FIA Chicago (1980) celebrates India’s 74th Republic Day

January 29, 2023

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Swearing in ceremony of Incoming President Dr. Rashmi Patel and Executive Committee for 2023, of the Federation of Indian Associations 1980, held on Jan. 20, 2023, during the celebration of Republic Day of India in Schaumburg, Illinois. Photo: Asian Media USA courtesy FIA-1980.

The Federation of Indian Associations, Chicago, which was founded in 1980, celebrated India’s Republic Day with great gusto January 20, 2023, with more than 350 people attending the event held at the Fairfield Inn & Suite by Marriott at Schaumburg, IL.

The actual Republic Day falls on Jan. 26.

FIA-1980 in Chicago, celebration of India’s Republic Day Jan. 20, 2023, during which many patriotic songs were sung. Photo: Asian Media USA courtesy of FIA

The celebration started with the American and Indian anthem and lamp lighting led by Deputy Consul General of India, Chicago –T. D. Bhutia. Community leaders, FIA trustees and elected FIA President Dr. Rashmi Patel & Executive Committee team members were part of the ceremony, according to a press release from FIA, sent by Asian Media USA.

Kathak dance performed to celebrate India’s 74th Republic Day in Chicago by FIA-1980, Jan. 20, 2023, in Schaumburg, Illinois. Photo: Asian Media USA courtesy of FIA

Tabla performance during FIA-1980 Chicago celebration of India’s Republic Day Jan. 20, 2023. Photo: Asian Media USA courtesy of FIA

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthy, D-Illinois, a special guest at the event, shared the importance of Indian Constitution and the Republic Day celebration.

Dr. Rashmi Patel, incoming President of FIA Chicago -1980, and team members pose for a photo during the Jan. 20, 2023, celebrations of India’s Republic Day in Schaumburg, Illinois. Photo: Asian Media USA courtesy FIA-1980

The occasion was also used for swearing in of the incoming President and Executive committee for 2023, conducted by by Election Committee Chair of FIA Kanti Patel.

Deputy Consul General Bhutia shared his insights on India’s progress on several parameters and successful footprints of Indians at global level and across the United States.

Incoming FIA President Dr. Rashmi Patel, shared his vision and ideas he and his team were committed to including community benefits, development and creating an easy platform for accessibility in need or support for all walks of life.

Patriotic Songs, performance on the table, traditional dances like Kathak, were part of the celebrations. The table was played by Sonali (no last name given); Kathak dance was by Gurmeet Marhas and a team from Dancing Petals; and a speech by FIA Youngistan – the youth wing of FIA, dwelt on stories from India before and after the country’s independence in 1947, and successes in the last decade, all related by Mahek Patel.

Delicious Indian food was served.