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www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know Prashant Mehta, and a team of Vice Presidents, Secretaries, and Cul- tural leaders. “The DreamTeam 2026 reflects passion, diversity, and purpose,” said Malhotra. As the formalities concluded, the evening transformed into a celebration with performances by Bollywood playback singer Abbas Ali Mirza and Paulami Mazumdar of SaReGaMaPa fame, followed by high-energy music from DJ Melody Mahesh Kumar. Guests sang, danced, and celebrated under bright lights. Photographer Ramesh Punatar captured the night’s magic. The event closed with a joyful group celebration for FIA members’ October–November birthdays. Vipul Srivastav described the evening in the following words, “Tonight was not just a meeting—it was a movie, a melody, and a movement.” Hundreds Attend Gujarat Cultural Association Of Chicago’s Diwali Celebrations T he Gujarat Cultural Association of Chicago (GCA) hosted its much-anticipated Diwali Celebration at the elegant Signature Banquet inWoodridge, Illinois. Hundreds of families, dignitaries, and community leaders attended an evening that cel- ebrated tradition, leadership, and cultural pride. The event was held under the leadership of Chairman Kanti S. Patel and the GCA Board. Among the high profile guests were Chief Guest Smita Shah, Consul General of India Somnath Ghosh, Congressman Raja Krishnamoor- thi, Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison (District 15), Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County Mariyana T. Spyropoulos, Mayor of Lincolnwood Jasal Patel. Other prominent business and community leaders also at- tended. The evening began with a lively networking recep- tion, followed by a welcome speech by Jyotendra Patel. The Masters of Ceremonies Hetal Patel and Dr. Manish Brahmbhatt, conducted the program. The Ajay Musical Group opened the ceremony with a soulful prayer, following which a ceremonial Deep Pragatya (Lamp Lighting) was performed by Chief Guest Smita Shah, Consul General of India Somnath Ghosh, and Chairman Kanti S. Patel, joined by a distinguished group of elected officials and community leaders, including:Mariyana T. Spyropoulos, Clerk, Circuit Court of Cook County Kevin Morrison, Cook County Com- missioner, District 15 Jasal Patel, Mayor of Lincolnwood Kalpesh Joshi, Upper Midwest Director, AAHOA Ashok Punjabi, CEO, Chicago Imports Moti Agrawal, CEO, Millennium Bank Raj Bedi, Community Leader , Bhaila Patel Executive Vice president Prearikh woldwide Media, Trustree and Former Chairman of Gujarat Cultural As- sociation of Chicago (GCA) and Executive GCA Board. Hetal Patel and Dr. Brahmbhatt introduced each digni- tary inviting them to address the gathering.“Diwali is not just an Indian festival — it’s a global celebration of light, peace, and hope,” said Chief Guest Smita Shah, praising the Gujarati community for its leadership and cultural preservation. Consul General Ghosh highlighted Diwali’s message of harmony that resonates deeply in both Indian and American societies, encouraging youth participation in the Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz, a global initiative to connect young Indian-origin individuals with their heritage. Cook County Clerk Mariyana T. Spyropoulos, Commis- sioner Kevin Morrison, Mayor Jasal Patel, all delivered uplifting messages celebrating the Gujarati community’s contributions to the Midwest. “The Gujarati community’s spirit of service and unity continues to inspire everyone in the Chicagoland area,” remarked Commissioner Kevin Morrison. Chairman Kanti S. Patel and the GCA Board were ap- plauded for organizing what some described as one of the most memorable Diwali celebrations in recent years- blending faith, fellowship, and festivity. The program concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Girish Patel, who thanked the dignitaries, sponsors, performers, and the GCA team for their tireless work and community spirit. Founded in 1973, the Gujarat Cultural Association (GCA) is one of the first Gujarati community organiza- tions in the Chicago metropolitan area. For over five decades, GCA has held to its mission of cultural preserva- tion, community service, and intergenerational con- nection among Gujarati families across Illinois and the Midwest.The mission of the Gujarat Cultural Association is to preserve and promote Gujarati culture, religion, lan- guage, and traditions for present and future generations. By Bhailal M. Patel PHOTOS:GurmeetSingh Dhalwan Lamp-lighting ceremony: The ceremonial Deep Pragatya (Lamp Lighting) was performed by Chief Guest Smita Shah, Consul General of India Somnath Ghosh, and Chairman Kanti S. Patel, joined by a distinguished group of elected officials and community leaders. FIA Chicago members and leaders pose for a photo at the November 2, 2025 Diwali Gala and annual board meeting. Consul General of India Somnath Ghosh, and Chairman Kanti S. Patel, joined by a distinguished group of elected officials and community leaders. Executive GCA Board of Gujarat Cultural Association of Chicago (GCA). - Continued From Page 6 PHOTOS:Ramesh Punatar,courtesyFIA Chicago FIA Chicago Celebrates Diwali, Announces New Executive Team Community News India Times (November 8, 2025 - November 14, 2025) November 14, 2025 7