Vibrant Voices: AMEC’s 14th Annual Gala Unites a Global Community

Colors of Courage: AMEC’s 2025 Gala Honors the Spirit of Togetherness

 

Asian Media USA ©

Chicago IL: On a warm June evening in Naperville, Illinois, the Yellow Box at 1635 Emerson Ln pulsed with the heartbeat of humanity. The American Multi Ethnic Commission (AMEC) unfurled its 14th Annual Congressional Global Champions Gala on June 14, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, weaving a vibrant tapestry of 38 ethnic communities into a celebration of unity, culture, and shared dreams. Guided by the indomitable Dr. V J Prabhakar, popularly known as Dr. VGP that  sparked 15 years ago by Congressman Danny K. Davis’s vision, this gala wasn’t just an event, but it was a movement, a kaleidoscope of music, dance, and stories that lit up the night with hope and harmony.

 

The evening burst into life with “Around the World in 60 Minutes,” a whirlwind of performances that whisked the audience across continents without a passport. Korean American percussionist Chansoo Lee ignited the stage with a thunderous drumroll, setting the tone for a global journey. The Polonia Dance Ensemble spun Poland’s traditions into mesmerizing twirls, while the Ghunguru Dance Group unleashed Bollywood’s dazzling beats. The Chicago Nightingales brought the Philippines’ soulful grace, and Russia’s Kalinka Group stomped with fiery footwork. The Chicago Flying Fairies floated through Chinese culture’s elegance, Mexico’s Ballet Folklórico Quetzalcoatl swirled with vibrant joy, Indonesia’s Consulate Performing Arts radiated exotic splendor, and Chinese traditional dance by Mei Dance Academy stirred hearts with serene artistry. The segment closed with South India’s Mohiniattam by the Bharathanali School of Dance, weaving devotion into every step. As Congressman Raja Krishnamurthy declared, “This is what America looks like. This is the reality we’re taking into the future.”

 

The Gala’s heart lay in its awards, honoring those who embody AMEC’s mission to elevate communities through social justice, education, and cultural diplomacy. Each recipient, draped with a Royal Tanish Silk Scarf or a token from gold sponsors Alok and Krisha Dalal of Tanish Midwest Business Partners, reflected the brilliance of service. Arman Yousefzai, a kindergarten dynamo, earned Outstanding Child of the Year, saying, “Thank you, Dr. VJ, for supporting me.” Brothers Thomas and Charles Tao, ages six and four, were named Child Prodigies for their storytelling across Beijing and Yantai, with Thomas vowing to “make this earth fancy and beautiful.” Ellen Chua, the Outstanding Student, shone for her breast cancer fundraising, humbly noting, “I’m grateful for my family’s support.” Machi Josiah Nelson, Young Sportsman, soared with over 900 basketball points, thanked his coaches for “pushing me to be the best.”

 

Sunil Shah, recipient of the Golden Eagle Award, rallied support for Neil Khot’s congressional bid, saying, “I’m proud of my team.” Sirmukh Singh Manku, Photo Journalist of the Year, credited Congressman Davis for Capitol Hill access, while Steven C. Hugh, honored with the President John F. Kennedy Award, championed Asian American unity and announced a fundraiser for Murthy’s Senate campaign. Shanthi Vijay Rajan, awarded the Lily Prabhakar Changemaker Award, reflected, “This honor inspires us to serve our community.” Renato Mariotti, Attorney of the Year, praised the gala for “bringing people together instead of tearing them apart.” Janadhan Rajagopal, Agri Vision Leadership Award winner, empowered women through seaweed farming, and Delorse C. Morrison, Outstanding Senior Citizen at nearly 90, earned a standing ovation, simply saying, “We love you.”

 

Manish Gandhi, Business Leadership Award recipient, advised, “Stay focused, work hard, and give back to society,” dedicating his honor to Air India crash victims. Jeff Wang, Outstanding Community Activist, transformed law into access, noting, “Small actions make a huge impact.” Nagarjuna Malempati, Innovator of the Year, shared his fintech vision: “A global platform with no borders.” Lufti Syed Hassan, Lifetime Achievement Award winner, urged AMEC to expand, saying, “Houston will follow through.” Pastor Steve Munsey, Man of the Year, called Dr. VJ “the greatest showman,” adding, “Thank God for our freedom.” Elizabeth Ru Jia, Woman of the Year, declared, “Diversity transforms, like art turns ordinary into extraordinary.” Rohini Singh, Young Woman of the Year, quipped, “My daughter thought they made a mistake calling me young!” Yesoe Yoon, Mir Ali Ethnic Singer of the Year was thrilled to be recognized, Naveenchandra Karna, Volunteer of the Year, honored all the volunteers, and Paul H Luu, Civic Leadership Award winner, accepted on behalf of 600 employees. The Bharatiya Senior Citizens of Chicago, Organization of the Year, united 1,600 members under Haribhai Patel’s leadership.

 

The stage blazed with a Whitney Houston tribute by Sherry Withers, belting “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” and a powerful fashion show by the Prosthetic Foundation of America, led by Vikram Choudhary, showcased resilience through models like Ali and Jerry Herardo. Chris noted, “This is a tribute to strength and confidence.” The grand finale dance competition saw nine teams vie for glory, with Sridevi Pandalai’s Ghunguru team winning for its “total package performance,” as judge Hardik Rawat from India praised their “dance concept, formations, and tricks.”

 

Dignitaries amplified the evening’s impact. Congressman Danny K. Davis called it “a radiant celebration of humanity’s finest colors.” Congressman Jonathan Jackson saw “God’s magnificent rainbow,” while LaShawn K. Ford dubbed it “medicine for the soul.” Raja Krishna Murthy inspired, “You make me proud to be the best congressman I can be.” Chinese Ambassador Wang Boddong emphasized, “We count on everyone to fight for common interests.” India’s Consul General Somnath Ghosh’s message, read by Katherine Thorat, highlighted the Indian diaspora’s role in driving bilateral trade toward $5,000 billion by 2030.

 

Tanishq Midwest Business Partners, led by Alok and Krisha Dalal, elevated the event with raffles and tokens. Krisha shared, “Jewelry creates joy and cherished memories.” The gala closed with a call to continue AMEC’s mission, as Dr. VJ Prabhakar’s team and volunteers, including stage managers and curator Seeta Bala, made the night seamless.

 

Editorial notes by Mr. Suresh Bodiwala Chairman of Asian Media USA: The AMEC Gala was a vibrant mosaic of cultures, a reminder that unity is our strength. Dr. VJ Prabhakar and Congressman Danny K. Davis have crafted a legacy where every voice shines, from young Arman to wise Delorse. This night proved that together, we build a brighter, bolder future.