10th Annual Gala Marks a Historic Milestone for South Asian Real Estate Professionals
Elmhurst, Illinois -October 25, 2024 at Waterford Banquets and Conference Center. A dazzling celebration marked the 10th Annual Gala of the Association of South Asian Real Estate Professionals (ASARP) Chicano – commemorating a decade of leadership, unity, and growth. The milestone evening brought together more than 200 distinguished guests representing real estate, finance, government, and civic leadership from across the Midwest.“Conviction, collaboration, and consistency can turn ideas into enduring institutions.”- Pradeep B. Shukla, CPA, CCIM, Founder, ASARP
A Celebration of Culture, Professionalism & Purpose:The evening began with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, accompanied by live sitar music, vibrant décor, and colorful exhibits that blended culture with commerce. Attendees enjoyed an Indian attire boutique, live mehndi art, and interactive vendor booths that turned the ballroom into a lively networking arena.
Distinguished Guests & Dignitaries:Among those in attendance were:Somnath Ghosh, Consul General of India, Chicago,Kinga Korpacz, President, Mainstreet REALTORS®,John Gormley, CEO, Mainstreet REALTORS®, Kate Sax, Mainstreet REALTORS®; Jeff Lasky, CEO, North Shore–Barrington Association of REALTORS®; Laurie Murphy, Director, Real Estate Division, IDFPR; Mike Gobber, Past President, Illinois REALTORS®;Debby Prohdel, Incoming President, Illinois REALTORS®; Piero Orsi, Past President, Illinois REALTORS®; Margaret Hicks, MRed LLC; and Dan Wagner, Senior Vice President, INLAND Real Estate Group.
Also present were community leaders and elected representatives Dr. Suresh Reddy, Saba Hyder, and Sweta Baid.
Following the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, Consul General Somnath Ghosh praised the growing influence of South Asian professionals in Chicagoland’s real-estate sector. He encouraged deeper collaboration between U.S. and Indian markets and applauded Illinois’ strong educational and licensing systems that promote higher professional standards.
Leadership Reflections & Global Vision:In his keynote address, Pradeep B. Shukla, CPA, CCIM, Founder of ASARP, shared the inspiring story of the Brooklyn Bridge, symbolizing perseverance and faith. Drawing parallels to ASARP’s own journey — from a handful of dreamers in 2015 to a dynamic global network – he celebrated the organization’s growth as a testament to shared vision and unity.
He announced two new milestones: ASARP Dubai – formed by Mohan and Sunita Kakarlapudi, becoming ASARP’s first international chapter. U.S.–India–Dubai Builders’ Summit -planned for later this year in Chicago, to strengthen global partnerships and cross-border investment.
Quoting C.K. Prahalad and Walt Disney, Shukla urged members to believe that “Aspiration is greater than resources (A > R)” and that “If you can dream it, you can do it.”
Installation of 2026 Executive Board The evening also marked the installation ceremony of ASARP’s 2026 Executive Board: Sunita Kakarlapudi (President), Shirin Marvi (Vice Chair), Bhailal M. Patel, Raj Patel, Nick Verma, and Nimish Jani.
A special honor was bestowed upon Shirin Marvi, appointed as Lifetime Vice Chair of ASARP for her long-standing service and leadership.
Laurie Murphy (IDFPR) commended ASARP’s impact on professionalism, diversity, and continuing education in Illinois real estate. John Gormley, Piero Orsi, and other industry leaders echoed her praise, calling ASARP “a vital bridge between heritage and excellence.”
Sponsors, Partners & Recognition:Institutional sponsors included Illinois REALTORS®, MRed LLC, Mainstreet REALTORS®, NSBAR, and Millennium Bank, with additional support from Amundsen Davis, CLS Mortgage, Shalin Shah, Nirav Patel, Stu Boynton, Manish Shah (Genex Lending), Pat Parikh, and Pritesh Patel.
Mainstreet REALTORS® added a touch of fun with an open-air photo booth, while event coordination was led by Phani Krishna and Prachi Jaitley.
Harsha Shukla, Raj Patel, Nick Verma, and Nimish Jani presented floral tributes to sponsors and performers.
Ramona Ruskuls and Dipti Dave delivered moving renditions of the U.S. and Indian national anthems, setting an inspiring tone for the evening.
Culture, Art & Celebration;Cultural highlights included stunning Bharatanatyam and Kathak performances, followed by an energetic Dandiya Raas, symbolizing unity in rhythm and motion. Guests enjoyed a gourmet dinner, lively networking, and a shared celebration of community spirit and professional pride.“Our success is not in avoiding the storm, but in learning to sail through it.”— Sunita Kakarlapudi, President, ASARP
A Decade of Building Bridges and Beyond;As ASARP enters its second decade, its mission remains clear:
to expand global collaboration, mentor emerging real-estate professionals, promote ethics and education, and strengthen South Asian leadership in the industry.
Closing the evening, Sunita Kakarlapudi reflected:“Whether in business or in life, let’s keep building bridges of trust, opportunity, and humanity.”
With international momentum and renewed purpose, ASARP stands poised for an even more dynamic future — bridging continents, communities, and commerce.
Photo Credits: ASARP Media Team
Association of South Asian Real Estate Professionals / ASARP’s Executive Board with Distinguished Cheif Somnath Ghosh, Consul General of India, Chicago
From left to right- first raw- Piero Orsi, Rajesh Patel, Pradeep B Shukla, Sunita Kakarlapudi, Nimesh Jani, Bhailal M Patel, Shirin Marvi, Nick Verma
Second raw- Advisory Board-Suri Rajbhotla, Sunil Shah, Jyothi Pallapothu, Brandon Glasser, Vasanti Bhatt
Diwali Deep lighting with Distinguished Guests & Dignitaries -Left to Right– Cathy, Nimesh Jani, Piero Orsi, Michael Gobber, Hochul, Kate Sax, Lynnett Mock, Ramona Ruskus, John Gorlmey, Pradeep B Shukla, Harsha Shukla, Sunita Kakarlapudi, Dan Wagner, Shirin Marvi, Nick Verma