India Post News Service
CHICAGO: The Association of Indians in America (AIA) Illinois Chapter celebrated the 73rd Indian Independence day at Daley Plaza in Chicago downtown with over 400 people in attendance.
The event held August 13 started with the flag hoisting ceremony at 11.30 a.m., with the Indian Consul Ranjit Singh and AIA members The Indian and American national anthems were sung by Shagun Pandey and Anil Sharma
Flag hoisting at Daley Plaza in Chicago
This was followed by cultural performances by young local artists from across Chicagoland. In his brief address, the AIA Illinois chapter president Santosh Pandey highlighted AIA’s activities that included organizing Indian Independence Day celebration, Gandhi Jayanti and Youth Festival every year to promote Indian community activities and achievements in Illinois.
AIA vice president Hina Trivedi welcomed all guest speakers from the offices of treasurer, Secretary of State, and Cook County Clerk Prem Mehrotra.
Dance performance by local artists
Past presidents Anil Sharma, Manoranjan Mishra, Ashish and all other AIA committee members were present during the function. The Guest Speakers included Colleen Taylor Sen, a Canadian American translator and an author specializing in Indian cuisine. She has written six books, several articles and has also contributed entries to many encyclopedias. Currently, she is writing a history book on India. There were some eye-popping dance performances with the theme of social unity and against the use of plastic. The final dance performed by Nache Mayuri Group turned out to be the highlight of the show. More than 50 kids participated in the dance program.