Rhythms of Punjab: Punjabi Parwaz’s Vibrant Anniversary

Chicago, IL: On July 24, 2025 :
Atlantis Banquets in Arlington Heights, IL, became a vibrant epicenter of Punjabi culture as Asian Media USA hosted the Punjabi Parwaz Night 2025. Celebrating the second anniversary of Punjabi Parwaz, a publication dedicated to the South Asian diaspora, the event drew a diverse crowd from Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and beyond. From 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM, attendees immersed themselves in a dynamic celebration of cultural pride, community unity, and forward-looking innovation, reflecting the publication’s mission to preserve Punjabi heritage while embracing modern platforms.

The Punjabi Parwaz Night 2025 was a powerful testament to the resilience of the Punjabi community. Organized by the Punjabi Parwaz team, led by managers Kuljeet Singh and Anureet Kaur, and supported by community leaders and sponsors, the event blended music, poetry, and heartfelt speeches, uniting generations through shared aspirations. Asees Kaur, a key figure in the Punjabi Parwaz team and one of the event’s MCs alongside Manjit Singh Gill and Dr. Harjinder Singh Khaira, opened the evening with a warm welcome. “With the blessings of our elders and the support of our community, we soar higher,” she declared, invoking the metaphor of Parwaz (flight) to symbolize the publication’s journey. Expressing gratitude to board members, chief guests, and attendees who travelled from afar, Asees emphasized, “This program is for you and because of you,” highlighting the collective effort behind Punjabi Parwaz.

The event was graced by Chief Guest Lakhbir Singh Dhindsa and Guest of Honor Somnath Ghosh, Consul General of India. Guest of Honor JP Khaira was unable to attend due to urgent engagements but extended his support. Their presence underscored Punjabi Parwaz’s role in fostering connections between the Punjabi diaspora and broader societal dialogues. Lakhbir Singh Dhindsa spoke passionately about the publication’s impact, stating, “Your support ensures our stories and culture thrive.” JP Khaira’s message, relayed through organizers, urged attendees to contribute, saying, “Your articles and feedback shape our future.”

The Punjabi Parwaz Board Members who contributed to the event’s success include Balwinder Singh (Bob) Sandhu, Davinder Singh Rangi, Beant Singh Boparai, Amrik Singh Chicago, Kirpal Singh Randhawa, Jodh Singh Sidhu, Amritpal Singh Gill, Balwinder Singh Chattha, Didar Singh Dhanoa, Yadwinder Singh (Rimpi) Khatra, Amarjit Singh Dhindsa, Gurwinder Singh (Babbu) Appleton, Lally Dhaliwal (Michigan), Bikram Singh Sidhu, Manminder Singh Heer, Jagjit Singh Khera, Gurpreet K. Singh, Jigardeep Singh Dhillon, and Amandeep Singh Kular. Some board members, including Gurinderjit Singh Grewal (Madison), Manjinder Singh (Mac) Bhamra, Darshan Singh Pamma, Baljit Singh Sidhu (Florida), Inder Hunjan, Parminder Singh California, Paramjit Singh Sidhu Mehraj, Mini Multani, and Harkewal Singh Lally, could not attend due to urgent engagements but sent their best wishes.

The evening’s emotional core was its poetry and music. Sikander Singh Oujla captivated the audience with a poignant poem about the immigrant experience, reciting, “The one-way ticket we took became our destiny, yet our courage fuels our flight.” His words, met with thunderous applause, resonated with attendees. Oujla further shared, “Punjabi Parwaz is like our flight—it soars with community support,” reinforcing the publication’s significance.

Satti Satwinder, an award-winning folk singer recognized by PTS as the Best Oriental Folk Singer, delivered a mesmerizing performance. His songs, including “Tere Karke Bapu” (Because of You, Father), with lyrics like, “Because of you, Bapu, we have mansions and cars,” celebrated parental sacrifices. Available on platforms like Apple Music, Satti’s music bridged tradition and modernity, earning cheers as he sang, “Punjab’s soil is loyal, and Punjabis make their mark wherever they go.”

Kuljeet Singh and Anureet Kaur highlighted the publication’s operational challenges, with Kuljeet noting, “Running a newspaper isn’t easy articles, editing, and funds all require effort.” Their call for contributions was met with enthusiasm. A major announcement—the launch of a YouTube channel—drew excited applause. Hardeep Singh Happy, a media professional from Chandigarh, was introduced as a collaborator, with Asees stating, “With Hardeep’s expertise, we’ll connect with young audiences through podcasts and videos.”

The event served as a fund-raising platform, supported by Platinum Sponsors Rick Romero and Kelan Graddy from US Energy, and Gold Sponsors Jaswinder Singh Sandhu, Soni Judge, Gulzar Singh Multani, Dr. Gurdial Singh Basran, Jaidev Singh Bhathal, Sunny Kular, Rana Virk, Nick Balwinder Singh, and Fiver Rivers Entertainment. Manjit Singh Gill addressed the challenges, saying, “It’s not easy to keep this going, but with your support, we can preserve our culture.” Attendees responded generously. The publication’s commitment to addressing community issues was evident in articles like Kuljeet Singh’s piece in the July 8–18 issue, which Gill praised, saying, “Kuljert’s article captures our mission perfectly—inform, inspire, unite.”

Community leaders like Jasbir Singh Sheri and Sushil Dosanjh were homered, with Asees noting, “Their expertise strengthens our voice.” A young performer’s stirring Punjabi speech underscored the importance of engaging the next generation, earning praise from Kuljeet, who said, “Our youth are our future—let’s nurture their connection to Punjab.” The evening wove nostalgia for Punjab’s fields and festivals with ambition for a digitally connected future.

The Punjabi Parwaz Night 2025 concluded with a call to make the event a cherished tradition. Attendees left inspired, carrying the publication’s mission to soar higher. The event’s success, as Asees reflected, “is a triumph of our community’s unity and spirit,” leaving a lasting impact on all present.

Under the visionary leadership of Mr. Suresh Bodiwala, Chairman and Founder of Asian Media USA, Punjabi Parwaz shines as a beacon for the Punjabi diaspora. This publication, fuelled by Mr. Bodiwala’s commitment, preserves our heritage while embracing innovation. The Punjabi Parwaz Night 2025 was a call to action—to support this vital platform through readership and contributions. As Mr. Bodiwala’s vision propels Punjabi Parwaz into the digital realm, we are reminded that our collective support ensures our community’s stories and pride endure.