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North The Indian Eye

AMERICANNewsline

16 FEBRUARY 06, 2026

FIA Sets New Benchmark with

Grand Republic Day Gala in Chicagoland

OUR BUREAU
Chicago, IL

he Federation of Indian Associ-
ations (FIA) showcased organi-
Tzational excellence and cultural
pride while hosting a grand celebra-
tion of India’s 77th Republic Day at
the Matrix Club on January 25, 2026.
The gala emerged as one of the most
significant Indian diaspora events in
the Chicagoland area, bringing to-
gether community leaders, elected
officials, diplomats, and cultural icons
in a powerful display of unity and pa-
triotism.
The evening reflected the strate-
gic vision and collaborative leadership
of FIA Founder President and Chair-
man Sunil Shah, alongside President
Altaf Bukhari and President Richa
Chand. Together, they curated an
event that not only celebrated India’s
democratic journey but also reaf-
firmed FIA’s role as a leading civic and
cultural institution in Illinois.
Adding star power to the celebra- The Legendary Bollywood Actress & Singer Receiving Award from Chairman Sunil Shah, President Altaf Bukhari, President Richa Chand, Past
tion was veteran Bollywood actress Presidents Rita Singh, Vinita Gulabani, Pratibha Jairath
and singer Padmini Kolhapure, whose
presence lent elegance and warmth to to lead such a dynamic organization.
the evening. The gala also saw strong President Richa Chand delivered a
diplomatic and political participation, stirring address linking the sacrifices
including officials from the Consul- of India’s freedom fighters to mod-
ate General of India in Chicago, U.S. ern-day community service, urging in-
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, dividuals driven by service to channel
State Representative Stephanie Ki- their energy through FIA.
fowit, Cook County Commissioner The cultural program unfolded
Kevin Morrison, and several mayors seamlessly, beginning with soulful
from the region, underscoring FIA’s renditions of the Indian and Amer-
deep engagement across civic plat- ican national anthems. The evening
forms. featured an array of vocal and dance
Addressing the gathering, Chair- performances that celebrated India’s
man Sunil Shah captured the spirit of diversity, including patriotic, classi-
the night by noting that while winter cal, and contemporary presentations.
cold gripped Chicago outside, the Particularly moving were performanc-
venue was filled with warmth, patri- es by young artists and professional
otism, and collective pride. He out- dance academies that blended artistry
lined FIA’s evolving leadership model, with national pride.
explaining that the appointment of Beyond celebration, the gala re-
two presidents reflected the organi- inforced FIA’s commitment to social
zation’s scale and ambition, ensuring responsibility. A major highlight was
excellence across initiatives. President the launch of the FIA Scholarship
Altaf Bukhari followed by expressing Awards, supporting five deserving
gratitude to the dignitaries and vol- students in the United States and one (L to R) President 2026 Richa Chand, FIA Chairman Sunil Shah, President 2026 Altaf Bukhari
unteers, calling it a personal honor student in India, reflecting the organi-

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