Association of Indians in America, Illinois Chapter celebrate India's 75th anniversary of India’s independence

The event started in the heart of Chicago downtown at Daley Plaza by first hosting the Indian tricolor flag by the dignitaries from AIA. Flag hoisting was done with all pomp and glory to the rhythm of Indian National Anthem by Dr, Ghanshyam Pandey (Chairman Board of Trustees), Hina Trivedi (President of AIA Illinois Chapter), Santosh Pandey (VP of National Executive Board of AIA) and Nilabh Dubey (General Secretary AIA Illinois).

After the flag hosting, prayers to the Lord and blessings were invoked by a performance in traditional Indian dance art form called Kathak by Nishika Dubey. The program was inaugurated by Nilabh Dubey and Santosh Pandey took over the stage as Master of Ceremony. He invited Hina Trivedi to the stage, where Hina spoke about the importance of India’s Independence Day, as this is the 75th year (popular as Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotstav). Hina further conveyed the message of Prime Minister of India on the importance of flag hoisting this year, aptly titled ‘Har Ghar Tirangaa’. The cultural program had 3 dances from various popular local artists.

The first was solo performance in traditional kathak style with was choregraphed and performed by Meera Bapat in semi classical style. This was followed by Utkaala Dance Academy’s performance by 2 little champions Saanvi Dhala and Nishka Dash in Oddissi style to the song Vande Mataram. The last performance was by Divine Nritya, the dance sequence was composed and choregraphed by Nidhi Trivedi Mishra. The theme of this song was based on ‘Krishna Tarana’ and performed by Nishka Mishra, Krisha Mishra, Etash Mishra and Nidhi Trivedi Mishra.

Hina Trivedi then invited the Chief Guest of the event, Maria Pappas, Cook County Treasurer. Maia Pappas was thrilled to be part of the celebrations and spoke about the various contributions of Indian diaspora in the city of Chicago. Maria Pappas was then honored in the traditional Indian style of putting a hand-woven shawl over her shoulders. Maria Pappas spoke about the how much she felt as a part of Indian community and how much she enjoyed the dances and the cultural show. She emphasized the strength of the Indian US partnership and praised the Indian Americans for being the crucial pillar in growth of Chicago and Illinois state Dr Ghanshyam Pandey briefly spoke about the freedom struggle and how India got its Independence. He also spoke about AIA, which is the first Indian Organization established in USA in 1967 and the various objectives and activities of AIA. Dr. Colleen Sen took over the stage and eloquently spoke about India at 75 and what has India achieved as young country but as the world’s oldest civilization. As main sponsors of the event, Salil Mishra and Prem Mehrotra were invited to the stage to share a few words about their idea of India at 75.

The event was concluded by Vote of Thanks by Nilabh Dubey., where he thanked Hina Trivedi for spending many days with various agencies of Chicago City to ensure everything happens in safe manner and organizing this event single handedly. Nilabh also thanked the large crowd that had gathered to watch the celebrations. He thanked the Chief Guest, Maria Pappas for being a friend of India and thanked Dr Pandey for providing the leadership and vision to AIA. He also thanked the executive board members of AIA who were present to cheer us all at the event.

The program as concluded by Hina Trivedi inviting everyone for the delicious Indian snacks and the crowd then clapped and waved India flag as some danced to the Indian patriotic song medley.