By a Correspondence
Skokie, IL: More than 350 enthusiastic well discipline audience enjoyed 3-hour long Republic Day celebration on January 21, at Fairview School in Skokie, Illinois.
Team work of Indian community of Niles townships volunteers and organizers was evident in how well program was organized from beginning to end. Many dignitaries showed up in spite of rough driving conditions. They all Spoke highly about India and Indians in United States and congratulated the organizers for job well done. More than 80 performers from Nartan dance academy, Tarana Kathak dance academy, Payaliya dance studio and Kalapadma dance academy were performed on this precious celebration and their dances were greatly appreciated by the audience. Dance directors Mrugakshi Patel, Sheetal Dhanani, Trupti Patel and Ruth Varghese were praising the organizers the way they conduced the flawless program and understanding the needs of artists. Among the dignitaries who attended the event, were Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Mayor of Skokie George Van Dusan, State Representatives Daniel Biss, Al Curtis and Louis Lang. Many trustees of the Village also showed up.
President Usha Kamaria began her speech by thanking the community for all those years of unconditional support. She said, “Community is made out of our dedicated volunteers, our staunch supporters, our prestigious dance academies, our sponsors, our energetic participants, our ever committed dance gurus, and most importantly our supportive audience.”
“As you all know this organization for past so many years has been committed to bring out the best of our culture and share our values as Indian Americans with our friends here in the United States,” said Kamaria and appealed the young generation to continue to lead this organization in the right direction. “Help us, preserve our values and our culture. Bring new ideas. If anyone here interested in serving this association, we like to give a chance to new people to form an executive board which includes a president, a vice president, a secretary, and a treasurer,” Kamaria showed her earnest desire for youth involvement in the association.
Mrs. Susan Van dusen the first lady of Skokie spoke about how being in close contact with Indian community through Usha Kamaria has made her aware of Indian culture. She thanked Usha for becoming one of the key people in initiating this movement. She said she is a better person today because of that. She welcomed everyone to joined 6-week long celebration of Assyrian culture this year starting with its kickoff event on January 29 at 2:30 pm at Niles west high school. She said Mahatma Gandhi believed in knowledge and learning about others and that’s what coming together in Skokie is all about.
The lobby at the venue was test fully decorated by members of United Senior Parivar, who showed there true patriotism and love for India.. A charming young master of ceremony Gaurav Arora did an excellent job by keeping the audience engage with information on India and some funny jokes. Santosh Varghese had more than one task he was managing sound during dances and later he entertained the audience with his melodious voice. Dr. Sonal Patel and Sandhya Vadravu accompanied Santosh Varghese with their beautiful female voice.
Acharya Rohit Joshi chanted mantra during lamp lighting ceremony. American and Indian national anthem were sang by Sandhya Vadravu. Snack boxes were distributed at the end.
Last but not the least, the hard work of organizers Usha Kamaria, Satish Chander, Santosh Varghese, Raman Patel, Rohit Joshi, and Omprakash Kamaria made this Republic Day celebration completely flawless.
