Chicago IL: Chicago’s City Treasurer Hon. Melissa Conyears-Ervin hosted a grand Diwali Reception brimming with festive colors, lights, dance, music and ceremonial lamp lighting with her deep appreciation for sharing the spirit of Diwali with fellow Chicagoans at the iconic City Hall in Chicago amidst the gathering of prominent Indian American community, organizational and business leaders. This Diwali celebration was initiated by National Council of Asian Indian Associations [NCAIA]
Following the invocation by Anu Malhotra and lamp-lighting ceremony, Dr. Suresh Reddy, Oakbrook Trustee presiding over the Diwali celebration event invited Dr. Bharat Barai, an eminent community leader who presented a brief overview of the story of Diwali and how it has contemporary relevance in terms of its central message of spreading light, goodness and knowledge over darkness, evil and ignorance.
The celebrations encompassed the ceremonious crowning of Chicago’s City Treasurer Hon. Melissa Conyears-Ervin with a silk colorful headgear symbolizing the crowning appreciation from NCAIA for hosting a grand Diwali in the magnificent iconic City Hall building that was led by Event Convener & Vice President Ajeet Singh joined by NCAIA officers: Harish Kolasani, Dr. Suresh Reddy, Vinesh Virani, Neelam Dwivedi Singh, Keerthi Kumar Ravoori, Shekhar Misra, Iftekhar Shareef & Nag Jaiswal. NCAIA National President Harish Kolasani welcomed the guests and outlined the mission of National Council of Asian Indian Associations and how it impacted lives especially in recent times contributing towards the goal of eradication of the pandemic.
Hon. Melissa Conyears-Ervin, City Treasurer in her remarks reiterated the central premise of Diwali that symbolizes victory of good over evil and triumph of light over darkness. Hon. Melissa Conyears-Ervin said Diwali represents the beautiful colors of life and thanked NCAIA for facilitating the celebrations with her office. Hon. Melissa Conyears-Ervin articulated the message from Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot who sent her greetings of Diwali to the Indian American community.
Chicago’s 17th ward Alderman David Moore joined the celebrations, expressed his warm greetings to the Indian Americans and said Diwali is truly a wholesome festival to rejoice and celebrate with fellow Chicagoans. Consul Laxman Prasad Gupta from the Indian Consulate in his brief remarks said Indian American community is well integrated into the cultural fabric of this country and have excelled in several fields and conveyed Diwali best wishes.
Dr. Suresh Reddy, Oakbrook Trustee & NCAIA’s Executive Vice President who served as emcee described it as a historic celebration at City Hall and said Diwali is now a widely recognized and celebrated festival in the United States across all spectrum of South Asians.
Event Convener Ajeet Singh, NCAIA Vice President earlier introducing the City Treasurer Melissa Ervin described her as an exceptional custodian of the City Treasury who effectively and efficiently presides over the $ 9.5 billion to ensure taxpayers get the optimum leverage to help Chicago communities grow at the same economic rate regardless of the neighborhoods.
Keerthi Kumar Ravoori, NCAIA Secretary led the event with brief opening remarks and graciously thanked the City Treasurer for hosting a grand festive celebration that commemorates the triumph of goodness, light and knowledge.
Following, Ms. Madhura Sane presented a spellbinding dance performance symbolizing the enduring spirit of Diwali that elicited sustained applause. Neelam Dwivedi Singh, NCAIA Chairwoman extended Diwali greetings and added that the lights of diyas illuminate life with knowledge, compassion, care and love for each other. Iftekhar Shareef of NCAIA’s Advisory Council said this Diwali represents an outstanding example of interfaith unity and harmony. Nafees Rehman, Deputy Director for IL Secretary of State also conveyed Diwali wishes. Other prominent guests who participated in the event include Mitesh Kamdar, Dr. Shekar Misra, Dr. Harjinder Khaira, Harendra Mangrola, Dr. Vidyani S, Vinita Gulabani, Jigar Shah, Nick Verma, Satish Dadepogu, Ravi Harsoor, Chandini Duvuri, Subu Iyer, Nag Jaiswal, Alli Dhanraj & Tanuja Misra. Mr. Craig Slack – Chief Investment Officer & Deputy Treasurer James Ramos also joined the festivities and extended warm Diwali greetings.
