SCHAUMBURG, IL (TIP): Federation of Indian Associations, Chicago, under the leadership of President Ms. Rita Singh, successfully hosted the 67th Independence Day Gala Banquet on August 9th at India House Banquet in Schaumburg and Independence Day Parade on August 11, 2013 at India House Plaza in Schaumburg.

The colorful banquet dinner event was attended by Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth, Consul General of India Chicago Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, State Representatives Michelle Mussman, Marty Moylan, State Senator Michael Noland, Schaumburg Mayor Al Larson, Hanover Park Mayor Rodney Craig, Village of Oakbrook Mayor Mr. Gopal Lalmalani, Sohan Joshi NFIA President and Raja Krishnamurthy, among others.

In fact, for Consul General of India Chicago Dr. Sayeed, it was the first public appearance in Chicago after he took charge of Chicago Consulate. All the dignitaries along with Banquet Chair Ms. Neelam Dwivedi addressed the audience on the occasion and wished everyone a very happy India’s 67th Independence Day. FIA President Rita Singh welcomed guests and participants on the occasion. She described how our forefathers had to fight against British Rule to get independence.

But the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi taught us the path of non-violence to win our freedom. The occasion was celebrated with fanfare and enthusiasm. A cultural program was organized on the occasion. Bollywood actress Minisha Lamba was the Star attraction in the Independence Day Banquet and Parade. The banquet dinner evening was successfully conducted by two very articulate and entertaining emcees Ms. Sadhna Kumar and Tarun Mullick M.D.

One of the key highlights of this evening was a Runway Fashion Show 2013 sponsored by Charisma Boutique, which was choreographed by Mika Chadha and coordinated by Sylvia Bhugra. Ms. Minissha Lamba, the popular Bollywood actress and chief guest at the banquet, in her address thanked FIA and specially FIA President Ms. Rita Singh for inviting her to the event. She was very pleased to see Indian Americans celebrating India’s Independence Day with such enthusiasm.