India Tribune

By A Correspondent
Chicago: Dr. Ashraf Dabawala of Chicago writes prescriptions for his patients with one hand and poetry for his readers with the other. He practices his favorite poetry form gazal, which has won popular recognition and multiple awards from such august bodies as Gujarati Sahitya Parishad, Gujarat State Sahitya Akadamy, Gujarati Literary Academy of North America, and Indian National Theatre (INT). His collection of poems — Heir of heart beat —  is selected as a textbook for Master of Art ( MA) coureses in two universities in Gujarat.

For the last 15 years, Dr. Dabawala has also been the driving force behind the Chicago Arts Circle, which regales community members through its sophisticated programs of lyrics and letters as well as music and fine arts. Now Friends of that Chicago Arts Circle have join hands to felicitate their famous cohort for his literary achievements by a two-day gala of poetry and music.

On Saturday, August 7, there will be an “International poetry recital” by Chinu Modi, Anil Joshi, Vinod Joshi, and Krushna Dave from India; and Chandrakant Shah, Ashraf Dabawala, Madhumati Mehta, Pritam Lakhlani, Abdul Vahid “Soz,” Kamlesh Shah, Bharat Desai and others from this country. The invited special guests, include leading prose writer Madhu Rye;  president of the Gujarati Literary Academy of North America   Ram Gadhvi; famous literary scholar and past president of the Gujarati Literary Academy of North America Prof. Madhusudan Kapadia; and well-known lover of literature and businessman Narendra Lakhani.

Sunday, August 8,  is a slated evening of melodies when three prominent Indian Americans will also be felicitated: Prof. Madhusudan Kapadia for his relentless pursuit of excellent literature; Jayashreebahen Bhakta for her inimitable Gujarati blog tahuko.com; and Illinois Circuit Court Judge (Chicago) Ketki Shroff for her service to the community. This felicitations will be followed by songs and music performed by the superstars of Gujarati music world, Shyamal, Saumil and Arati Munshi.

A Gujarati book exhibition and sale of books will start 45 minutes before the programs on both the days.

The venue for the gala is Jain Center Auditorium, 435 North Route 59, Bartlett, IL  60103 (phone 630-837-1077).

The organizers say they have put together a merry mix of best of Gujarati poetry and music but of course the real joy of any event is to share it with a cheering audience. Admission for the Saturday Poetry event (snacks included) is by tickets --$10, $25, VIP ($50); and tickets for the Sunday Musical event (dinner included) are priced  at $25, $35, VIP ($50); and for both days — $25, $50, VIP ($100).

For more information and tickets, please contact Viresh Champaneri at 847-566-2029; Nisha Kapasi at 847-757-6342; or Utpal Munshi at 224-578-5100.