The event started in the heart of Chicago downtown at Daley Plaza by first hosting the Indian tricolor flag by the dignitaries from AIA. Flag hoisting was done with all pomp and glory to the rhythm of Indian National Anthem by Dr, Ghanshyam Pandey (Chairman Board of Trustees), Hina Trivedi (President of AIA Illinois Chapter), Santosh Pandey (VP of National Executive Board of AIA) and Nilabh Dubey (General Secretary AIA Illinois).
After the flag hosting, prayers to the Lord and blessings were invoked by a performance in traditional Indian dance art form called Kathak by Nishika Dubey. The program was inaugurated by Nilabh Dubey and Santosh Pandey took over the stage as Master of Ceremony. He invited Hina Trivedi to the stage, where Hina spoke about the importance of India’s Independence Day, as this is the 75th year (popular as Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotstav). Hina further conveyed the message of Prime Minister of India on the importance of flag hoisting this year, aptly titled ‘Har Ghar Tirangaa’. The cultural program had 3 dances from various popular local artists.
The first was solo performance in traditional kathak style with was choregraphed and performed by Meera Bapat in semi classical style. This was followed by Utkaala Dance Academy’s performance by 2 little champions Saanvi Dhala and Nishka Dash in Oddissi style to the song Vande Mataram. The last performance was by Divine Nritya, the dance sequence was composed and choregraphed by Nidhi Trivedi Mishra. The theme of this song was based on ‘Krishna Tarana’ and performed by Nishka Mishra, Krisha Mishra, Etash Mishra and Nidhi Trivedi Mishra.
Hina Trivedi then invited the Chief Guest of the event, Maria Pappas, Cook County Treasurer. Maia Pappas was thrilled to be part of the celebrations and spoke about the various contributions of Indian diaspora in the city of Chicago.