Schaumburg, IL – July 3, 2025 – In a major milestone for ethnic media in the Midwest, Desi Talk Chicago, published by Parikh Worldwide Media, celebrated the official launch of its fully digital edition at a red-carpet event hosted at India Hub in Schaumburg, Illinois. The gathering brought together community leaders, business owners, advertisers, and longtime supporters of the publication.
The occasion was graced by the esteemed Consul General of India, Mr. Somnath Ghosh, who served as the Chief Guest. In his keynote address, Mr. Ghosh congratulated Desi Talk for its remarkable contributions in the field of media, acknowledging its consistent efforts to connect and inform the Indian American community. He spoke passionately about the dynamism of the Indian diaspora in the United States, describing it as a powerful and enterprising community that continues to make significant contributions to the American economy across a variety of sectors. Mr. Ghosh also underscored the importance of Indian Americans participating actively in public service and politics, emphasizing that greater representation in decision-making spaces is crucial for the community’s future. He concluded by highlighting the need to engage and empower Indian American youth, urging the community to involve the next generation in cultural, civic, and leadership roles to ensure continued growth and cohesion.
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Mr. Bhailal M. Patel, Executive Vice President of Parikh Worldwide Media, welcomed attendees and was recognized for his decades of leadership and commitment to the growth of the publication.
A special video message was shared by Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media and ITV GOLD, who extended his heartfelt thanks to Consul General Ghosh and all the guests for their unwavering support over the years. Dr. Parikh emphasized Desi Talk’s mission to serve as a trusted voice for the community and celebrated the digital launch as a major leap toward modern, accessible journalism.
A highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the new Desi Talk Chicago digital platform by Ilayas Quraishi, Chief Operating Officer of Parikh Worldwide Media and ITV Gold. In his remarks, Mr. Quraishi reflected on the paper’s 20+ year journey:
“Desi Talk Chicago has always been more than a publication—it’s been a voice, a bridge, and a community touchstone. Our move to digital ensures we meet our audience where they are, with content that’s timely, mobile-friendly, and more engaging than ever.”
He emphasized that the new platform is designed to deliver real-time updates, increase accessibility, and strengthen the bond between readers, advertisers, and the South Asian diaspora.
The event also saw enthusiastic support from local business leaders, many of whom pledged continued advertising and promotional partnerships to back the publication’s digital growth.
Among the notable supporters was Harish Kolasani, Chairman – National India Hub, who offered words of encouragement and pledged his support for future collaborations. He praised Desi Talk Chicago for its community-driven mission and shared his vision to work together in promoting diaspora achievements and cultural initiatives through India Hub.
Mr. Sushil Pandit, a visiting senior media professional from the UK, shared brief remarks highlighting the increasing role of diaspora media in global conversations and identity-building.
Editorial and outreach team members from Desi Talk Chicago were present, including Muslima Shethawala, Syed Sheeraz, Prachi Jaitly, Urvashi Verma, and Jai Kishan (JK)—each recognized for their commitment to community-focused reporting.
The evening began with networking and concluded with a celebratory dinner, marking the start of a bold new chapter for Desi Talk Chicago in the digital era.