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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline AUGUST 28, 2026 | The Indian Eye 22

FIA Chicago Celebrates America’s 250th and India’s 80th

Independence Day in a Historic Show Freedom and Unity

Landmark Schaumburg gathering brings together civic leaders,

community members, culture, business and entertainment

OUR BUREAU
Chicago, IL
he Federation of Indian As-
sociations (FIA) – Chicago
Thosted a historic celebration
at the Renaissance Convention Cen-
ter in Schaumburg, commemorating
America’s 250th anniversary and In-
dia’s 80th Independence Day. Under
the leadership of Founder and Chair-
man Sunil Shah and Presidents Altaf
Bukhari and Richa Chand, the mile-
stone event brought together more
than 800 attendees throughout the
day in a vibrant expression of free-
dom, friendship, culture and commu-
nity pride. The discussion highlighted the rapidly Entire FIA Team Vinita Gulabani (Past President), Richa Chand (President), Neil Khot
The celebration reflected the evolving role of artificial intelligence
unique spirit of the Indian Ameri- and its growing influence on business, (Vice-Chairman), Sunil Shah (Founder Chairman), Team.
can community—honoring its deep innovation and society.
connection to India’s heritage while As a special tribute to India,
proudly embracing the United States “FIA’s Got Talent” showcased the
as home. The program blended patri- diverse talents of FIA members and
otic moments, cultural presentations, brought an entertaining community
community recognition, business spirit to the afternoon. The segment
engagement and live entertainment, concluded with the Fashion Show, led
creating a memorable occasion cele- by FIA Vice President Ajanta Taluk-
brating two nations and two historic dar, in which FIA members walked
milestones together. the stage representing the vibrant tra-
The daylong celebration was ditions, attire and cultural diversity of
presented in two distinct segments, India’s states.
beginning with the Business Expo. A moving patriotic presentation
The afternoon program opened with by FIA’s talented singers Avni Singh,
a spirited patriotic parade featuring Jitendra Bulsara and Shivam Vish-
members of the FIA team proudly wanathan, accompanied by the FIA
waving Indian and American flags as team, filled the ballroom with patrio- Avni Singh (Director/Singer), Team, Rita Shah (First Lady), Sunil Shah (Founder Chairman),
they marched from the entrance to tism and emotion while paying tribute Pinky Thakkar (Advisory Board), Richa Chand (President), Pratibha Jairath (Past President),
the main stage. Founder and Chair- to the freedom fighters whose sacri-
man Sunil Shah, joined by Presidents fices made independence possible. Neil Khot (Vice Chairman), Anu Malhotra (Past President), Vinita Gulabani (Past President).
Altaf Bukhari and Richa Chand and Cultural performances continued to
the FIA leadership team, led the cer- add color and energy throughout the Congresswoman Mellisa Bean; Scha- remarkable growth and community
emonial flag hoisting, followed by the evening, with presentations by Shirlz- umburg Mayor Tom Dailly; Mayor journey over the years. Presidents Al-
national anthems of the United States ar Dance Academy. William Mcleod, State Representa- taf Bukhari and Richa Chand empha-
and India. The venue décor: FIA Past Pres- tive Michelle Mussman, Aurora Al- sized the forward-looking meaning
Another major attraction of the ident Vinita Gulabani, FIA Director derwoman Shweta Baid along with of the occasion: “Our Independence
Business Expo was a thought-pro- Ravi Tokala, and his team were in- FIA Advisory Board member Keerthi Day is not just about remembering the
voking conference on Artificial Intel- strumental in creating the beautiful Ravoori, and FIA First Lady Rita past; it’s about celebrating the bonds
ligence, facilitated by FIA Director décor, which reflected the colors and Shah. Their presence underscored the we build today for a stronger tomor-
and Naperville-based business owner spirit of both nations. important role of the Indian Ameri- row.” Vice Chairman Neil Khot fur-
Rajesh Narayan. The panel featured The celebration was graced by can community in the civic, cultural ther reinforced the evening’s message
NASA intern Neelay Ranjan, Califor- Consul General Somnath Ghosh, and public life of Chicagoland. with remarks centered on patriotism,
nia-based businessman and Phoenix- Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, FIA’s past presidents Anu Mal- community service and giving back.
AI.tech Co-founder Rajesh Rasalkar, Chief Guest Darshan Singh Dhaliw- hotra, Pratibha Jairath, Vinita Gula- A major highlight of the evening
FIA General Secretary Kamlesh Ka- al, Guest of Honor Dr. Parag Doshi, bani, Hitesh Gandhi and Dr. Kamal was FIA’s recognition of sponsors,
poor, and FIA Director Vijay Gupta. State Senator Laura Murphy, future Patel also shared reflections on FIA’s Continued on next page... >>

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