Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) Shines at Star Awards Night

HI INDIA NEWS DESK
CHICAGO, IL — The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), under the visionary leadership of Sunil Shah, Chairman and Founder of FIA, hosted a spectacular Star Awards Night on August 16, 2024, at the Matrix Club in Naperville. This grand event brought together leaders, influencers, and community members to honor outstanding achievements across various categories.

The evening commenced with a powerful and moving performance by Sparsh Shah, a Guinness World Record holder, singer, and rapper. Sparsh Shah, welcomed by Sunil Shah, kicked off the 78th Independence Day celebrations with a series of patriotic songs. His performance was accompanied by the Nache Mayuri dance troupe, whose synchronized dance added visual splendor, creating an emotional and unforgettable start to the night.

Bollywood legend Jaya Prada, an acclaimed actress and multiple Filmfare Award winner, graced the event with her presence. Her participation, orchestrated by Sunil Shah and Pratibha Jairath, current President of FIA, was a highlight of the evening. Jaya Prada was honored with the FIA Choice Award for Timeless Icon in Indian Cinema, a fitting tribute to her incredible contributions to Indian cinema.

The evening featured a spectacular medley of performances organized by Deepika Shah, a prominent social media influencer with over 8 million followers. Along with Nache Mayuri and Elizar Dance Academy, they paid a mesmerizing tribute to Jaya Prada by performing to her most iconic hit songs. This vibrant performance was a crowd favorite, evoking nostalgia and energy.

Pratibha Jairath, President of FIA, played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the event, alongside Vinita Gulabani, Past President of FIA, whose experience and dedication were instrumental in the evening’s success. The night was further enriched by the performance of Chicago’s own Rita Shah, who mesmerized the crowd with her rendition of the patriotic song, “Dil diya hai jaan bhi dengay, Aye watan tere liye.”

A special surprise came when India’s World Champion Blind Cricket Team was brought on stage and honored. Their extraordinary achievements and inspiring spirit earned them a standing ovation, showcasing FIA’s commitment to recognizing diverse forms of excellence.

The Star Awards Night was more than just entertainment; it was a heartfelt tribute to individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the community. Awards were presented in various categories after a thorough nomination, voting, and jury selection process:

• Dr. Deepakkant Vyas – FIA Choice Award for All-Round Excellence

• Dr. Shreenivas Reddy – FIA Choice Award for Distinguished Service to the Medical Community

• Syed Hussaini – FIA Choice Award for Humble and Dedicated Community Leadership

• Ajeet Singh – FIA Choice Award for Excellence Champion

• Mrs. Santosh Kumar – FIA Choice Award for Service to Humanity

• Avani Shah – FIA Choice Award for Pillar of Strength

•  Pinky & Dinesh Thakkar (Rita Shah) – FIA Choice Award for Supportive Excellence

• Brij Sharma – FIA Choice Award for Dedicated Community Leadership

• Dr. Bhupinder Beri – FIA Choice Award for Supportive Excellence

• Dr. Asha & Dr. Anil Oroskar – FIA Choice Award for Innovative Dynamic Duo Leadership

• Amarbir Singh Ghoman & Harsharan Singh Ghoman – FIA Choice Award for Excellence in Hospitality

• Anil Loomba (Banquet Chair) – FIA Choice Award for Community Champion

• Sparsh Shah – FIA Choice Award for Uplifting Spirit and Resilience

• Jaya Prada – FIA Choice Award for Timeless Icon in Indian Cinema

• Pratibha Jairath – FIA Choice Award for FIA Service Achievement

• Dr. Ashok Mehta – Best Medical Professional

• Anita Rawal – Outstanding Achiever

• Vinoz Chanamolu – Entrepreneur of the Decade

• Shimla Pepper – Most Popular Restaurant

• Harish Kolsani – Friend of Indian Community

• Sara Bongale – Best Fashion Icon Award (Female)

• Saanvi Singh & Ria Raj – Young All-Round Rising Star

• Dr. Bharat Barai – Community Leader of the Year

• Share A Smile Chicago – Best Community Service Organization

• Shirlzar Dance Company & Nache Mayuri – Best Dance School

Distinguished guests, including Somnath Ghosh, Consulate General of India; Mayor Tom Daily; State Senator Raja Krishnamoorthi; and State Senator Laura Murphy, presented several key awards, adding a distinguished touch to the event.

Sunil Shah emphasized the importance of recognizing community excellence, a cornerstone of FIA’s success over the years. The event’s smooth flow and high standards were ensured by Neil Khot, Vice Chairman of FIA, and Vinita Gulabani, who coordinated the Welcome Team and Red-Carpet Management.

Exceptional media coverage at the venue was provided by USA Film Productions, Outland Media, and Stellar Media, who conducted interviews with nominees, VIPs, and others, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the night’s proceedings.

This event, conceptualized, managed, and hosted by the Media & Entertainment division of Desi Junction (serving since 2001), under the guidance of Neil Khot, Vice Chairman, was a resounding success.

Pratibha Jairath and Sunil Shah extended their deepest gratitude to all attendees and supporters, with special thanks to Sparsh Shah, Jaya Prada, Deepika Shah, and India’s Blind Cricket Team for their exceptional contributions. The FIA remains committed to recognizing excellence within the community and eagerly anticipates future events celebrating the achievements and contributions of community leaders.