Chicago IL: Gandhi Samaj of Chicago, one of the oldest cultural organizations of Indian-Americans in the US, had the double delight of celebrating its 31st anniversary and also Diwali on Sunday – November 14, 2015 at Maine East high school, 2601 west Dempster Street, Park ridge, IL was attended by a large number of people, along with their families and friends.
The event started at 5:00 pm with a traditional Gujarati dinner which was enjoyed by one and all. The function commenced by singing the American National Anthem by Sriya Gandhi and the Indian National Anthem by Daksh and Isha.
Ashwin Bodalia President, Gandhi Samaj of Chicago said that Diwali is an occasion to empower ourselves to defeat the forces of evil in our society rather than merely bursting crackers. He called upon people to illuminate their hearts, rather than merely their physical surroundings, and commit them to bring about a positive change in lives.
Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Consul General of India in Chicago, who was the Guest of Honor, said that keeping the Indian culture alive in a foreign land is a huge challenge. “The young generation should take inspiration from the commitment of youth belonging to Gandhi Samaj of Chicago to their culture and keep the flag of Indian culture flying high across the US”, added Dr. Sayeed.
Sunil Shah, who was the Chief Guest at the event, called upon people to pledge them to the path of righteousness, and thereby take the message of Diwali to its logical conclusion. “If we start helping people in need, each day of our life will turn out to be as auspicious as Diwali”, he added.
Awards was given to Dr. Ausaf Sayeed for his rich contribution in promoting India’s culture abroad, to Sunil Shah for his outstanding services to people of Asian Indian community in Chicago, to Ms. Bhumika N. Gandhi for her contribution as a President of Gandhi Samaj of Chicago, to Ritaben A. Gandhi for her exceptional services to the community, to Hitesh Gandhi for his involvement in Gandhi Samaj of Chicago and other organizations, and to Ms. Vandana Jhingan for her contribution to Indian community in Chicago area.
The cultural program commenced with the performance of Bharatanayam by Krishna Gandhi, which was a beautiful prayer to Lord Ganesha, the God of Wisdom.
Junoon Dance Company also presented a classical dance performance, led by its Founder & Choreographer, Gemini Bhimani, and performed by Aahuti Desai, Kajol Topiwala, and Ritikarawat.
Another unique classical music performance was presented by Bindu Pathak and her students, Hersh Pathak, Sai Amogh, Devant Pillay, LalithVattyam, Anuj Desai, and Mantej Ubhi.
Shalini Saxena and Alpesh Gandhi enthralled the audience by rendering choicest classics of Bollywood and garnered a huge round of applause by the audience.
Pravin Gandhi paid tributes to Rajesh Khanna by singing a hit number, “Mere naina saawan bhadon”
Mona Bhalla, who recently released her music video, sang ‘Chttiyan kalaiaan”, “Saadi gali”, and a few Gujtati songs. Her three beautiful daughters, Manpreet Bhalla, Simran Bhalla, and Kiran Bhalla, danced to the catchy tunes. The audience gave thundering applause to the performance by mother-daughters team.
Chicago’s very own TV celebrities, Lovish, Mahi Thakur, and Anand Bhatt presented a captivating contemporary dance performance.
Rohan and Mansi Gandhi presented a dance performance to “Selfie Le le”, RishaBhagat and Lovepreet Singh, to “Dhol Bhaje”, and Krishna Modi and Tanisha Naik, to “Sadda Dil Bhi Tu”.
A number of talented kids gave a tough competition to their adult counterparts by presenting vibrant dance performances and thereby capturing hearts of the audience. Suhani Gandhi performed to a hit number, “Nat khat Jamuna ke tat par”, Maya Ghayal, Milan Ghayal, and Riya Ghayal, to “Radha nache gi”, and Avani Gandhi, to the title song of “Prem Ratan Dhan Payo”.
In addition, the group dances added great value to the show.
Bhumika Gandhi proposed a vote of thanks.
Reshma Gandhi and Vivek Gandhi were the MCs at the event.
“Thanks to all the sponsors of the grand event without their support it would not be possible to have such a wonderful event also thanks to audience of Chicago and well-wishers who attended the event to make this magnificent event successful” said by Mr Hitesh Gandhi, Exec Vice President of Gandhi Samaj.
2016 Executive Board: Keyur Ghayal (President), Hitesh Gandhi (Exec VP), Bhumika Gandhi (Vice President), Ashwin Bodalia (Treasurer), Manhar Gajjar (Secretary), Bharat Ghayal (Joint Secretary), Hary Gandhi (Joint Secretary), Hiral Gandhi (Joint Secretary), Hiren Ghayal (Joint Secretary), Ramesh Gandhi (Joint Secretary), Priya Ghayal (Youth Secretary) and Roma Bhagat (Cultural Secretary).
Source: Asian Media USA
