FIA Chicago 1980 honors Pahalgam victims and Indian armed forces, swears in new executive team

The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) Chicago held its Oath-Taking Ceremony for the 2025–26 Executive Board. FIA Trustee and Director Dr. Bharat Barai administered the oath of office to the incoming leadership team. Lt to RT: Dr.Bharat Barai, Hemant Patel (President), Anil Singh (Executive Vice President),Joy (Dipen) Shah (Vice. President), Shailesh Rajput (Vice President), Rohit Joshi (Vice President), Roshan Patel (Joint Treasurer),Dr. Avi Verma (Secretary),Arvind Ankleshvaria (Joint Secretary), Amar Upadhyay (Treasurer). ALL PHOTOS: FIA Chicago 1980

Roselle, IL- The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) Chicago, which was established in 1980, hosted a “Tribute to Pahalgam Victims and Bharatiya Armed Forces” May 26, 2025. At the same meeting, the organization held its 2025–26 executive board oath-taking ceremony, as well as held a Memorial Day Meet & Greet, in Roselle, Illinois.

The event took place at Pop’s Pizza & Sports Bar and was attended by more than 150 leaders from various organizations, businesses, and the broader community. FIA-Chicago 1980, is among one of the oldest Indian American umbrella organizations in the Midwest, which is considered to have an influential outreach.

All Active Trustees with President : LT to RT; Bhailal M Patel , Bharat Barai, Kanti N Patel ,Kanti S Patel, Rashami Patel, Rajesh Patel, Rakesh Malhotra and President Hemant Patel

Attendees to the event were greeted with fresh flowers, and leaders of allied organizations were presented with certificates. Long-standing supporters—advertisers, donors, and sponsors—were recognized for their essential role in FIA’s success. Media representatives, past presidents, executive members, trustees, and delegates were honored for their contributions over the years. A solemn moment of silence for the 26 victims of the terror attack in Pahalgam was held, and national anthems of India and the US were sung.

A special video montage titled “Operation Sindoor” covered the experiences of terror attacks across India- Pahalgam, Uri, Kargil, Pathankot, Mumbai, and more. The video celebrated resilience—featuring the Indian Air Force’s retaliatory strikes against what were alleged to be terrorist strongholds within Pakistan.

“This is how we must respond—not with silence, but with strength,” said FIA President Hemant Patel, also urging Indian Americans to act, speak, and stand together.

In observance of Memorial Day, FIA Chicago extended its tribute beyond borders to include Indian-origin U.S. veterans, notably Arvind Akhleshwaria and Sanjay Sharma, who were honored for their service and dedication.

FIA Chicago extended its tribute beyond borders to include Indian-origin veterans, Lf to Rt: Arvind Akhleshwaria and Sanjay Sharma, who were honored for their service and dedication by FIA Chicago 1980.

The oath-taking ceremony of the 2025–26 Executive Board was conducted by FIA Trustee-Director Dr. Bharat Barai, who in his speech, emphasized integrity, cultural advocacy, and proactive civic engagement as essential qualities for the incoming leadership.“This is not about titles—it’s about service,” he told the assembled audience. The newly elected board pledged to uphold FIA’s legacy while evolving to meet the needs of a dynamic, growing, and increasingly vocal Indo-American community.

Both Dr. Barai and Rashmi Patel used the platform to send a strong message: boycott countries, communities, businesses, and products that support terrorism.“Every dollar we spend must align with our values,” Patel declared. “Don’t pay for your own destruction. Silence is complicity.”

A highlight of the evening was the update on the Mokshadham Project—a culturally appropriate crematory designed for Indian families, an initiative led by Dr. Rashmi Patel and Dr. Barai, and supported by FIA-Chicago.

This picture of members of Executive Committee, Trustees and Board of directors of Federation of Indian Associations Chicago (Estd.1980)

The organization also revisited some of its milestone initiatives in recent years, including: Candlelight Vigil for 13 U.S. soldiers killed in Afghanistan (2021),Strong opposition to Chicago’s anti-CAA resolution, community response to the Chicago Sun-Times’ article misrepresenting Bharat, Diwali Food Drives for the needy, hosting OCI camps and health fairs. “These are not just events. They are evidence of how the Indian diaspora can—and must—engage with the issues that affect our homeland and our adopted nation,” said president Patel.

Future events being planned by FIA Chicago range from wellness to parades, picnics, and galas, throughout the summer. The celebrations begin on June 21, 2025, with FIA’s participation in the Consulate General’s Yoga Event in downtown Chicago, followed by International Yoga Day on June 22. On July 4, FIA will join the American Independence Day Parade, highlighting the spirit of unity between nations. In early August, families can enjoy a community picnic, while August 10 marks FIA’s involvement in the Bharat Independence Day Parade organized by ICO in Naperville. On August 15, a flag hoisting ceremony will take place in downtown Chicago, followed by the Tiranga Car Rally in Schaumburg on August 16. The Bharat Independence Day Gala on August 22, and the final Independence Independence Day Parade on Devon Avenue on August 24.

“No donation is too small, no effort too minor,” said President Patel, encouraging community support for these events. Contributions can be made via Zelle at FIAChicago2025.26@gmail.com.