Chicago, Illinois – August 8, 2025 — The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) – Chicago marked India’s 79th Independence Day with a cultural celebration at The Matrix Club in Naperville, featuring community recognitions, dance performances, and a live concert by Bollywood composer Jatin Pandit.
The program opened with a welcome by FIA President Anu Malhotra, who co-emceed alongside Prachi Jaitley. Dr. Radhika Chimata performed the Indian and American national anthems. Founder and Chairman Sunil Shah addressed the audience, noting that “when music and patriotism meet, magic happens.”
Dance performances followed, including routines by Shekhar Dance Academy and Shelzar Dance Academy, which drew strong applause.
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Attendees included Consul General Somnath Ghosh, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Naperville Mayor Scott Wehrli, Schaumburg Mayor Tom Dailly, State Representative Michelle Mussman, and Aurora Alderwoman Shweta Baid. Ghosh said the celebration reflected “the strength of the diaspora and its commitment to both India and America,” while Krishnamoorthi reminded the audience that “freedom and democracy must be protected by each generation.”
Past FIA presidents Vinita Gulabani, Hitesh Gandhi, and Dr. Kamal Patel shared reflections on the organization’s growth. Vice Chairman Neil Khot spoke on the role of service and patriotism in community life.
The awards segment recognized contributors and sponsors including JP Khaira, Dr. Umang Patel, Ajeet Singh, Rita Shah, Aashima Washington, Anil Loomba, Krisha Dalal of TanishqUSA, Chintan Patel, Dr. Bharat Barai, Manish and Shailja Gandhi, Pinky Dinesh Thakkar, Mukesh Vasani, Ch. Sahab Singh, Ketu Amin, Anu and Bharat Malhotra, Dr. Bhupinder Beri, Dr. Asha Oroskar, Dr. Anil Oroskar, Brij Sharma, Naresh Shah, Smita Shah, Sona Shah, and Jatin Pandit.
A new honor, the “Pillar of Unity and Vision Award,” was presented by FIA leadership, Congressman Krishnamoorthi, and Mayor Wehrli, drawing a standing ovation.
The evening’s headline performance featured Jatin Pandit, joined by Raahul Jatin, Khushi, Nauzad, and Avni Singh. The set included Bollywood hits such as *Pehla Nasha*, *Jadu Teri Nazar*, and *Bin Tere Sanam*. Audience requests extended the concert beyond its scheduled end, with many dancing and singing along.
Community members including Atul Wahi of United Punjabis of America, Leenna Chauddhury, Dr. Kamal Patel, and Altaf Bukhari joined the dance floor.
The event closed with a vote of thanks from FIA Secretary General Nilabh Dubey and Joint Secretaries Falguni Sukhadia and Kamlesh Kapoor, who added a lighthearted remark encouraging attendees to let volunteers rest.
FIA officials said the celebration aimed to bring the community together through culture, music, and civic engagement.