FIA-Chicago marks Republic Day

CHICAGO, IL — Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) Chicago hosted a grand Indian Republic Day Gala on January 26, marked by colorful celebrations encompassing traditional, patriotic and stunning contemporary dance presentations.

Present on the occasion at the Meadows Convention Center in Rolling Meadows, IL were Consul General of India Neeta Bhushan, legendary Sarod maestro & Padma Vibhushan Amjad Ali Khan along with wife Subhalakshmi and sons Amaan Ali Bangash, Ayaan Ali Bangash.

The highlight of the evening’s celebrations was the swearing-in ceremony of the FIA Executive Board: Sanhita Agnihotri as new FIA president with executive vice president Pradeep Shukla, vice presidents: Harish Kolasani, secretary: Saloni Dar, treasurer: Satish Dadepogu, joint secretary: Chris Aryan, joint treasurer: Raj Patel and host of directors– Yoga Balaji, Vijender Doma, Shafeeq Khaja and Shabana.

The Consul General congratulated FIA-Chicago for hosting an impressive event in celebration of the Republic of India, and fondly recalled her first attendance at FIA’s Indian Republic Day event in 2017 as the Chief Guest.

Amjad Ali Khan extended warm greetings on the occasion of India’s Republic Day event. FIA president Sanhita Agnihotri unveiled bold ambitious plans to steer FIA in a new direction by launching more meaningful program initiatives significant to the Indian American community.

The evening celebrations predominantly encompassed breathtaking dance presentations especially an epic ballet dance presentation facilitated by Harish Kolasani with 32 members dancing in unison and harmony.

The theme was India’s ‘Unity in Diversity’, hailing India’s landscape of mountain ranges, vast rivers, dark forests, stream, sandy deserts its colorful diversity of people of all castes, creeds, faiths each complimenting the union of India.

Keerthi Kumar Ravoori, FIA trustee urged the guests to pause on this Republic Day to salute the freedom fighters who have shown their valor to secure emancipation from the colonial rule and achieve Independence.