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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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