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The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) Chicago marked the United States’ 250th anniversary and India’s 80th Independence Day with a daylong celebration at the Renaissance Convention Center in Schaumburg, Illinois.
Held under the leadership of FIA Founder and Chairman Sunil Shah and Presidents Altaf Bukhari and Richa Chand, the event attracted more than 800 attendees throughout the day, according to a statement from FIA.
The organization said the celebration reflected the Indian American community’s connection to its Indian heritage and its embrace of the United States as home. The program combined patriotic ceremonies, cultural performances, community recognition, business engagement and live entertainment to commemorate milestones in the histories of both countries.
The celebration was divided into two segments, beginning with a Business Expo. The afternoon program opened with a patriotic parade in which FIA members carried Indian and American flags while marching from the entrance to the main stage.
Shah, Bukhari and Chand, joined by members of FIA’s leadership team, led the ceremonial flag-hoisting. The national anthems of the United States and India followed.
The Business Expo also featured a conference on artificial intelligence facilitated by FIA Director and Naperville business owner Rajesh Narayan. Panelists included NASA intern Neelay Ranjan; Rajesh Rasalkar, a California businessman and co-founder of PhoenixAI.tech; FIA General Secretary Kamlesh Kapoor; and FIA Director Vijay Gupta.
The discussion examined the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence and its growing influence on business, innovation and society, FIA said.
As a tribute to India, “FIA’s Got Talent” highlighted the skills of FIA members and added a community-focused entertainment component to the afternoon program. The segment concluded with a fashion show led by FIA Vice President Ajanta Talukdar. FIA members modeled clothing representing the traditions and cultural diversity of various Indian states.
FIA singers Avni Singh, Jitendra Bulsara and Shivam Vishwanathan, accompanied by other members of the organization, presented a patriotic musical tribute honoring the freedom fighters whose sacrifices contributed to India’s independence. Shirlzar Dance Academy also performed during the cultural program.
FIA Past President Vinita Gulabani, FIA Director Ravi Tokala and Tokala’s team coordinated the venue décor, which incorporated colors and themes representing India and the United States.
Among those attending were Consul General of India in Chicago Somnath Ghosh, U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, chief guest Darshan Singh Dhaliwal, guest of honor Dr. Parag Doshi, state Sen. Laura Murphy, Melissa Bean, Schaumburg Mayor Tom Dailly, Mayor William McLeod, state Rep. Michelle Mussman and Aurora Alderwoman Shweta Baid.
FIA Advisory Board member Keerthi Ravoori and FIA First Lady Rita Shah also attended. According to FIA, the participation of elected officials, diplomats and community leaders highlighted the Indian American community’s contributions to the civic, cultural and public life of the Chicago area.
Former FIA presidents Anu Malhotra, Pratibha Jairath, Vinita Gulabani, Hitesh Gandhi and Dr. Kamal Patel reflected on the organization’s growth and its community work over the years.
Bukhari and Chand emphasized the broader significance of the celebration.
“Our Independence Day is not just about remembering the past; it’s about celebrating the bonds we build today for a stronger tomorrow,” they said.
FIA Vice Chairman Neil Khot also addressed the gathering, focusing his remarks on patriotism, community service and the importance of giving back.
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