By Prashant Shah
Chicago, IL: The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), the Midwest’s oldest and most prominent Indian-American nonprofit organization, has announced the election of its new Executive Committee for the 2025–2026 term. The unanimous selection was made during the Annual General Body Meeting held in Chicago on April 27, with nearly 30 member organizations participating in the proceedings. The election process was conducted with transparency, fairness, and active oversight by Election Committee Chair and Outgoing President Nitin Patel, along with Trustees Director Dr. Bharat Barai.
FIA’s leadership transition this year is being hailed as one of the smoothest in recent memory. Organizers credit this to the clear enforcement of FIA’s bylaws, which have recently undergone key amendments to enhance organizational efficiency and accountability. Notably, FIA’s Amendment 3.0 – Section 14 introduces a zero-tolerance policy, mandating permanent expulsion for any anti-India or anti-America activities. These updated provisions reflect FIA’s unwavering commitment to ethical governance and civic responsibility.
Founded in 1980, FIA has represented and unified the voice of the Indian-American community for over 45 years. It currently serves as an umbrella organization for more than 60 community groups and nonprofits throughout Illinois, promoting Indian culture, heritage, and civic engagement. From cultural festivals to public service initiatives, FIA plays a vital role in strengthening multicultural understanding and advancing community interests.
The newly elected Executive Committee includes:
- Hemant Patel – President
- Anil Singh – Executive Vice President
- Joy (Dipen) Shah – Vice President
- Shailesh Rajput – Vice President
- Rohit Joshi – Vice President
- Dr. Avi Verma – Secretary
- Arvind Ankleshvaria – Joint Secretary
- Amar Upadhyay – Treasurer
- Roshan Patel – Joint Treasurer
This leadership team has pledged to uphold the foundational values of FIA, ensure transparency in all organizational matters, and continue to build bridges within and beyond the Indian-American community. The committee is eager to engage with members, collaborate across institutions, and lead the organization into its next chapter with vision, unity, and purpose.
