Federation of Indian Associations celebrates 67th Republic Day with high fervor in Chicago

Chicago: The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) on January 24, organized a high profile event at Ashton Place to celebrate India's 67^th Republic Day. The event, whose chief guest was Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Consul General of India in Chicago, saw the participation of over 500 people including various dignitaries and elected officials.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sayeed stressed the importance of celebration of events of National importance and thanked the India-American community for their contribution to both Indian and American society.

State Senators Mike Noland, Laura Murphy, and Patti Bellock, State Representatives Stephanie Kifowit, Deb Conroy, and Michelle Mussman, Village Presidents Gopal Lalmalani and Kathleen Weaver, and representatives from the Attorney General's Office and Metropolitan Water Reclamation District were among the dignitaries who participated in the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Congressional Candidate Raja Krishnamoorthi said: "I am running for the US Congress in order to enriching and consolidating the voice of the Indian-Americans."

Syed Hussaini, Vice President, Wintrust Community Bank was the Guest of Honor for the event. He said that celebration of such events provides good opportunities for Indian Diaspora to reaffirm their commitments to the ideals of Indian Constitution.

The event also included high-end entertainment, music, dance, and food. Junoon Dance Academy presented a welcome dance- Ganesha Vandana. National Anthems of both India and US were sung. Nisha Saraswat sang Vande Matharam. Ishan Ahmed and Sheen Trivedi sang inspiring and patriotic songs like 'Mere Desh Ki Dharti Sona Ugle' and 'Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo' respectively. The event also saw song performances by Pratibha Jairath, Mona Bhalla, Ashley Singh and Nipa Shah.

The traditional lighting of the lamp was done by the FIA team and all the dignitaries and the event also saw traditional dance performances from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana State, Kerala, and other parts of India, thus providing an opportunity to savor the rich culture of India.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mukesh Shah and sumptuous dinner for all the delegates.

Here are a few pictures from the event:

(With inputs and photos from Asian Media USA)