- ues, and future generations. They also nary mothers (Dr Santosh Kumar, ering dedication ensured the seam-
tion captivated the audience. Adding introduced Niharica Raizada—Lux- Neelam Dwivedi, Krisha Dalal, Shwe- less execution of the entire program.
a musical touch, FIA First Lady Rita embourgish-Bollywood actress, Miss ta Baid, Dr Meher Medavaram, Arch- Alongside Joint Secretary Dinesh
Shah performed a timeless Mother’s India UK, and a medical scientist— ana Agrawal, Beena Chablani, Dr Kapoor and a spirited team of FIA

Day melody, creating a deeply emo- whose grace and understated elegance Cynthia Prabhakar , Rohini Sinha, Dr volunteers, their collective efforts or-
tional moment. captivated the audience. Aranganayaki Asoken, , Dr Sanhita ganized smooth logistics and brought
FIA Founder Chairman Sunil Additionally, President Altaf Agnihotri, Asha Rani, Suman Mohla- the event to life with exceptional pre-
Shah delivered a powerful and heart- Bukhari, President Richa Chand, jee, Smita N Shah, Dr. Sunita Narang, cision and energy.
felt address, honoring the profound and Founder Chairman Sunil Shah Santosh Suri) who exemplify leader- A fascinating performance by
contributions of mothers to both fam- extended their sincere gratitude to ship, resilience, and selfless sacrifice. actress Niharica Raizada enchanted
ily and society. He reminded the au- Bharat Goradia for his invaluable sup- Each honoree was thoughtfully the audience, as she not only show-
dience, “Mothers are our first gurus.” port in coordinating and facilitating introduced by FIA, with heartfelt ci- cased her dance talent but also sang
In a moment that energized the Ms. Raizada’s presence at this special tations highlighting their unique con- alongside Mr. Shah, President Altaf
crowd, he concluded his remarks Mother’s Day celebration. tributions and achievements, followed Bukhari, and President Richa Chand.
with a major announcement, unveil- Thereafter, children from the by the presentation of the award. This was followed by impressive per-
ing plans for the upcoming signature Sapphire Dance Group captivated the The awards ceremony was seam- formances from several talented FIA
celebrations commemorating India’s audience with a vibrant performance lessly coordinated by FIA Past Presi- singers, including Dr. Chimata, Dhar-
80th Independence Day and the 250th under the choreography of Sridevi dent Vinita Gulabani, Vice President mender Gill, Jitender Bulsara, Jayesh
anniversary of the United States. As Pandalai Sponsorship Dr. Radhika Chimata, Patel, Shivam Viswanathan, Prashant
part of these historic festivities, he Celebrating the “Ideal Mother” and Executive Vice President Sonia Mehta, Thomas Abraham along with
revealed the launch of a large-scale A highlight of the gala was the Luther. the versatile FIA President Richa
Business Conclave—envisioned to be presence of actress and medical pro- A special note of appreciation Chand and sweet first lady Rita Shah.

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