Naperville, IL – August 9, 2025 — The Global Indian Diaspora Foundation (GIDF), a leading nonprofit dedicated to connecting cultures and empowering trade, marked a significant milestone this weekend with two back-to-back landmark events — a high-profile cultural program “Bande Mataram” with a meet-and-greet session on Friday, August 8, and an exclusive pre-release screening of Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri’s The Bengal Files on Saturday, August 9, at AMC Naperville in the Chicago suburbs.
The Bande Mataram evening celebrated the enduring spirit of India’s Independence, bringing together distinguished leaders, scholars, and members of the Indian American community in a vibrant display of unity, heritage, and patriotism.
Guest of Honor, Consul General of India Somnath Ghosh, delivered an inspiring keynote address, reflecting on the meaning of nationhood and the emotional depth behind the historic cry of “Bande Mataram.” Tracing its origins to Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s iconic song from Anandamath, he said, “A nation is not just a territory on a map — it is a shared consciousness, a living spirit that binds its people. ‘Bande Mataram’ is more than a slogan; it is a pledge of devotion to the motherland.”
Rakesh Malhotra, Founder and President of GIDF, emphasized the importance of cultural diplomacy: “Celebrating India’s Independence is not just about remembering the past — it is about building bridges for the future. ‘Bande Mataram’ reflects the spirit of connection, culture, and empowerment that the Global Indian Diaspora strives to foster between India and the world.”
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Co-host Dr. Santosh Kumar, Founder and Chairperson of the International Vedic University, spoke about India’s civilizational ethos: “India’s independence was not just a political liberation — it was the reaffirmation of a civilizational ethos rooted in dharma, compassion, and harmony. ‘Bande Mataram’ embodies the spiritual call to serve and protect this sacred land.”
The evening began with a ceremonial lamp lighting, followed by the national anthems of the United States and India. Audiences enjoyed a captivating cultural dance performance by the Bengali troupe led by Lina Chakraborty and Rashmi Roy Chowdhury. Dr. Adityan Banerjee, founder and chairman of the Council for Strategic Affairs, addressed the gathering on the global situation of Hindus and the role of the Indian diaspora in safeguarding cultural identity.
Abhinav Raina, General Secretary of GIDF, described the meet-and-greet as “a vibrant cross-section of Chicago’s Indian diaspora — community leaders, influencers, students, and art enthusiasts,” where guests engaged in intimate conversations with filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri and National Award-winning actress and producer Pallavi Joshi.
On August 8 in Streamwood, IL, the souvenir for The Bengal Files was released by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, Pallavi Joshi, Rakesh Malhotra, Mayor of South Barrington Paula McCombie, Dr. Santosh Kumar, Vinesh Virani, Abhinav Raina, and Mayank Singhania.
Renowned community leader Dr. Bharat Barai reminded attendees of the diaspora’s responsibility: “We are the torchbearers of India’s legacy across the world. Events like ‘Bande Mataram’ remind us that our cultural and patriotic duties extend beyond borders — we carry India in our hearts, wherever we are.”
Following the global success of The Kashmir Files and The Tashkent Files, Agnihotri’s latest film tackles one of India’s most harrowing yet underrepresented historical episodes — Direct Action Day, the Great Calcutta Killings of 1946, and the Noakhali riots. These events, pivotal in shaping India’s independence and partition, have long been absent from mainstream discourse.
Calling the film “a cinematic thunderstorm”, Rakesh Malhotra said, “The Bengal Files doesn’t just tell a story; it confronts a truth buried under decades of silence. This is not just about Bengal, it is about humanity — it is about the right to life.”
The Chicago premiere formed part of the “One Truth. Ten Cities.” national tour, presented in collaboration with the I Am Buddha Foundation, Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), and Global Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora (GKPD). Supporting organizations included the Bengali Association of Greater Chicago, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, Federation of Indian Associations, Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation, Indica USA, and EKA.
Director Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri described the film as an act of moral responsibility: “If The Kashmir Files hurt you, The Bengal Files will haunt you. The truth must be told — and now, it will be seen.” Pallavi Joshi and Agnihotri engaged audiences in a post-screening dialogue to encourage reflection and awareness.
Avatans Kumar, Director of Indica USA–Chicago, commended the project: “The Bengal Files confronts historical amnesia with courage and creativity. It restores dignity to stories that were erased — and gives voice to those who were silenced.”
The red-carpet screening on August 9 drew dignitaries, community leaders, and media, marking a memorable cultural moment for Chicago’s Indian diaspora and setting the stage for the nationwide release of The Bengal Files.