Chicago | February 7, 2026 The Federation of Indian Associations – Chicago (FIA-Chicago, est. 1980) marked the 77th Republic Day of Bharat (India) with extraordinary patriotic fervor, emotion, and unity—creating what many attendees described as a historic and once-in-a-lifetime experience. Commemorating the adoption of India’s Constitution on January 26, 1950, the celebration transported the spirit of the motherland more than 12,000 kilometers to the United States.
Held at the revered Haridham Swaminarayan Mandir in Schaumburg, Illinois, the program drew over 240 community members and dignitaries, all united by a shared sense of national pride. From the opening moments to the closing applause, one sentiment echoed throughout the hall: this was a celebration unlike any seen before.
The evening reflected the Indian diaspora’s enduring bond with Bharat—seamlessly blending tradition with contemporary expressions of democracy, progress, and cultural pride. The event was graced by Somnath Ghose, Honorable Consul General of India; Elad Strohmayer, Honorable Consul General of Israel, accompanied by members of the Israeli Consulate; along with FIA Trustee Director Dr. Bharat Barai, FIA Trustees and executives, leaders of major Indian-American, Jewish, and interfaith organizations, and a wide spectrum of community institutions—underscoring the spirit of unity in diversity.
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The program opened with a solemn moment of silence to honor Hindu victims of targeted religious violence in Bangladesh—setting a reflective and purposeful tone. This was followed by tributes celebrating India’s constitutional values, civilizational heritage, and democratic resilience.
A powerful cultural segment marked the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, India’s national song that inspired generations during the freedom struggle. A soulful rendition of Vande Mataram by Ms. Yash Desai, an emotionally stirring performance of Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon by Darshana Patel, and a captivating Kuchipudi dance presentation by Divya Prakashini of Divya Nritya held the audience in pin-drop silence—many visibly moved to tears. Patriotic musical renditions by Mihir Acharya further elevated the evening, filling the hall with resounding national pride.
Addressing the gathering, Consul General Somnath Ghose highlighted India’s remarkable progress in economic growth, entrepreneurship, science, and technology, while noting the deep civilizational parallels between India and Israel—both nations standing strong as democracies in challenging neighborhoods.
Consul General Elad Strohmayer emphasized the enduring friendship between India and Israel, rooted in shared values of resilience, pluralism, and the pursuit of knowledge. He described the bond between the two civilizations as one that spans millennia and continues to grow stronger through people-to-people connections.
Dr. Bharat Barai, Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awardee and FIA Trustee Director, reflected on India’s freedom struggle and the framing of the Constitution. He cautioned the diaspora about rising regional instability, highlighted atrocities against Hindus in Pakistan and Bangladesh, and strongly condemned terrorism carried out in the name of Islamic Jihad.
FIA President Hemant Patel spoke passionately about the strategic friendship among India, Israel, and the United States, calling it the need of the hour to collectively confront religious extremism. Sharing deeply moving reflections from his recent visit to Israel with an Indian-American delegation, he recalled standing near the Gaza border where 1,200–1,400 innocent Israelis were brutally killed on October 7, 2023. He reminded the audience that such horrors are not isolated, referencing similar tragedies in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sydney, and elsewhere, and urged the global community to confront the root causes of extremism with resolve. He also reaffirmed faith in India’s Constitution and voiced support for progressing toward a Uniform Civil Code—one nation, one law.
FIA further showcased highlights from the 2026 Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi, along with milestones from its 45-year journey, illustrating its long-standing commitment to community leadership and national values.
A defining moment of the evening was the presence of the Consul General of Israel—a first in FIA-Chicago’s 45-year history. His participation sent a powerful message about inter-community solidarity and the importance of India-Israel-U.S. friendship in advancing global peace.
The program concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Executive Vice President Anil Singh. FIA also proudly presented its annual souvenir, recognizing sponsors and promoting community businesses on the big screen. In his closing remarks, President Hemant Patel invited the diaspora to actively participate in the upcoming Independence Day celebrations on July 4 and August 15, emphasizing that collective community strength will propel FIA and the Indian-American community to even greater heights.