National India Hub Inaugurated as ‘Center of Excellence in Community Service’ in Schaumburg, Illinois

HI INDIA NEWS DESK
SCHAUMBURG, IL- A new era has dawned in the history of the United States for the fast-growing Indian Diaspora with the inauguration of the first-ever and largest US Indian Community Service Center, the National India Hub, in Schaumburg, Illinois, on June 15, 2024. The opening ceremony also coincided with the inauguration of a Yoga Fest in the presence of His Holiness Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni, Founder of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharati.

The Hub, a community, cultural, and recreational center, is set to be a beacon of hope, uniting and empowering the community. The nonprofit center’s mission is to provide comprehensive services and activities designed to positively impact all US communities and all age groups, fostering a sense of optimism and progress.

The National India Hub, a 110,000 sq. ft. magnificent Class-A building, was inaugurated by Hon’ble Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Hon’ble Consul General of Chicago Indian Consulate Somnath Ghosh, and Hon’ble Former Secretary of Ministry of External Affairs of India, Ambassador Dr. Ausaf Sayeed. They commended the leadership of the National India Hub and wished to see the center as a “Model Community Center” in the US.

Harish Kolasani, Founder & Chairman of the National India Hub, passionately shared the center’s mission and vision in an exclusive interview with the news media. He said that this iconic center stands tall as the world’s largest Indian community center, housing over 60 service organizations dedicated to serving the community without boundaries, which is already eligible for a Guinness World Record for having the highest number of service organizations under one roof.

The National India Hub offers a wide range of services, including preventive healthcare, mental health support, aid for domestic abuse survivors, support for sexual assault victims, free CPR training, personality development, assistance for international students, business networking opportunities through chambers, diverse educational programs for children, skill development programs for adults, vibrant cultural activities, art classes, beautiful and affordable halls for community and private events, recreational activities for seniors and youth, and many more. All these initiatives are fueled by the dedication of 590 passionate volunteers, making the Hub a beacon of community empowerment.

Health-related activities include mental and heart health-targeted programs, blood drives, basic health screenings, and community bystander CPR programs to enhance outcomes in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. Monthly mega-job fairs are also provided at the center. Help desks representing the Indian and US governments will be available soon. Programs tailored to senior citizens and youth, including indoor games, are a special feature at the Hub.

Dr. Vemuri Murthy, a well-known Indo-US Cardiac Resuscitation Expert, is the Founder of the Community Health and CPR Training Center at the National India Hub. Dr. Murthy said, “Bystander CPR programs for communities and high school students will be offered during weekends at the Training Center, with state-of-the-art resuscitation equipment involving a dedicated team of CPR instructors and volunteers.” The Chicago Medical Society is a partner of the CPR Training Center. Hon’ble Somnath Ghosh and Hon’ble Dr. Ausaf Sayeed received the center’s first two CPR Training Certificates during an exclusive “Celebrity CPR Training Program” conducted at the Training Center.

Harish Kolasani, on behalf of the Board Members of the National India Hub, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the dignitaries and the 200+ attendees. He mentioned that until now, the National India Hub hasn’t taken any donations or grants from anyone, including government or private organizations since 2010, which proves the credibility of the leadership. He also mentioned that he is proud to have the support of 340 student volunteers and 250-plus adult volunteers who all came together to make this challenging project an unstoppable success. He acknowledged their invaluable support and emphasized the community’s crucial role in the Hub’s success. He earnestly requested the continuing support of community members and governmental and non-governmental organizations to help the center become a ‘Model Community Service Center in the United States.’