Bollywood Star Poonam DhillonLaunches FIA’s new Scholarship Program

CHICAGO,  IL (TIP): Federation of Indian Associations [FIA] Chicago, status 501(c)(3), a premier community umbrella organization — hosted its first signature event of the year 2022, Celebrating India’s 73rd Republic Day with great fervor and enthusiasm, at Chicago Marriott Northwest, at Hoffman Estates, IL on Jan 29th, 2022. This limited seating event was broadcasted virtually via zoom and Facebook live, in adherence to the latest covid 19 guidelines per State of IL regulations.

The event was promptly started at 7PM (CT) by the emcees Richa Chand & Vinita Gulabani, starting with the beautiful rendition of the American National Anthem by Nitya Rao and the Indian National Anthem by Ananya Ghosh. Sunil Shah Chairman and Founder of the FIA welcomed the people at the event and outlined the yeoman services provided by the FIA in the recent past during and after the pandemic. He briefly welcomed and introduced the new team under the new president Hitesh Gandhi. He spoke of the plans for the new year and mentioned that to commemorate Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav FIA Chicago has intent to start their own community center to facilitate better ongoing services to community people. Shah in his closing remarks, spoke,” Freedom in our Heart, Pride in our Soul, Purity in our Blood. Let us Salute our Motherland India!!”

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi in his inimitable style addressed the cheering audience and expressed great joy and best wishes to Team FIA and the entire Indian community for the outstanding contributions, over more than a decade now.

Immediate past president Dr. Kamal Patel was welcomed on the stage. He outlined the achievements of the FIA during his tenure last year as the outgoing president of the FIA and welcomed the new team led by Hitesh Gandhi. Onkar Sanga in his brief address congratulated the FIA for their achievements in the last year and wished that the new team would take the FIA to greater heights.

Hitesh Gandhi the new president for the year 2022 outlined his plan for the new year. He listed out the activities and events that would take place during the year and thanked the FIA board for the trust that was shown in his ability to lead the FIA to greater heights in the new year. The FIA Board was introduced and immediately followed by the traditional lamp lighting ceremony. The patriotic song “Ae Mere Watan Ke Logo” by Jitendra Balsara reminded everyone of the beautiful motherland India. The audience cheered as they watched an energetic dance performance by the students of SR Dance Academy, choreographed by Elizar Rodriguez.

The Chief Guest Consul General Amit Kumar in his address, wished everyone a Happy Republic Day and spoke about the enormous progress India has made in the last several years and mentioned that India is now positioned to succeed even more as we approach 75 years of India’s Independence, and getting ready for Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, an initiative by Govt, of India. He spoke about the covid pandemic, and despite its challenges how India successfully carried on its vaccination drives and the role of technology and innovation.

Other leaders who spoke at the event were: Mayor Oakbrook Dr Gopal Lalmalani, Mayor Hoffman Estates, William D Mcleod, Mayor Schaumburg Tom Dailly (via zoom), Village President Hanover Park Rodney Craig, Illinois Gen Assembly Rep Michelle Mussman, Secretary of State candidate – Alexi Giannoulias (via zoom), Senator Laura Murphy.

Mayor William D Mcleod and Mayor Tom Dailly presented commemorative plaques to FIA on behalf of Village of Hoffman Estates and Village of Schaumburg, respectively.

On a somber note, the FIA paid tributes to Mir Ali who passed away recently by facilitating his wife with an honorary plaque for his dedicated service to FIA and a Scholarship grant of $1000 to his daughter Nida Ali.

In total 3 Grant Scholarships were provided to students. These were announced by FIA Chairman Sunil Shah and given away by Consul General of India, Amit Kumar, Deepak Kant Vyas CEO Redberri, Anil Loomba (virtual) Hitesh and Kim Bhatt, the Bhatt Foundation, Deepak Kant Vyas CEO Redberri. The other two students who were the recipient of scholarship names are Ria Sharma from Stevenson Highschool & Jaisnav Rajesh from Waubonsie Valley High School.

Hitesh Bhatt, Founder & Kim Bhatt, President of the Bhatt Foundation were honored with a Plaque and were acknowledged for their sponsorship support to FIA. In their speech, the Bhatt’s, shared their message of “Improving Global HealthCare and Education through Innovation”. They touched upon their philanthropic work in USA / India / Honduras / Africa and expressed their interest in supporting FIA’s initiatives as well.

Other prominent speakers present were Dr Vijay Prabhakar, Mr Zakaria & Dr Anil Oroskar. Brij Sharma, Manny Lingaiah, Harish Kolasani, Ajeet Singh, Vandana Jhingan, Pradeep B Shukla, Gladson Verghese, Yogi Bhardwaj, Harry Siddhu and many others were present.

Aparna Chakravarty and Mukhtar Shah provided musical entertainment. Mukhtar Shah (Voice of Mukesh) gave a beautiful tribute to Late Mr Mir Ali FIA Director through his songs.

The highlight of the event was a very exciting live zoom session with the legendary Bollywood actress Poonam Dhillon from India. She was introduced by Asha Oraskar & welcomed by FIA General Secretary Richa Chand. Followed up by questions and appreciation remarks by Hitesh & Kim Bhatt, Pinky Thakkar, Hitesh Gandhi, Neil Khot, Ajeet Singh, Sunil Shah, Vinita Gulabani, Anu Malhotra, Altaf Bukhari, Kaashif Khan, Pratik Deshpande.The event ended with a vote of thanks by the Cultural Secretary Pika Munshi. Music provided by DJ Sanjay. Technical Director Phani Krishna, and Photography & Video coverage by Asian Media. Program assistance by Neil Khot, Neelam Jai, Jitendra Balsara & Anu Malhotra.

The event was well attended with Covid-19 guidelines being in place by the Consul General of India, Amit Kumar, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Mayor Tom Dailly, Deepak Kant Vyas CEO Redberri, Hitesh and Kim Bhatt of the Bhatt Foundation, Mayors and Senators. The technical support of the event was provided by AANA (Artists Association of North America) Phani Krishna, Naveen Karna and Prachi Jaitly and Asian Media USA.

(Based on a Press release issued by FIA. Photographs / Asian Media USA)