News India Times

www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know FIA Chicago Marks India’s 79th Independence Day With Performances And Jatin Pandit Concert T he Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) – Chicago marked India’s 79th Independence Day with a cultural celebration at The Matrix Club in Naperville, featuring community recognitions, dance performances, and a live concert by Bol- lywood composer Jatin Pandit. The program opened with a welcome by FIA Presi- dent Anu Malhotra, who co-emceed alongside Prachi Jaitley. Dr. Radhika Chimata performed the Indian and American national anthems. Founder and Chairman Sunil Shah addressed the audience, noting that “when music and patriotismmeet, magic happens.” Dance performances followed, including routines by Shekhar Dance Academy and Shelzar Dance Academy, which drew strong applause. From Left to Right: Secretary Falguni Sukhadia, Mayor Tom Dailly, MayorWilliamMcLeod, Ashima Washington, First Lady Rita Shah, Consulate General Somnath Ghosh, Founder Chairman Sunil Shah, Presi- dent Anu Malhotra. Photo: FIA Attendees included Consul General Somnath Ghosh, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Naperville Mayor ScottWehrli, Schaumburg Mayor Tom Dailly, State Rep- resentative Michelle Mussman, and Aurora Alderwoman Shweta Baid. Ghosh said the celebration reflected “the strength of the diaspora and its commitment to both India and America,” while Krishnamoorthi reminded the audience that “freedom and democracy must be protected by each generation.” Past FIA presidents Vinita Gulabani, Hitesh Gandhi, and Dr. Kamal Patel shared reflections on the organiza- tion’s growth. Vice Chairman Neil Khot spoke on the role of service and patriotism in community life. The awards segment recognized contributors and sponsors including JP Khaira, Dr. Umang Patel, Ajeet Singh, Rita Shah, AashimaWashington, Anil Loomba, Krisha Dalal of TanishqUSA, Chintan Patel, Dr. Bharat Barai, Manish and Shailja Gandhi, Pinky Dinesh Thak- kar, Mukesh Vasani, Ch. Sahab Singh, Ketu Amin, Anu and Bharat Malhotra, Dr. Bhupinder Beri, Dr. Asha Oroskar, Dr. Anil Oroskar, Brij Sharma, Naresh Shah, Smita Shah, Sona Shah, and Jatin Pandit. A new honor, the “Pillar of Unity and Vision Award,” was presented by FIA leadership, Congressman Krish- namoorthi, and MayorWehrli, drawing a standing ovation. The evening’s headline performance featured Jatin Pandit, joined by Raahul Jatin, Khushi, Nauzad, and Avni Singh. The set included Bollywood hits such as *Pehla Nasha*, *Jadu Teri Nazar*, and *Bin Tere Sanam*. Audience requests extended the concert beyond its scheduled end, with many dancing and singing along. Community members including Atul Wahi of United Punjabis of America, Leenna Chauddhury, Dr. Kamal Patel, and Altaf Bukhari joined the dance floor. The event closed with a vote of thanks from FIA Secretary General Nilabh Dubey and Joint Secretaries Falguni Sukhadia and Kamlesh Kapoor, who added a lighthearted remark encouraging attendees to let volun- teers rest. FIA officials said the celebration aimed to bring the community together through culture, music, and civic engagement. By a StaffWriter From Left to Right: Secretary Falguni Sukhadia, Mayor Tom Dailly, Mayor William McLeod, Ashima Washington, First Lady Rita Shah, Consulate General Somnath Ghosh, Founder Chairman Sunil Shah, President Anu Malhotra. From Left to Right: Past President Vinita Gulabani, First Lady Rita Shah, Mayor William McLeod, Mayor Tom Dailly, Founder Chairman Sunil Shah, President Anu Malhotra, Advisory Board Member Dr. Medhavaram. From Left to Right: Past President Vinita Gulabani, Secretary Falguni Sukhadia, Past President Hitesh Gandhi, First Lady Rita Shah, Vice Chairman Neil Khot, Founder Chairman Sunil Shah, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Mayor Scott Wehrli, President Anu Malhotra, Grand Sponsor J. P. Khaira. From Left to Right: Founder Chairman Sunil Shah, President Anu Malhotra in front of the FIA Directors and Executive Board Banne. PHOTOS:FIA From Left to Right: President Anu Malhotra, Founder Chairman Sunil Shah and Music Director Jatin Pandit. Community News India Times (August 16, 2025 - August 22, 2025) August 22, 2025 9