The Indian Panorama

Tag: chicago

  • Gandhi Samaj of Chicago Celebrates 33 Anniversaries in a traditional way

    Gandhi Samaj of Chicago Celebrates 33 Anniversaries in a traditional way

    CHICAGO, IL (TIP): Gandhi Samaj of Chicago (“GSC”) hosted its 33rd Anniversary at Waterford Banquet, 933 S Riverside Dr, Elmhurst, IL in celebration of 33rd Anniversary, led by Executive board of Gandhi Samaj. Attendance at event was house full over 700 people, along with their families and friends. Gandhi Samaj of Chicago includes over 320 “Gandhi” families, native of South Gujarat part of India (Surat to Vapi), from Chicago and its close vicinity.

    The event started with social hour accompanied by Traditional Gujarati (Indian) Cuisine dinner, which was followed by a cultural program and open dance. This is a tradition observed by GSC for last 33 years, where families come together to celebrate and socialize and enjoy cultural program performed by members of all ages.

    Dr. Anuja Gupta, CEO of Verandah Retirement Community, was invited as chief guest.  Community Service Awards were presented to Mr. Ashwin Gandhi and Mr. Hary Gandhi in honor of their active support in the community. The 2014-2015 committees were also presented with an award to recognize their service to the GSC community.  Educational Achievement Awards were also awarded, to those who pursued higher education.  Mr. Hitesh Gandhi will lead the Samaj as President over the next two years.

    Cultural program touched everyone’s hearts as imaginations of performers (from age 5 to 60) showcased their talents. Program started by a small Prayer followed with American & Indian National Anthems. The Kathak performance of Ganesh Vandana by Mansi Gandhi, Maya Ghayal, and Suhani Gandhi added a beautiful touch. The children and adults of Gandhi Community performed Classical and Bollywood Dance performances, songs, and showcased other talents. Group dance performance on “Luv Letter” and “Badri Ki Dulhania” songs became the highlight of the event when Roma Bhagat, Ami Gandhi, Riya Ghayal, Keyur Ghayal, Bhumika V. Gandhi, and Vimal Gandhi performed with high energy and brought everyone to their feet.

    Some of the other highlights of evening included

    Madhuri Medley family dance performed by Riya Ghayal, Keyur Ghayal, Maya Ghayal, and Milan Ghayal;

    Mixed Bollywood dance performance by Tushar Modi, Gemini Modi, Krishna Gandhi, Dennis Gandhi, Nikita Gandhi, Minesh Gandhi, Freya Gandhi, Ashish Gandhi, and Bharat Ghayal;

    Sun Sathiya dance performance by Risha Bhagat;

    Shiva Tandav performed by Freya Gandhi, Misha Gandhi, Manya Gandhi, Riya Gandhi, and Krishna Gandhi;

    Kheech Meri Photo song performed by Maya Ghayal, Milan Ghayal, Suhani Gandhi, Ishan Gandhi, Aashini Sheth, Keshav Sheth;

    Kabhi Jo Badal Barse on Instrument by Isha Guard & Daksh Guard;

    The event ended after 2.5 hours of continuous entertainment with astounding performances by various members of the Gandhi Samaj Community.  It was followed by open dance, where the members and community supporters were able to join the performers on the dance floor and dance the night away.

    2019 Hitesh Gandhi will be president of Gandhi Samaj of Chicago. He has lots of feathers in his hat such as Executive Vice President of FIA, President of Adbhut Entertainment, Director of GOPIO, and Vice President of North Mount Prospect Home Owner Association. I am fortunate and privileged that I have the opportunity to serve various organizations and Asian Community. I am honored and grateful to GSC Board and members for their trust in me in heading the well-respected service oriented Gujarati organization in Chicago land area.  I would also like to thank all our volunteers, supporters and “Gandhi” families for their enthusiasm to support and promote our cultural, educational, social and community affairs.

    “Gandhi Samaj of Chicago is proud of to make this magnificent event successful and thus keeping the Indian culture alive in the USA. Thanks to all the sponsors of the grand event without their support it would not be possible to have such a wonderful event also thanks to audience of Chicago and well-wishers who attended the event” Said by Mr Hitesh Gandhi, Exec Vice President of Gandhi Samaj.

    A special mention goes out to the 2017 committee members of Gandhi Samaj of Chicago for a memorable evening full of wonderful memories, including Mr. Keyur Ghayal (President), Mr. Hitesh Gandhi (Executive Vice President), Mrs. Bhumika V. Gandhi (Vice President), Mr. Ashwin Bodalia (Treasurer), Mr. Manhar Gajjar (Secretary), Mrs. Roma Bhagat (Cultural Secretary), Mr. Bharat Ghayal, Ramesh Gandhi, Dipak Ghayal (Joint Secretaries) & Priya Ghayal, Hiren Ghayal (Youth Secretary).

    (Photograph and Press release by: Asian Media USA)

  • Metropolitan Asian Family Services Celebrates 25th Anniversary

    Metropolitan Asian Family Services Celebrates 25th Anniversary

    CHICAGO, IL (TIP): Commemorating its Silver Jubilee, Metropolitan Asian Family Services held its 25th annual fundraising dinner on November 18, 2017 at Ashyana Banquets, Downers Grove IL. The celebration started with the traditional “Deep-Lighting” performed by Swami Mukundananda of Bharat Sevashram Sangha, Aurora IL. Prominent dignitaries in attendance were Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi,  Schaumburg Trustee Nimish Jani, Philanthropist Deepak Kant Vyas, Dr. Vijay Prabhakar, Executive Director CLESE Marta Pereyra, Chairman for Indian Community Outreach Krishna Bansal,  FIA Ex-President Sunil Shah,  Chandmal Kumawat, Chairman of Manees Media, India,  Anis Ahmed, Chairman,  AMU of Greater Chicago, MAFS Board members, Dr. Firdaus Jafri, Dr. Rakesh Ashthana, Harish Kolasani, Dr. Sonal Patel, Nikunj Baxi, Sumitra Patel, James D’mello, Sagar Kumar, Sadru Noorani, Asian Coalition, and other community leaders, Narsinhbhai Patel, Dr Rasik Shah and business leaders, seniors and their families were in attendance.

    Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi commended the MAFS team for its exemplary service to the community for 25 long years and said he wishes MAFS will continue to do so many more years in the future. Honorable Consul General of India Ms. Neeta Bhushan also congratulated MAFS for completing 25 years of serving the elderly and other immigrant populations in Chicagoland. She praised the array of services MAFS provides to the community successfully, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle appreciated the  MAFS’s commitment & dedication in serving the community and gave good wishes to continue for many more years.

    Mrs. Santosh Kumar Executive Director MAFS, spoke about the long journey and the trials and tribulations they faced to come this far. She also remembered all the people past and present leaders of the community, such as  Shankerprasad  Bhatt,  Manohar Manchanda,  Ramesh Goyal, Narendra Patel, Yasmin Tiwana, Dr. Firdaus Jafri, Rosemary Gemperly, Marta Pareyra, who have helped to accomplish MAFS’s mission to educate, counsel, assist and empower immigrants to become productive member of American Society. She and her Late husband Mr. Kumar worked very hard to bring MAFS, a pioneer organization, who has changed the landscape of social services in Chicagoland area that far. She requested the community, that MAFS was created for them and want them to take care of the MAFS, a well-recognized, trusted and licensed by County, State and Federal Government. She also assured the community about MAFS’s future and presented both her sons, as future leaders, who will support its mission voluntarily. ”I believe that MAFS will grow more in the coming years, to lead the way, we already have our future leaders- energetic, technically savvy and competent in management skills”, She said. Under this new leadership, MAFS is now better positioned to find new resources to seeks solutions of ever growing problems and appeals the community to support its mission wholeheartedly. She also thanked its sponsors, Dr. Jafri, Board president, board members, MAFS/UMAS staff, Media, Mr. Prashant Shah of India Tribune, Ramesh Soparwala of India Post, Vandana Jhingran, TV Asia and Suresh Bodiwala, Asian Media, USA, Mr. Jain of Ashyana., Kushal Bose, Madhura Sane, Bhupender Singh, Pooran bhai, and other artists, seniors, friends and families for their support and taking time to attend and making it an unforgettable gala celebration.

    An award ceremony was performed by MAFS board and dignitaries, Nita Bhushan, Indian Consul General, Ms. Tony Preckwinkle, Chicago Board president, Dr. Vijay Prabhakar, Chairperson of Minority Ethnic Task force, Chandmal Kumawat, Chairman, Maneesh Media and MAFS Board president Dr. Jafri, Harish Kolasani and other board members, Santosh Kumar, MAFS.

    The Pramod Kumar Philanthropy Award was introduced for the  first time and  presented to Mr. Deepak Kant Vyas Chairman & CEO Redberry Corp, for his extra ordinary philanthropic work throughout the World;

    The Partnership Award was presented to Mr. Sean Dunn, VP of  WINTRUST Community Bank for his understanding the financial needs of MAFS;  Pillar of MAFS Award was given to  Ms. Promila Mehta Manager Social work Chicago center for her unconditional love and care to its mission;  Lifetime Achievement Award  was given to Mr. Prem Jalota Manager Roselle center for his life time commitment to MAFS mission and its family;  Employee of the Year Award was given to  Ms. Connie Dogaru SOS Coordinator for her dedication to serve seniors, Volunteer of the Year  Award was given to Ms. Bhanumati Maheta, a Yoga Teacher for providing 15 years of teaching Yoga for seniors.

    A special Award of GSA Outstanding Citizen of the year 2017 given by Shri Pranav Mukherjee, President of India on July 1, 2017,  presented by Hon’ble Nita Bhushan, Indian Consul General  and Dr Vijay Prabhaker, Chair person of Minority Ethnic Task Force to Mrs. Santosh Kumar, Founder of Metropolitan Asian Family Services, IL USA.

    SENATE RECOGNITION – was given by Senator Cristina Castro and presented by Ms. Nazneen to Mrs. Santosh Kumar, Founder of MAFS.

    (Photographs and Press release by: Asian Media)

  • Hina Trivedi honored with Melwin Jones Fellow award for Dedicated Humanitarian Services

    Hina Trivedi honored with Melwin Jones Fellow award for Dedicated Humanitarian Services

    CHICAGO, IL(TIP): Renowned Chicago based social activist Miss Hina Trivedi received Melwin Jones Fellow award from Lions Club International foundation president for Dedicated Humanitarian services. Melvin jones Fellow award is very prestigious award at International level. She is also being appointed as a host committee member for 100 years completion of Lions club international foundation celebration convection which is going to be held at Chicago from 29th June to 4th July.

    She serves Chicago Indo-US Lions Club (President), GOPIO Chicago (Former President), Federations of Indian Associations (Former President) and many more organization.

    She recently also got Exemplary Community Service Award for outstanding and dedicated service to the general welfare of the Asian American community in the state of Illinois from Asian American Coalition Of Chicago at 16th Annual Asian American Festival hosted by The Asian American Community. Lion Hina Trivedi received many Honors and Awards in past.

    Lion Hina Trivedi serves the Asian community with their needs by being a translator as she is multilingual in 7 different languages. She helps community people for Green Card interviews, Voter registration, Medicare, Medicaid, and gives many legal and social services. She always believes in helping Senior citizens by guiding them towards medical, federal, social security benefits.

    Ms Trivedi tried to spread awareness in 2nd and 3rd Generation Indians living in USA towards their native country India through social-economic and other prospective programs so they can build strong future relationships between both the countries. She also raised issues nonresident Indians facie during their visit to India. She also attended Pravasi Haryana Divas 2017 held at Guru Gram on the personal invitation of Chief Minister Mr. Manoharlal Khattar. She was also invited to Vibrant Gujarat 2017 and attended the republic day parade on 26th January at New Delhi as a Special Guest during her Delhi visit.

    She went to Sushma Swaraj’s residence to meet her and greeted her for speedy and healthy recovery. She visited various cities and villages of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Delhi and Haryana to spread awareness about Swatchh Bharat Abhiyaan and helped poor children with food and clothes. She was accompanied by her team and many volunteers from across India.

    Photographs and Press release by: Asian Media USA

  • Air India hosted Awards night for Midwest Partners with Vandana Sharma, Regional Manager, Air India

    Air India hosted Awards night for Midwest Partners with Vandana Sharma, Regional Manager, Air India

    CHICAGO, IL (TIP): “Air India Chicago, held an awards night of celebration and gaiety for about 150 Midwest partners on June 8, 2017 to thank its travel partners and airport service providers for their welcome support at the Ashyana Banquets, 1620 75th Street Downers Grove, IL.

    Ms. Vandana Sharma, Regional Manager, Air India was the Chief Guest. She applauded the Air India Midwest Partners for their commitment and wholehearted support to Air India as business partners.  Ms Sharma added that Air India will be having as many as 40 flights per week operating between India and US in the near future, as the demand increases.

    Ms. Neeta Bhushan, Consul General of India in Chicago was the Guest of Honor. She stated that ‘Air India is pride of India and we feel proud to travel by Air India’.  While continuing her address she added, Air India has been an icon of India, be it hospitality, innovation, capabilities and as a member and representative of India, she feels proud to associate with the national flag carrier.  ‘Air India has always been an important feature of my posting where ever I have been posted’ said Ms. Bhushan whilst referring to her earlier stints in Japan, Germany and the UAE.  She added that the Maharaja Logo was extremely famous round the world and Air India has a great network to fly with whilst congratulating Ms. Vandana Sharma.

    Mr. Nakul Chand, Air India Manager-Midwest welcomed the guests and thanked all the Midwest Partners for their committed support to Air India.

    The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Awards Trophy to the top 10 Passenger Travel Agents and top 5 Cargo Agents of the Midwest who had generated the most revenues for Air India during Fiscal Year 2016-17.  The awards were jointly presented by Ms. Neeta Bhushan, Consul General of India, Ms. Vandana Sharma, Regional Manager, Air India and Mr. Nakul Chand, Manager-Midwest, Air India.  The top Awardees included Skybird offices of Chicago, Detroit and Houston, Riya Travel, Air Tours, GTT, Sky Pass Travel, Natraj Travel, R K Travel, Devon Travel, Crane Worldwide Logistics, Freight Systems, Agility Logistics, Air Cargo Express and Hellmann Worldwide.

    Air India was represented by its team from the city office, airport and cargo including Mr. Joseph Vincent, Security Manager, Mr. Chetan Patel & Mr. Chirag Patel, Airport Duty Managers, Ms. Katherine Thorat, District Sales Manager and Mr. Tom Dempsey, District Cargo Sales Manager.

    The guests were regaled with great entertainment program consisting of social hour, dance, singing and photo-session, followed by a sumptuous dinner.”

    Singing sensation Sameer Saini rocked the stage with catchy Bollywood numbers that kept the event going on high energy. He mesmerized the crowd with flawless and most upbeat music and truly proved that he is the best in town and had everyone on their feet.

    (Photograph and Press release / Asian Media USA)

  • Indian-American entrepreneur latest self- made billionaire in Chicago

    Indian-American entrepreneur latest self- made billionaire in Chicago

    Highlights:

    •  Rishi Shah came with a USD 600 million infusion of venture capital into Outcome Health
    •  Rishi Shah's Outcome Health is now valued at $5.6 billion
    •  The company took in more than $130 million in revenue last year
    •  The company provides its services to medical providers for free

    CHICAGO (TIP): In yet another refreshing success story, Indian-American Rishi Shah, who quit college 10 years back to pursue entrepreneurial dreams, has become tech’s newest billionaire. And his business partner, Shradha Agarwal, is close behind.

    Their windfall came with a US $600 million infusion of venture capital into Outcome Health, the Chicago healthcare tech company they founded in 2006. It’s now valued at US $5.6 billion.

    Shah grew up in the Chicago suburb of Oak Brook, the son of a doctor who emigrated from India; his mother managed his father’s medical practice. The initial idea for a company providing content to doctor’s offices was inspired, Shah says in an interview to local media, by his sister.

    “My sister has type 1 diabetes,” Shah says. “If she gets on an insulin pump and she is able to achieve better blood sugar control and she is checking her blood sugar more effectively, the device manufacturer wins, the insulin manufacturer wins, the blood glucometer wins, the doctor wins, but the payor wins most of all. And she wins personally.”

    He attended Northwestern University as a transfer student, where he met a woman named Shradha Agarwal, now Outcome’s president. Originally working on a campus magazine, they eventually founded a company called ContextMedia, out of Northwestern in 2008, funding it by taking loans that have over the years reached a combined USD 325 million instead of giving up equity. Knocking on doctor’s office doors around the Chicago area, the two found little appetite for their idea.

    Some doctors didn’t see the value in digital education in their offices; others who did wanted to see revenue to feel comfortable committing to such a fledgling product. Without signing them, however, the entrepreneurs had no revenue with which to placate them. They eked out $1 million in revenue that first year. “Then we were off to the races,” says Shah, doubling most years since. “We had to build a profitable business, or at least a break-even business, from scratch,” says Shah. “We had no margin of error.”

    Outcome Health is not only the newest unicorn company, having earned the honor just last week, but it is also already valued in the top 30 on the list of roughly 200 non-public companies worth $1 billion.

    CEO Rishi Shah, 31 and president Shradha Agarwal founded ContextMedia in 2006 while the two were at Northwestern University. The company began to sell its video monitor services to physicians and hospitals without any outside investment.

    Over the next decade, the company grew and big-time investors noticed, but Shah and Agarwal passed up offers in order to scale organically and retain ownership. In January, the company changed its name to Outcome Health as it slowly pushed towards its first major round of funding.

    According to Crain’s, the company took in more than $130 million in revenue last year and posted an operating profit margin of roughly 40%. Outcome Health doubled its revenue in each of the last two years, and it also grew with its acquisition of AccentHealth last November.

    Today, Outcome Health helps both patients and doctors by providing touch screen monitors to hospitals and health care offices around the country. The company installs large, interactive video boards that allow physicians to better explain a patient’s current health care needs or problems through the use of video, graphics and interactive visual aids.