The Indian Panorama

Tag: Neil Khot

  • Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Hosts Grand Diwali Celebration at City Hall

    Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Hosts Grand Diwali Celebration at City Hall

    CHICAGO, IL (TIP): In the heart of the Windy City, where steel skyscrapers pierce the autumn sky like defiant sentinels, a different kind of light pierced through on October 20, 2025. At Chicago City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle Street, the grand Diwali Festival of Light Reception unfolded like a living tapestry, weaving tradition, triumph, and togetherness. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, in partnership with the Indian American Business Council, hosted a grand Diwali Celebration Reception at City Hall. The event, illuminated by glowing lamps, vibrant hues, and harmonious melodies, affirmed amid global divisions that Diwali’s enduring light prevails over darkness.

    The festivities opened with a traditional Lamp Lighting Ceremony, embodying Diwali’s spirit. Ajeet Singh, President of the Indian American Business Council, led the rite, joined by Mayor Johnson; Consul General of India Somnath Ghosh; City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Irvin; Alderwoman Shweta Baid of Aurora; Alderman David Moore; and community leaders Neil Khot, Sunil Shah, Harish Kolasani, Ganesh Kar, Harry Mohan, and Keerthi Ravoori.

    The evening escalated into vibrant energy through music and interactive dance, guided by Ajanta Chakraborty and her team, diverging from tradition to foster communal exuberance.

    Mayor Johnson with the young performers.

    In his address, Mayor Johnson stated, “As long as I’m mayor, we will always host the Diwali celebration at City Hall.” This commitment underscores a vision for a city shaped by immigrants, dreamers, and innovators worldwide. He praised Chicago’s diversity as a global strength and lauded Indian Americans’ contributions to its essence. “Now more than ever, we require peace and joy” to establish Chicago as a beacon of inclusion, prosperity, and dignity.

    During the lively dances, Mayor Johnson received dandiya sticks and participated with graceful steps, accompanied by Consul General Somnath Ghosh and other dignitaries.

    City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Irvin offered Diwali greetings, declaring, “Diversity is our strength—our superpower.” Addressing the children, she noted, “You embody the world’s goodness.” She acknowledged Consul General Ghosh and Ajeet Singh, concluding, “This builds bridges: today yours, tomorrow mine.”

    Consul General of India Somnath Ghosh invoked poetic depth: “Namaste—happy Diwali.” Thanking officials and organizers, he observed, “Diwali’s smallest flame dispels the deepest darkness, delivering peace to turmoil, prosperity to want, and love to hatred.” He urged a return to inner light, reflecting Chicago’s collective humanity.

    Ajeet Singh’s welcome address thanked Mayor Johnson for leading four consecutive Diwali events at City Hall, each surpassing the last in excellence. Ajeet Singh added the Indian American community is forever indebted for your generosity in hosting Diwali festivities.

    Keerthi Kumar Ravoori, Chair of the Indian American Business Council, closed by thanking the mayor for utilizing City Hall’s quadrangle for this grand reception and thanked the Mayor and Consul General of India for exemplifying the spirit of Diwali.

    Ajanta Chakraborty excelled as emcee, commended for her energetic poise and articulate command. Ajanta Chakraborty received glowing appreciation for her role as the emcee.

    (Photographs and Press release by Asian Media USA)

    Mayor Johnson was presented a bust of the Buddha
  • FIA Hosts a grand India’s Independence Day Gala

    FIA Hosts a grand India’s Independence Day Gala

    Organizers with the Consul General and Neetu Chandra
    A scintillating dance performance (Photographs / Courtesy Asian Media USA)

    CHICAGO, IL (TIP):  Federation of Indian Associations [FIA] hosted a grand glittering 75th Indian Independence Day Gala Banquet marking a dazzling milestone celebration ostensibly enhanced with illuminating traditional,patriotic and contemporary dance presentations depicting the majestic elements and the magnificent soulof India matched only by the inspiring remarks that sparked the patriotic fervor of the enthusiastic guestsin a grand ballroom of the Hoffman Marriot on Friday, August 13, 2021 in Hoffman Estate, Illinois.

    The Independence Day “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” Banquet hosted on an impressive scale filled the GrandBallroom to its full capacity with the patriotic spirit in full enthusiastic display at the celebrationssymbolizing the spirit of India lifted by awe-inspiring remarks from prominent honored guests: ConsulGeneral of India Amit Kumar, U.S.Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Mayor Rodney Craig, Mayor TomDaily and several other ranking elected officials each heaping praise on the 75th milestonecelebrations. The gala banquet reminisced the golden moments in the history of India and paid richtributes to the vanguard of freedom fighters who accorded the Independence to India. Ms. Neetu Chandra, Bollywood Actress, National Award Winner, International Taekwondo Player graced the occasion as theGrand Marshall to the gala. Angel Tetarbe, World Peace Messenger Los Angeles 2019 and Miss GlamourousWorld India 2017 was also invited to be a part of the Gala.

    The evening gala kicked off with lamp lighting ceremony led by FIA’s Founder Sunil Shah inviting thehonored guest, Honorable Consul General of India, Chicago Mr. Amit Kumar, State Senators CristinaCastro and Laura Murphy , State representative Michelle Mussman and Mayor of Schaumburg Tom Dailly,Village President of Hoffman Estates William McLeod, Mayor of Hanover Park Rodney Craig and VillagePresident of Oak Brook Gopal Lalmalani, Dr. Umang Patel, Dr. Sreenivas Reddy and the FIA’s Founder & Past President Onkar Singh Sangha , President Dr Kamal Patel Advisory Board and Founding Members &Past Presidents Rita Singh, Dhitu Bhagwakar, Mukesh Shah, Neil Khot, Gurmeet Singh, Ninad Daftari andSunny Kular to the dais to mark the auspicious beginning of the evening’s grand celebrations that set-inmotion a series of cultural dance presentations and rousing remarks.

     Consul General of India Mr. Amit Kumar in his address outlined India’s triumphant journey since itsindependence and the rapid strides it is making towards global eminence. Consul General Mr. Amit Kumarthanked the Indian diaspora for playing a significant proactive role as ambassadors in further cementingthe ties between India and the United States and added that the trajectory of Indo-US relations is headingin the upward direction. Consul General Mr. Amit Kumar gave away the awards to several community andbusiness leaders.

    State Senators Cristina Castro and Laura Murphy , State representative Michelle Mussman and Mayor ofSchaumburg Tom Dailly, Village President of Hoffman Estates William McLeod, Mayor of Hanover ParkRodney Craig and Village President of Oak Brook Gopal Lalmalani in their address to the gathering eachpaid glowing tributes to the indomitable and enduring spirit of Indian democracy and the contribution theIndian Diaspora has made in the US and the Indo American relations that have been fast paced andimproved over the years.

    Deepakant Vyas, Dr. Umang Patel, Dr. Sreenivas Reddy, Syed Hussaini, Amarbir & Harry Ghoman, BrijSharma, Asha & Anil Oroskar, Santosh Kumar, Pinky Thakkar, Ajeet Singh, Vijay Prabhakar, Keerthi Reevoriwere recognized presented a plaque by the Consul General Amit Kumar and Ms. Neetu Chandra on behalf of FIA for their service to the community

    Earlier, the evening’s celebrations began with the beautiful rendition of the Indian and American nationalanthem led by Rita Shah & Mir Ali. Bharat Goradia a prominent National Promoter for US tours ofBollywood Personalities was invited to the stage to address the gathering and introduce Ms. NeetuChandra. Students of SR Dance Academy a Founder Member and Past President Rita Singh’s companyprovided dance numbers that enthralled the audience. Beautiful Ideas, a Neelam Saboo conceptshowcased Indian Fashion at the gala with an India themed Fashion Show. The Gala ended with Rita Shah, Mir Ali, Raju Bankapur regaling the audience with foot tapping Bollywood songs to live music.

    (Based on a Press Release by Asian Media USA)