Chicago, August 22, 2025 - In continuation of the series of Independence Day celebrations, FIA-Chicago added another feather to its cap with a grand Patriotic Gala. As expected,—and as the name indicated—the entire evening was filled with patriotism. From flyers, posters, decorations, and stage setup to speeches, dances, and songs, every element carried the theme of love for Bharat.
The program began with a moment of silence for the 26 lives lost in Pahalgam after being identified by their religion, followed by the traditional Diya Prajvalan, the national anthems, and Vande Mataram.
A soul-stirring Kuchipudi performance by Divya Prakashini of Divya Nritya Kuchipudi on “Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon” moved the audience to tears. FIA-Chicago President Hemant Patel himself became emotional, spontaneously rushing to the stage with teary eyes. Holding a portrait of Bharat Mata, he invited former Army officials Flight Lieutenant Sanjay Sharma, Rakesh Asthana, captain Preeti Gupta, Deepak Saxena, FIA’s own Arvind Ankleshwaria, and others to the stage, saluting them in a historic and unforgettable moment.
The gala also showcased a documentary tracing FIA Chicago’s 45-year journey, highlighting parades, community milestones, and the organization’s cultural impact across the Midwest. ( https://youtu.be/J6fkd7xfuX4)
Illinois State Senator Michelle Mussman commended the community’s ongoing contributions, extending warm wishes for Independence Day and expressing gratitude to FIA President Hemant Patel for hosting a vibrant celebration.
FIA Trustee and former President Rakesh Malhotra took pride in introducing and inviting Current FIA President Hemant Patel, he underscored FIA’s mission of inclusivity and innovation. Hemant Patel in his Presidential Address paid tribute to all freedom fighters, honored Sardar Patel on his 150th birth anniversary year, and spoke about FIA-Chicago’s role in the community. He highlighted that India once contributed 24% of the world’s GDP and gifted to humanity the zero, decimal system, Pi, binary syastem, trigonometry, yoga, and even radio wave technology. He emphasized how impossible it is to imagine the modern world without India’s contributions.
Patel noted that, despite centuries of invasions and colonial rule, India has risen again as the world’s 4th largest economy, the 4th strongest military, and a nation that has reached both the Moon and Mars. He also praised Operation Sindoor, through which hundreds of Pakistani terrorists were neutralized, and appealed to the world to unite for a peaceful, terror-free, healthy, and prosperous world by addressing the roots of religious extremism.
He expressed gratitude to the audience, sponsors, media partners, community leaders, and over 60 member organizations. Special thanks went to Consul General Somnath Ghosh, Trustee Director Bharat Barai (currently out of the country), Dr. Srinivas Reddy, Neil Khot, Colonel (Dr.) V.P. Singh, Ex-Minister of UP Saheb Singh, Dr. Vijay Prabhakar, Dr. Santosh Kumar, Mafatbhai, trustee Sanhita Agnihotri and other dignitaries. He also acknowledged the youth, performers, and volunteers who keep traditions alive. (complete speech https://youtu.be/BtSuch4FF2c)
On August 8, 2025, Other FIA Chairman Sunil Shah invited Hemant Patel and his team to their Independence Day celebration. Both teams along with the Congressional candidate Neil Khot appeared on stage together, sending a strong message of unity—reciprocated again today as both teams shared the stage. Hemant Patel described it as 'two brothers living in separate houses.' The Bharatiya Diaspora warmly welcomed this gesture of unity with great joy.
FIA also paid tribute to the Ironman of Bharat, Sardar Patel, by featuring a video on his life (https://youtu.be/mvm2IkMwixU)
Dr. Vijay Prabhakar honored Hemant Patel with an award from Congressman Danny Davis (7th Congressional District) and MEATF for his outstanding community service. In his remarks, Dr. Prabhakar praised Patel’s fearless leadership, noting how he continues to stand for community issues—even at the risk of being removed from several WhatsApp groups for his relentless awakening messages and bitter truth-telling.
Consul General Somnath Ghosh and Banquet Chair Dr. Santosh Kumar, founder of MAAF, UMAS, and Vedic University, also addressed the gathering.
FIA-Chicago launched its annual Souvenir, containing greetings from elected officials from both Bharat and the USA, sponsor messages, local business advertisements, articles, poems, and information about FIA. (https://youtu.be/n9K0-e4bGLY
The evening’s success was further enhanced by emcee Nimisha Patel, and performances by Vrinda Pandav, Divya Prakashini, Mihir Acharya, Darshna Patel, DJ Chirag Patel, and Phani Krishna.
FIA Executives—Anil Singh, Joy Shah, Rohit Joshi, Shailesh Rajput, Amar Upadhyay, and Arvind Ankleswaria—distributed certificates of appreciation to various community members and performers for their continued support.
The gala concluded on a high note with a patriotic musical evening led by Mihir Acharya and Darshna Patel, who brought the audience to its feet with songs of freedom and pride.
About FIA Chicago
For 45 years, FIA Chicago has been a unifying platform for the Indian American community, leading cultural, social, and civic initiatives. With a focus on inclusivity and innovation, FIA continues to strengthen India–US ties while celebrating India’s heritage and values of justice, equality, liberty, and fraternity.
Glimpse:
· YouTube Live: https://www.youtube.com/live/
· https://www.facebook.com/
· https://youtu.be/1ulz9He7qY4?
Contact:
Hemant Patel
President, FIA Chicago
Email: hpatel1225@yahoo.com
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