Chicago Asian American Coalition Hosts Festive Lunar New Year Celebration

HI INDIA NEWS DESK
CHICAGO, IL- The Asian American Coalition of Chicago (AACC) recently hosted its 41st annual Lunar New Year celebration Dinner Banquet event on February 10, 2024, at Drury Lane Theater in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois. With over 1000 attendees from various Asian American ethnicities, including distinguished guests such as U.S. Congressmen, Illinois State Senators and State Representatives, Mayors, Judges, past and present government officials, top business leaders, corporate executives, diplomatic corps, and political candidates, the event was a resounding success.

Emceed by prominent celebrities from major TV channels in Chicago, the program showcased the rich cultural diversity within the Asian American community, celebrating approximately 16 different cultures. This year, the Japanese American community had the honor of hosting the gala celebration under the theme “Together for a Brighter Tomorrow.”

The Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago (PCS) played a significant role as a co-sponsor, with over 50 Indian community members in attendance. PCS also highlighted the contributions of the Punjabi community by presenting a Proclamation from the Illinois Governor declaring February as Punjabi Language Month in Illinois and exhibiting posters showcasing the heroic Sikh Soldiers of World Wars I & II.

Bhupinder Singh Dhaliwal, President of PCS in 2023 and Chairman in 2018, was bestowed with the prestigious “Exemplary Community Service Award” by the Coalition. This award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Asian American community and have demonstrated exemplary service in line with the AACC’s vision and mission. Bhupinder Singh Dhaliwal’s extensive humanitarian, philanthropic, and volunteer efforts, spanning organizations such as Northwest Community Hospital, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and the Sikh Religious Society in Palatine, have left a lasting impact on the community.

Karanvir Singh Saini was also honored with the esteemed “Asian American Youth Who Excel Award.” Recognizing his exceptional academic achievements and contributions to humanity and the Asian American community, Karanvir Singh Saini, a Computer Science freshman at the University of Illinois (Urbana Champaign), has demonstrated exemplary leadership and dedication both academically and through his involvement in various extracurricular activities.

Rajinder Bir Singh Mago, a member of the Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago’s Board of Governors and the Executive Secretary of the Asian American Coalition of Chicago, expressed pride in the achievements of the Punjabi community and emphasized the Society’s commitment to nurturing and recognizing excellence among its members and youth.