CHICAGO, IL: The Federation of Indian Associations, Chicago (FIA) hosted a spectacular and grand celebration, “Ae Mere Watan,” to commemorate India’s 77th Independence Day – Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav with patriotic fervor on September 15, 2023, at the state-of-the-art banquet hall, The Matrix Club, in Naperville, IL. The event was led by Founder President and Chairman Sunil Shah, Current President Vinita Gulabani, Past President Neil Khot, Founder and Past President Onkar Singh Sangha, and the entire Board of Directors.
The event started with a Bharat Natyam dance by Board member Bharatnatyam exponent and choreographer Pika Munshi. Then Sunil Shah & Vinita Gulabani were invited for a welcome address. The program included a musical extravaganza, the Sahir Ludhianvi Show, Directed by Milind Oak facilitated by Madan Kulkarni, and produced by Niche’ Entertainment during the second half, post a sumptuous and delicious dinner.
The FIA team created an atmosphere of patriotism with an India-centric program that enthralled the attending guests during the first half. The event was attended by over 550 people, including dignitaries such as Scott Wehrli, Mayor Naperville, and FIA Advisory Board members. The FIA Community Leadership Awards were presented to Vinita Gulabani, Chintan Patel, Pinkyben & Dinesh Bhai Thakkar, Santosh Kumar MAFS, Dr Asha Anil Oroskar with OROCHEM, American Dog Movie/Neil Khot, Rajeev Sharma, Dr Alamdar Badar, Jane Lee Remax, Venkat Talari, Eggholic Bhagyesh Patel & Lav Patel, Brij Sharma, Dr Bhupinder Beri, Sona Shah, Harry Mohan, Syed Hussaini, Ajeet Singh IABC, Manoj Mulki Rani Foods, Sanjay Vishnu Panjwani/All About Furniture, Global Eye -Dr. Vijay Prabhakar, DABUR/BADSHAH- Rickie Singh.
The event also included an FIA team recognition ceremony where all the hardworking FIA team members received a Medal of Excellence and an Appreciation Certificate. The auspicious tradition of lamp lighting ceremony was also held by the FIA Leadership and the entire Board, along with Larry Herman and other dignitaries present.
The event concluded with a medley of patriotic songs presented by the talented FIA singers and the Sahir Ludhianvi Show, a tribute to the legendary Bollywood poet and lyricist Sahir Ludhianvi, a show directed by Milind Oak, narrated by Nachiket Devasthali and supported by the amazingly talented singers: Abhilasha Chellam, Rasika Ganoo, and Dhawal Chandwadkar, along with their team of musicians. The event was well attended and praised by everyone present, and the FIA would like to thank all the vendors who set up booths and provided food samples.
 celebrated India's 77th Independence Day with a grand event, "Ae Mere Watan," at the Matrix Club in Naperville, IL. The event was led by Founder President & Chairman Sunil Shah and Current President Vinita Gulabani, and featured a patriotic program followed by a musical extravaganza, the Sahir Ludhianvi Show. The event was attended by over 550 people and included community leadership awards and recognition for FIA team members.){kind=link}