News India Times

www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know News India Times (February 28, 2026 - March 6, 2026) March 6, 2026 8 Community Community In Grief As Pioneer Leaves Behind Enduring Legacy T he community is mourning the loss of Ashraf Ali, a respected leader, entrepreneur and longtime ad- vocate, who passed away Sunday morning, Jan. 25, 2026. He leaves behind a legacy of service, innova- tion and dedication that shaped institutions and touched countless lives across the Chicago area. Ali served as President of the Development Corpora- tion of America, based in Des Plaines. The company operates primarily in the real estate sector, specializing in subdivision and development projects. An engineer by training, Ali was also part of the team at the internation- ally renowned architectural firm Skidmore that helped construct the iconic Sears Tower — now known asWillis Tower. Over the course of his career, he contributed his expertise to numerous architectural projects throughout Chicago. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ali devoted more than three decades to serving the Asian commu- nity through nonprofit work. He was the longest-serving member of the Board of Directors at AHS Family Health Center and made history as the organization’s first Board Chairperson when it became a Federally Qualified Health Center in the early 2000s. He also served as Board Trea- surer. Ali’s background in construction and development proved instrumental in the health center’s growth. His leadership helped guide the expansion of AHS Family Health Center to four locations, and he played a key role in completing its headquarters at 6301 N. Western Ave. News of his passing has prompted an outpouring of condolences from colleagues and community members. “Mr. Ashraf Ali, a long-term Board Director and the first AHS Family Health Center Board Chair, influenced every strategic decision and growth of our organization for more than two decades with his unmatched enthusi- asm,” said Dr. Muhammad Paracha, CEO of AHS Family Health Center. “He served the Asian community well and will be remembered for all the impactful work he has done for the Asian and Bangladeshi communities.” James Luciano, current Board Chair of AHS Family Health Center, said, “Mr. Ali’s contributions were very impactful and too many to count. He has truly made each one of us better, and now it’s our responsibility to carry on with that passion and integrity.” Dr. LarryWilliams, Board Vice Chair, described Ali as “a great person and mentor” who “will be missed.” Board Treasurer Mahmood Khan added, “Mr. Ali was an integral part of our community, and his presence will be deeply missed. He treated everyone with respect. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this dif- ficult time.” Dr. Ayesha Hussain, Chief Medical Officer, noted that Ali was involved with AHS Family Health Center from its inception. “His dedication and unwavering commitment to serving underserved communities was exceptional. His passing represents a significant loss to our organiza- tion and to the communities we serve.” Dr. Lisa Beaudette-Nguyen, Chief Dental Officer, called him “a strong supporter of our clinic,” adding that the organization “will always be grateful for his impact on our health center and community.” Paul Nagpal, Chief Financial Officer, described Ali as “an inspirational leader” whose legacy should be cel- ebrated. Members of the AHS Family Health Center Board and staff expressed their sorrow, including board members Fe Cabrera, Mariam Hassan, Elsadig Elmehdi, Marivic Guitirrez, Anabelle Cortes and Dr. Rohitkumar Vasa, along with staff members Khalid Sabzwari, Emina Celik, Mosharraf Khandaker, Ranjana Khan and former board member Abha Pandya. Ali is survived by his wife, son, daughter and grandchil- dren. Family members said they will cherish his memory and continue to celebrate the legacy of a man whose vision and service strengthened both his profession and his community. By a StaffWriter Ashraf Ali, PHOTO PROVIDED BY FAMILY Tanishq Returns To New York Fashion Week With Bibhu Mohapatra Collaboration T anishq returned to the runway at NewYork FashionWeek for the Fall 2026 season, continuing its collaboration with designer Bibhu Mohapatra and marking the third partnership between the two brands. The showcase highlighted bold neck- laces, dangling earrings, gold arm cuffs and large-scale diamond pieces that took center stage alongside Mohapatra’s latest collection. Rather than serving as accessories, the jewelry was integrated into the structure and storytelling of the garments, influencing movement and posture on the runway. The collaboration reflects an ongoing effort to position jewelry as a central de- sign element within global fashion. Tan- ishq curated pieces drawn from its design heritage to complement Mohapatra’s silhouettes, blending traditional crafts- manship with contemporary couture. “This collaboration strengthens Tanishq’s focus on positioning jewelry as a core design element within global fashion,” said Amrit Pal Singh, business head of Tanishq USA. “For Fall 2026, we curated pieces from across our design heritage to integrate directly with Bibhu Mohapatra’s silhouettes, demonstrating how craftsmanship and contemporary couture can function as one cohesive medium.” Mohapatra’s Fall 2026 collection was inspired by the concept of the Brahma- vadini, a reference to women revered for their wisdom and spiritual knowledge in ancient Indian texts. He described the partnership as a natural convergence rooted in heritage and expressed through a modern, global lens. “I continue to collaborate with Tan- ishq because our partnership is rooted in celebrating India’s artistic legacy and bringing it to the world,” Mohapatra said. “This collaboration distinctly presents a vision of luxury that is rooted in heritage but is also extremely forward-facing.” The runway presentation underscored Tanishq’s expanding footprint in the United States and its efforts to strengthen its position in the global luxury market. Together, the brands presented a col- lection that reflects fashion’s evolving landscape, where cultural craftsmanship and contemporary design intersect on an international stage. By a StaffWriter PHOTOS:SWAPNIL JUNJARE A model showcases jewelry from Tanishq during the Fall 2026 presentation at New York Fashion Week. A model showcases jewelry from Tanishq during the Fall 2026 presentation at New York Fashion Week.