CHICAGO (TIP): Chicago Mayor Hon. Brandon Johnson in collaboration with Indian American Business Council hosted a Grand Diwali Celebration at City Hall Chicago on November 6, 2023. The celebrations were marked by the attendance of Consul General of India Mr. Somnath Ghosh, elected officials and many prominent community leaders. The distinguished guests who graced the event were Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Irvin, Alderwoman Shweta Baid, Alderman Deborah Silverstein, Alderman Walter Burnett, Alderman David Moore, Alderman Lamont Robinson, Alderman Pat Dowell, Aldermen Jason Irvin, Judge Sanjay Tailor, Judge Rena Vantine, Dr. Bharat Barai and Dr. Sreenivas Reddy (Chair Il Medical Board).

The beautiful ceremony started with singing of national anthems, devotional song along with invocational lamp alighting. Ajeet Singh, President IABC welcomed everyone for joining the celebration and thanked Mayor Brandon for celebrating Diwali with one Indian American Community. Mayor Johnson extended his heartfelt gratitude to the entire Indian American community for their contribution towards the development and progress of the city of Chicago. Keeping the beautiful Diwali tradition alive, Mayor Johnson distributed sweets amongst the attendees.

Consul General Somnath Ghosh talked about how the festival of Diwali, similar to Yoga Day, has a become a global celebration all over the world. In his remarks Ghosh added that India is an example of tolerance, coexistence and diversity of language, religions and ethnicities living peacefully and pursuing individual and national dreams, respecting democracy, respecting human rights, and universal brotherhood. He added that Indians and people of Indian origin strongly stand with the City of Chicago, and all other elected authorities in the greater Chicagoland for peace , for development and for the prosperity of the city and its beautiful suburban regions. Dr. Barai wished Mayor Johnson, and everyone present a happy and prosperous Diwali and talked about how the festival brings back the same joy and memories that everyone experienced when Lord Ram came back to Ayodhya from exile.

Dr. Sreenivas Reddy mentioned that beautiful celebrations like these are a reminder of how important it is to work together to fight the challenges the world is facing today whether it is mental health or violence. The dignitaries congratulated the entire IABC for putting a beautiful event together signifying the victory of light over darkness and good over evil through this grand spectacle of Indian cultural heritage at the City Hall.

The ceremony closed with a heartwarming vote of thanks by the visionary leader of IABC team Keerthi Kumar Ravoori who expressed his gratitude for each and every one who made the event a huge success and explained how IABC envisions to keep working in building a better and stronger community by hosting such impactful events.

Keeping the beautiful Diwali tradition alive, Mayor Johnson distributed sweets amongst the attendees. IABC envisions to keep working in building a better and stronger community by hosting such impactful events.
(Press release and photo by Indian American Business Council)