Our Bureau
Chicago, IL
The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), under the visionary leadership of Sunil Shah, Chairman and Founder of FIA, hosted a spectacular evening of celebration and recognition at the prestigious Star Awards Night on August 16, 2024, at the Matrix Club in Naperville. The event was a grand success, bringing together leaders, influencers, and community members to honor outstanding achievements across various categories.
The evening kicked off with Sunil Shah, Chairman and Founder of FIA being welcomed by Sparsh Shah, a Guinness World Record holder, singer, and rapper by starting with a powerful and moving performance. Sparsh opened the 78th Independence Day celebrations with a series of patriotic songs, during which the talented Nache Mayuri dance troupe and their team performed alongside him. Their synchronized dance added a visual splendor to Sparsh’s soul-stirring performance, creating an emotional and unforgettable start to the night, reminding everyone of the power of perseverance and passion.
Adding to the star-studded night was the arrival of Bollywood legend Jaya Prada. The acclaimed actress and multiple Filmfare Award winner graced the event with her presence, captivating the audience with her timeless charm and elegance. Her participation in the event, which was brilliantly orchestrated by Sunil Shah and Pratibha Jairath current President of FIA, was a highlight, drawing significant attention and adding a touch of Bollywood glamour to the celebrations. Jaya Prada was also honored with the FIA Choice Award for Timeless Icon in Indian Cinema, a fitting tribute to her incredible contributions to the Indian film industry.
To further elevate the evening, a spectacular medley of performances was organized, featuring Deepika Shah, the prominent social media influencer with over 8 million followers, along with Nache Mayuri and Elizar Dance Academy. Together, they performed to some of Jaya Prada’s most iconic hit songs, creating a mesmerizing tribute to the Bollywood star. This medley of dance and music brought the house down, with the audience thoroughly enjoying the vibrant energy and nostalgia of the performances.
Pratibha Jairath, President of FIA, played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the evening. Her leadership and dedication were evident throughout the event as she, along with Sunil Shah, celebrated the achievements of the community. Vinita Gulabani, Past President of FIA, was instrumental in the event’s success, bringing her years of experience and commitment to the forefront.
In addition to the star power, our very own nightingale of Chicago, Rita Shah, mesmerized the crowd with her rendition of the beautiful patriotic song, “Dil diya hai jaan bhi dengay, Aye watan tere liye.” Her performance brought back cherished memories and added a deeply emotional touch to the evening.
As a surprise element, the audience was thrilled when India’s World Champion Blind Cricket Team was brought on stage and honored. The team, known for their extraordinary achievements and inspiring spirit, received a standing ovation from the attendees. This moment was a demonstrated FIA’s commitment to recognizing diverse forms of excellence and celebrating those who overcome challenges to achieve greatness.
The Star Awards Night was more than just an evening of entertainment; it was a heartfelt tribute to individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the community. Awards were presented to winners, after nomination round, voting round and jury round in the different categories:
- Dr. Deepakkant Vyas – FIA Choice Award for All-Round Excellence
- Dr. Shreenivas Reddy – FIA Choice Award for Distinguished Service to the Medical Community
- Syed Hussaini – FIA Choice Award for Humble and Dedicated Community Leadership
- Ajeet Singh – FIA Choice Award for Excellence Champion
- Mrs. Santosh Kumar – FIA Choice Award for Service to Humanity
- Avani Shah – FIA Choice Award for Pillar of Strength
- Pinky & Dinesh Thakkar (Rita Shah) – FIA Choice Award for Supportive Excellence
- Brij Sharma – FIA Choice Award for Dedicated Community Leadership
- Dr. Bhupinder Beri – FIA Choice Award for Supportive Excellence
- Dr. Asha & Dr. Anil Oroskar – FIA Choice Award for Innovative Dynamic Duo Leadership
- Amarbir Singh Ghoman & Harsharan Singh Ghoman – FIA Choice Award for Excellence in Hospitality
- Anil Loomba (Banquet Chair) – FIA Choice Award for Community Champion
- Sparsh Shah – FIA Choice Award for Uplifting Spirit and Resilience
- Jaya Prada – FIA Choice Award for Timeless Icon in Indian Cinema
- Pratibha Jairath – FIA Choice Award for FIA Service Achievement
- Dr. Ashok Mehta – Best Medical Professional
- Anita Rawal – Outstanding Achiever
- Vinoz Chanamolu – Entrepreneur of the Decade
- Shimla Pepper – Most Popular Restaurant
- Harish Kolsani – Friend of Indian Community
- Sara Bongale – Best Fashion Icon Award (Female)
- Saanvi Singh & Ria Raj – Young All-Round Rising Star
- Dr. Bharat Barai – Community Leader of the Year
- Share A Smile Chicago – Best Community Service Organization
- Shirlzar Dance Company & Nache Mayuri – Best Dance School
Adding a distinguished touch to the event, some of the key awards were presented by esteemed guests, including Somnath Ghosh, Consulate General of India; Mayor Tom Daily; Raja Krishnamoorthi, State Senator; and Laura Murphy, State Senator.
Sunil Shah, as Chairman and Founder of FIA, emphasized the importance of recognizing community excellence during the event. His commitment to celebrating the achievements within the Indian community has been a cornerstone of FIA’s success over the years.
The program direction, skillfully managed by Neil Khot, Vice Chairman of FIA, ensured that the evening flowed smoothly, allowing each award recipient to shine. Vinita Gulabani, Past President of FIA, also played a significant role in guiding the event, ensuring that it reflected the high standards set by the organization. Vinita Gulabani coordinated the Welcome Team and Red-Carpet Management.
The media coverage at the venue was exceptional, thanks to the efforts of our media team: USA Film Productions, Outland Media, and Stellar Media, who conducted non-stop interviews with nominees, VIPs, and others, ensuring comprehensive and engaging coverage of the Award night’s proceedings.
This event was conceptualized, managed, and hosted by the Media & Entertainment division of Desi Junction (serving since 2001), under guidance and Program direction by Neil Khot, Vice Chairman.
Pratibha Jairath, President FIA, alongside Sunil Shah, extended their deepest gratitude to everyone who attended and supported the event. Special thanks are due to Sparsh Shah, Jaya Prada, Deepika Shah and India’s Blind Cricket Team for their exceptional contributions to the evening’s success. The FIA remains committed to recognizing excellence within the community and looks forward to many more events that celebrate the achievements and contributions of our leaders in society.
