Patriotic Gala in Chicago Honors India’s Independence, Veterans and U.S.-India Friendship

 

 

Chicago, August 16: After the successful flag hoisting in the heart of downtown and the Triranga Car Rally, the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA-Chicago, since 1980) celebrated Independence Day with a Patriotic Gala commemorating the 250th anniversary of America, the 80th anniversary of India’s Independence, and the 150th anniversary of the Vande Mataram song, in the gracious presence of Lieutenant General K.J.S. Dhillon, a man who played a significant role in bringing Pakistan to its knees in just 100 hours through Operation Sindoor. Many retired army officials were also present. Their presence itself was an honor to FIA. We couldn’t ask for a better way to pay tribute to our heroes who fought for our freedom and have continued fighting to protect us. President Hemant Patel said it was a long-time dream come true to celebrate Independence Day in this manner.

Among the retired army officers, Major General M.K. Dhir, Brigadier Navin Ahuja, Brigadier Satish Sarwate, Lieutenant Colonel Deepak Saxena, Captain Rakesh Asthana, Lieutenant Colonel Deepak Saxena, and FIA’s own veteran Arvind Ankleshwaria were present at the occasion. Captain Preeti Gupta and Flight Lutenant Sanjay Sharma missed the occasion because of busy schedule.

 

Many dignitaries, such as Ambassador Somnath Ghose, Deputy Consul General Mr. Kriti Das, Deputy Consul General of Israel Delphine Gamburg, U.S. Congresswoman Ms. Melissa Bean, FIA Trustee-Director Dr. Bharat Barai, Banquet Chair Dr. Santosh Kumar, and Triranga Car Rally Chair Sanjay Vora, graced the historic event.Lieutenant General K.J.S. Dhillon, President Hemant Patel, and even the featured video emphasized again that freedom was not free. Further, Mr. Patel added, “Millions sacrificed, and countless freedom fighters endured hardship and gave their lives to make India free. That is why Independence Day must be celebrated with pride and deep respect.” This is needed as our community seems to have forgotten this very fact when we see them celebrating Independence Day inappropriately or with disrespectful songs or dances.

 

Among the FIA leadership, Trustee-Director Dr. Bharat Barai, Ex-officio Nitin Patel, Bhailalbhai Patel, Kanti S. Patel, Sohan Joshi, Kanti N. Patel, Harish Kolasani, Rajesh Patel, Rakesh Malhotra, Dr. Rashmi Patel, President Hemant Patel, and executives Anil Singh, Rohit Joshi, Joy (Dipen) Shah, Bhavesh Patel, Amar Upadhyay, Arvind Ankleswaria, Yashaswini Desai, and Vira Adimulam worked hard to make this magnificent event successful.

Chicago’s organizational heads, business leaders, media partners, and prominent leaders came together in strong unity under one roof to express their solidarity with this patriotic event. Among them were former Schaumburg Township Trustee Nimish Jani, Founder of Bhartiya Senior Center Haribhai Patel, Jain Center Chairman Sanjay Shah, VHPA President Vinesh Virani, Chairman of other FIA Sunil Shah, President of AASOA Nirav Patel, Devendra Patel from Umiya Mata Mandir, GID Secretary Abhinav Raina, Jalaram Mandir Chairman Rajendra Thakkar, Prachi Jaitly from IUSA Media, Dipti Desai from Sewa International, Vandana Jhingan from Hindi Khabar, Mihir Acharya from VHPA, Sanjay Patel, Jignesh Dixit, and Heena Dixit from Hindu Swayam Sevak Sangh, our Israeli friends Dr. Richard Benkin, Peggy Shapiro, Anna Steinberg, and Jake Rosenfield, Devesh Pandit from FIIDS, Chetan Rege from Maharashtra Mandal, former FIA Executive Hashmukh Patel, Manish Patel from ShreeSanatan Sewa Foundation, President of United Senior Pariwar Ramesh Chokshi, Christian activist Cecil Joseph, Jayesh Patel from Haridham Mandir, Phani Krishna from IDC Media, Rutvij Bhatt from Ekal Vidyalaya, Pramod Joshi from ICNT, Usha Kamaria - founder of Gandhi Memorial Trust, long-time community leader Bina Patel, Smitesh Shah from the International University of Vedic Wellness (IUVW), Chetan Notaria from GID, Harish Topiwala from ShreeSanatan Sewa Foundation, Prakash Anturkar from Maharashtra Mandal, and owners of FASWAY Printing Chirag and Shilpa Patel.

 

Parade Chair Smita Shah, active trustees Niranjan Shah, Anil Pillai, Kanti S. Patel, Prahlad Patil, Babu Patel, Hetal Patel, Ajay Agnihotri, Sanhita Agnihotri; and Dr. Ram Chakraborthy, Mafatbhai Patel, Neil Khot, Dr. Shamkant Sheth, Krishna Bansal, Siddhesh Shevade, VHPA Secretary Amitabh Mittal, JP Patel, Himanshu Sheth, Poonam Gupta, Dr. Srinivas Reddy, Raju Shah, and Manish Brahmbhatt missed the event because of their busy schedules but were thanked and recognized for their community services.

Several elder-care organizations, such as MAFS, UMAS, Care for Soul, Happy Hearts, and ReliaCare, were also present to support the magnificent event.

 

The whole audience welcomed Lieutenant General K.J.S. Dhillon and Ambassador Somnath Ghose with a standing ovation. The event began with the national anthems of America and India and the Vande Mataram song, led by Mayanka Pathak and 13-year-old Vardaan Tiwari from Kalibari Mandir.

Darshana Patel sang “Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon.” Later, President Hemant Patel joined her in singing the soulful song. The combination of the background video displaying the Indian Armed Forces fighting fearlessly brought tears to the audience. All veterans were brought to the front, and the audience saluted their services. It was truly a historic, goosebump-inducing event that brought tears to many eyes—a true tribute to our armed forces.

 

The Diya lighting ceremony was carried out by army officials and special dignitaries. Later, all FIA active trustees, executives, organizational heads, business leaders, media partners, and prominent leaders were brought onto the stage and thanked and recognized for their community services. They were holding posters of Bharat Mata, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Rana Pratap, Swami Vivekanand, Rani Lakshmibai, Subhas Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh, and Sardar Patel. President Patel also paid tribute to these national heroes in his presidential remarks.A very informative and inspiring video was featured. It was directed by Hemant and produced by Durgesh Shrivastava from Uttar Pradesh. There was a moment captured from FIA’s flag-hoisting event where Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas made a profound statement, saying that Illinois would be like a desert without the contributions, talent, and intellect of the Indian community. It was a proud moment for the audience! Ambassador Somnath Ghose talked about America-India friendship and the contribution of the Indian diaspora to the American economy. The Indian diaspora is only 1.5% of the American population and pays 4 times, or 6%, of income taxes. It is very significant by all standards. Kavya Sheth, Pranvi Kakkar, and 6-year-old Sheryl Goyal delivered outstanding dance performances on patriotic songs, captivating the audience and adding a wonderful patriotic spirit to the evening.

 

Trustee-Director and well-respected community leader Dr. Bharat Barai said in his remarks, “It was a very well-arranged and well-attended celebration of India’s 80th and USA’s 250th anniversary celebrations. Remarkable that the Hero of Operation Sindoor, Retd. Lt. General K.J.S. Dhillon, was personally there as Keynote Speaker, along with many retired high-ranking officers of India’s armed forces. Long live U.S.-India friendship.”

Trustee Rakesh Malhotra praised Hemant Patel as the “Colonel of Civil Surgical Strikes,” tirelessly working every day to protect and uphold Dharma. It was a powerful and deeply meaningful statement. He then eloquently introduced Lieutenant General K.J.S. Dhillon.

President Patel spoke about his recent visit to Israel, saying he was deeply moved when he visited the site near the Gaza border where 1,200 innocent Israelis were brutally killed, more than 100 homes were burned, 251 hostages were taken, and 1,600 cars were burned in the October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas.

 

He also recalled the Pahalgam terrorist attack, where 26 people were brutally killed after terrorists identified them as Hindus. The brutality occurred in front of their wives and children. What could be more horrifying?

The Indian Armed Forces responded precisely and decisively. We are blessed and honored to have with us Lieutenant General K.J.S. Dhillon, who played a significant role in Operation Sindoor. Proud of the Indian Armed Forces! Proud of General Dhillon! Proud of all our veterans! Please give them a standing ovation!

Almost every country in the world, including our beloved America, faces the threat of terrorism. It is an ideological war.The world must research these attacks, identify their common denominator and root causes, and ask why terrorism continues. Finding the root cause and a solution is not rocket science—it requires political and social willpower.

 

Why do I continue to raise this uncomfortable issue whenever I have the opportunity? Because silence can become indirect support. If we fail to speak out and act, we risk allowing terrorism to spread. This issue must be raised on every platform around the world. Every leader, big or small, must speak out, raise awareness, and take action. That is the first step toward a solution.

Lt. Gen. K. J. S. “Tiny” Dhillon (Retd.) paid tribute to India’s veterans, emphasizing that their lifelong service and sacrifices deserve the highest honor and respect. Reflecting on his book Operation Sindoor: The Untold Story of India’s Deep Strikes Inside Pakistan, he highlighted the operation as a powerful testament to India’s resolve, preparedness, and commitment to protecting every citizen.

Gen. K. J. S. “Tiny” Dhillon and President Hemant thanked the Global Indian Diaspora Foundation (GIDF) for bringing him to the U.S. to share the story of Operation Sindoor with the Indian diaspora.

Deputy Consul General Delphine Gamburg also addressed the gathering and wished everyone a Happy Independence Day in Hindi.

 

Executive Vice President Anil Singh thanked all performers, dignitaries, guests, and the entire audience.

Mr. Patel said, “FIA festivities are not over yet! Join us for the Grand India Independence Day Parade on August 23 at Devon Avenue. I invite everyone to participate with your families and friends and make this celebration truly memorable.”

As the name “Patriotic Gala” suggests, it was truly a patriotic event—setting an example for future community celebrations.

FIA also launched its 2026 Annual Souvenir, featuring FIA’s history, leadership, events, activities, articles, and business and organizational advertisements. There is something for everyone. At 136 pages, it is the largest souvenir in FIA history.