Chicago, February 7, 2026: The Federation of Indian Associations–Chicago (FIA-Chicago), established in 1980, celebrated the 77th Republic Day of Bharat (India) with profound patriotic fervor. The event commemorated the adoption of India’s Constitution on January 26, 1950, following Independence from British rule on August 15, 1947.
From all corners, one sentiment echoed throughout the evening: this program was historic. Many attendees remarked that they had never witnessed anything like it before. More than 240 participants experienced an overwhelming sense of patriotism—12,000 kilometers away from Bharat.
Held at Haridham Swaminarayan Mandir in Schaumburg, Illinois, the celebration reflected the Indian diaspora’s enduring bond with the motherland, seamlessly blending tradition with contemporary expressions of national pride.
Distinguished dignitaries and community leaders graced the event from start to finish, including Honorable Consul General of India Mr. Somnath Ghose; Honorable Consul General of Israel Mr. Elad Strohmayer and his staff; FIA Trustee Director Dr. Bharat Barai; Trustees Kanti Patel and Raj Patel; Executives Anil Singh, Joy (Dipen) Shah, and Amar Upadhyay; Haribhai of Bhartiya Senior Center; Sanjay Vora, President of FLEXTRON; Harish Kolasani from India Hub; Krishna and Meghna Bansal from ICO; Vinesh Virani, President of VHP-A Chicago; Vandana Jhingan of TV-Asia; Dipali Sawant, President of Maratha Mandal; Chetan Rege from Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh; Gurmeet Singh, President of the Punjabi Association; Ravindra Kumar Jha, CEO of SBI Chicago Branch; Naresh Shah, President of Senior Club; Rameshbhai Choksi, President of Senior Center; Rajendra Thakkar of Jalaram Mandir; Sandeep Patel of ISKCON; Devesh Pandit of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh; Pramod Joshi, Fine Arts Commissioner of Skokie; Smitesh Shah of MAFS/UMAS; Avatanas Kumar of INDIC; Sanjay Shah of the Jain Center; volunteers Manish Patel (Shree Sanatan EcoSystem) and Nitin Surti (VHPA); emcee Nimisha Patel (VHP-A); Hasmukh Patel (OF-BJP); Neelam Singh and Arunima Singh of Karni Sena; Deputy Consul General of Israel Ms. Delphine; Jack, Anna, and other Jewish friends; along with numerous community leaders.
The program opened with a moment of silence to honor Bangladeshi Hindu victims of targeted attacks against religious minorities. The evening celebrated cultural heritage, democratic values, and national pride, with a special presentation marking the 150th anniversary of “Vande Mataram,” India’s iconic patriotic song. Community members from diverse backgrounds participated enthusiastically, creating a vibrant atmosphere of collective pride.
In his address, Consul General Somnath Ghose highlighted India’s remarkable progress in economic growth, entrepreneurship, science, and technology. He also noted the deep civilizational similarities between India and Israel, describing both nations as enduring beacons of democracy in challenging neighborhoods.
Consul General Elad Strohmayer emphasized the strong and enduring friendship between India and Israel, noting that their civilizational bond spans millennia and is rooted in shared values of resilience, pluralism, and the pursuit of knowledge.
Dr. Bharat Barai, Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awardee and FIA Trustee Director, spoke about India’s freedom struggle and the adoption of the Constitution. He cautioned the diaspora about the challenges faced by India and Israel in their regions, highlighted atrocities against Hindus in Pakistan and Bangladesh, and strongly condemned terrorism carried out in the name of Islamic jihad.
Hemant Patel, President of FIA, underscored the strategic friendship among India, Israel, and the United States, calling it the need of the hour to collectively combat religious extremism. Sharing reflections from his recent visit to Israel as part of an Indian-American delegation, he spoke emotionally about the site near the Gaza border where approximately 1,200–1,400 innocent Israelis were brutally killed on October 7, 2023. He observed that such atrocities are not new to the world, recalling similar tragedies in India, Sydney, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and elsewhere. He urged the global community to examine the root causes of terrorism and act decisively.
He also praised the Constitution of Bharat and expressed support for moving toward a Uniform Civil Code (UCC)—one nation, under one law.
Cultural performances formed the emotional core of the evening. Ms. Yash Desai rendered a soulful Vande Mataram, while Darshana Patel sang Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon. Divya Prakashini of Divya Nritya Kuchipudi delivered a captivating dance performance to both songs. In pin-drop silence, the audience was immersed in deep patriotic emotion, with many visibly moved to tears. Mihir Acharya further elevated the spirit of the evening with stirring patriotic renditions that reached remarkable heights.
FIA also showcased highlights from the 2026 Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi, along with milestones from its 45-year journey of service to the community.
A defining highlight of the evening was the presence of the Consul General of Israel—a historic first in FIA’s 45-year history. His participation conveyed a powerful message of friendship among the Indian, Israeli, and Americancommunities in fostering peace and shared values.
In closing, Executive Vice President Anil Singh delivered the vote of thanks. The annual FIA souvenir, featuring sponsors’ advertisements, was showcased on the big screen to recognize and promote their businesses. President Hemant Patel urged the diaspora to actively participate in the upcoming Independence Day celebrations on July 4 and August 15, emphasizing that strong community support will help FIA reach even greater heights.
