IACA celebrated its Gala Event, on Sunday Sept 10th, 2023 at Ashyana Banquets in Downers Grove, IL. The unity in diversity and cultural pride diverse cultural troupes, celebrated with pride on stage. Youth IACA’s special performance showcased IACA’s mission and work over the years. IACA honored its Heroes for their immense bravery, dedication and service to the community. Incredible heroes walk among us delivering kindness and making a difference every day. Mesmerizing performance by Udaan Entertainment from Mumbai. Their orchestral performance was beyond excellence that touched everyone’s heart. All the singers had such soulful voices.
The Event was graced by Consul, Mr. Vinod Gautam, Dr. Gopal Lalmalani, FIA Founder/President, Mr. Sunil Shah, Vandana Jhingan Ji, Mrs. Meghna Bansal – Trustee, Wheatland Township, Mr. Ajit Pant, Mr. Rakesh Malhotra, Mrs. Madhu Uppal, Mr. Haribhai Patel Ji, Dr. Umang Patel Ji, Mrs. Neel Patel – Assistant Director, Ray Graham Association, Mr. Sohan Joshi, Dr. Jayashree Raju and many more well-known dignitaries from Chicagoland area.
Among the Veterans and Law and Enforcements officers honored were, Mr. Raj Pillai US Navy Veteran, Mr. James Mendrick DuPage County Sheriff, Mr. Kevin Coyne – Founder and CEO of Safe Suburbs USA, Mr. Mike Geiger – Naperville Police Officer, Mr. James “Casta” Castaneda- US Marines Veteran, Mr. Michael Tellerino- Founder and CEO, K9’s for Veterans, Mr. Jerome “Sonny” Zdancewicz- US Army Veteran (7th Cavalry Regiment).
The event was joined by IACA’s Executive Board Members Vinita Gulabani – President, Mr. Sohan Joshi-Chairman, Raj Narayan-Vice President, Shanu Sinha -Secretary, along with Executive Directors, Kamlesh Kapoor, Anita Sood-Beri, Pratibha Jairath, Manika Kumari, Nisha Sinha, Rahul Wagh, Pallavi Mantri Wagh, and Sudha Jaiswal.
Youth IACA Club has been formed under IACA umbrella, to get our children educated about both Indian and American Cultures through their cultural classes being conducted in the libraries and also to get our youth involved in Volunteering Services in our Community. Youth IACA kids showcased IACA’s mission and cultural education through a mesmerizing Skit, that got the audience applaud and appreciation. All kids were awarded with certificates and medals following their skit. The Youth IACA kids who participated in the Skit were, Ria Raj, Nysa Ranjan, Ridhima Bembey, Simran Kaur, Shlok Jaiswal, Shrey Jaiswal, Abhishek Rasalkar, Shivi Prabu, Nishika Dubey, Nithik Wagh, Niya Kaushik, Saarth Kaushik and Yukta Matcha.
The evening started with Indian and American National Anthems sung by Nipa Shah and Samaira Bongale and later followed by some cultural programs. Children presented colorful cultural performances and entertained the event paying respect for both the countries & cultures. Udaan Entertainment from Mumbai took over the stage later with their magical singing performance.
The program ended with a Vote of thanks by Treasurer, Richa Pal. Thanks to all the folks who supported IACA with their sponsorships/donations to help continue IACA’s mission in the community. The evening was wrapped up by expressing gratitude of thanks to the community for their continued support.
