Our Bureau
Chicago, IL
The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) Chicago marked the Festival of Lights with grandeur and pride as it hosted its Annual Board Meeting and Diwali Celebration on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at the elegant Crowne Plaza Chicago SW, Burr Ridge, courtesy of Hotelier Mr. Vishal Thakkar. Themed “Sitare Zameen Par: Desi Treats & Diwali Lights”, the night shimmered with Bollywood flair, laughter, community spirit, and the unveiling of the newly elected “Dream Team 2026.”
The evening opened with Secretarial Team extending heartfelt Diwali greetings and a warm welcome to a packed ballroom of over 150 distinguished guests, community leaders, and dignitaries, the cheerful address set the perfect tone for an evening that beautifully merged tradition, pride, and celebration. The joyous rhythm of live dhol by Mehul Adhikari filled the room, instantly creating a jubilant mood as guests joined in clapping and cheering.
FIA Founder and Chairman Sunil Shah inaugurated the meeting with enthusiasm and warmth. Extending Diwali greetings to everyone, he said, “FIA today stands as the largest and most dynamic Indian organization in Chicagoland, a living example of unity, service, and celebration. The year 2025 has been one of the most phenomenal and impactful years in our history.” He praised the leadership of current President Anu Malhotra, whose dynamic vision, inclusive approach, and creativity elevated FIA’s profile across the Midwest. “Anu has been one of the most outstanding presidents FIA has ever had,” he remarked to thunderous applause.
Mr. Shah also recognized the contributions of several key leaders and founding members, including past Presidents Mr. Mukesh Shah, Mrs. Rita Singh, Dr. Kamal Patel, Mr. Onkar Singh Sangha, Mr. Hitesh Gandhi, and immediate past presidents Ms. Pratibha Jairath and Ms. Vinita Gulabani, each applauded for their service and vision. He extended special appreciation to Vice Chairman Neil Khot, acknowledging his dedication as a founding member and commending his run for the U.S. Congress from Illinois’ 8th District.
Taking the stage amid a standing ovation, current President Anu Malhotra expressed deep gratitude for her team’s support. “Together, we didn’t just host events — we created memories. Every achievement was built on teamwork, trust, and our shared love for the community.” Anu Malhotra walked through the events, which smashed all previous records through an astounding slide show, which included vibrant events, cultural programs, and community initiatives: from Independence Day to Medical Camp. She thanked Sunil Shah (Founder Chairman) for his mentorship and constant encouragement, saying, “Your unconditional support, inspiration, leadership, and trust in me meant the world. I am sincerely grateful.” Anu Malhotra, as a gesture of gratitude to the support team, recognized 27 key volunteers, aka FIA Ambassadors, who supported her. Special recognition was given to Falguni Sukhadia for taking responsibilities more than the secretarial team does, to a standing ovation. Other members of the Secretarial Team were also recognized for their service and going beyond their duty.
Following her remarks, Vice-Chairman and Entrepreneur, Mr. Neil Khot was invited to the stage. Mr. Neil Khot praised Ms. Anu Malhotra for her exceptional leadership and extended his appreciation to Founder Chairman Sunil Shah for his unwavering vision and guidance. He also took the opportunity to inform the audience about his candidacy for the U.S. Congress seat from Illinois’ 8th District, drawing enthusiastic applause from the audience in recognition of his continued commitment to public service.
The celebration continued as Chairman Sunil Shah to the live dhol beats introduced newly inducted members of the FIA family for 2026. Each was welcomed amid cheers, dhol beats, and bright lights, symbolizing renewal and community growth. New members welcomed were; Mehul Adhikari , Shivam Vishwanathan, Vishal Gadhia, Dr Jayanta Mukherjee Jr, Dr Anuj Jain, Dakshesh Modi, Dharmender Gill, Smita Shah, Jyoti Vanjara, Pooja Prabhakar, and Seema Patel. Mrs. Pinky Dinesh Thakkar was called on stage and she remarked, “Every new face brings new energy and ideas together, we will make 2026 another milestone year.” Sunil Shah then invited Advisory Board Members Pradeep Shukla, Brij Sharma, Yogi Bharadwaj, Manish Gandhi, Santosh Pandey, Nimish Jani, Harish Kolasani, and Mr. Keerthi Ravori, to the stage for recognition. Their guidance, mentorship, and continued support have been instrumental in FIA’s growth.
The evening’s highlight was the unveiling of the FIA Dream Team 2026, reflecting the organization’s expanding vision and dynamic approach. For the first time, FIA appointed dual presidents, a decision applauded by the entire board. The Co-Presidents are Mr. Altaf Bukhari and Ms. Richa Chand. Sonia Luther was announced as Senior Executive VP. The Executive VPs are: Chintan Patel, Ajanta Sharma, and Prashant Mehta. The VPs Team was also expanded to include Dr. Radhika Chimata (Sponsorships), Vaishal Talati, Murugesh Kasilingam, Jessie Singh, Swati Kukian, Neelam Saboo, Priyanka Parekh, Sara Bongale, and Dakshesh Modi. The new Secretaries are: Kamlesh Kapoor & Anshul Bindal and the Joint Secretaries are Avni Singh & Dinesh Kapoor. The Treasury team remains the same with Suresh Bodiwala as Treasurer and Payal Shah as Joint Treasurer. The Cultural team was expanded and names announced are: Cultural Secretaries: Falguni Rana & Mayuri Parmar and Joint Cultural Secretary; Neha Sobti. Public Relations will be handled by Sakshi Sharma and Prashant has been names as Executive Director. Looking at the high demand of people interested in joining FIA, a team of VP Membership was announced and team members are; Pika Munshi, Manoj Rathod, Smitesh Shah, Shivam Vishwanathan & Anjali Mohanty. Looking at the ever-growing number of events that FIA hots, specific Event Management Team was created to include, Jitendra Bulsara, Hemendra Shah, Rajeev Maheshwari, Leela Patel, Asha Mehta & Daljit Sabharwal. Each member was greeted with applause, symbolizing FIA’s unity and shared commitment to community service. “The Dream Team 2026 reflects passion, diversity, and a renewed purpose,” said President Anu Malhotra.
As formal proceedings concluded, the evening transitioned seamlessly into a vibrant Diwali celebration. Bollywood playback singer Abbas Ali Mirza and SaReGaMaPa fame Paulami Mazumdar electrified the audience with high-energy performances, turning the banquet room into a concert hall. Guests sang along with flashing lights and swirling dance moves transforming the evening into a festival of rhythm and radiance. Adding to the euphoria, DJ Melody Mahesh Kumar kept the energy alive with his infectious mixes, while his team flawlessly managed sound engineering and stage equipment throughout the night. The visual magic of the celebration was captured through the lens of photographer Ramesh Punatar, who documented every candid emotion, dance, and diya glow. Vishal Thakkar, owner of Crowne Plaza, ensured that the services at the venue were truly world-class, right from his team’s enthusiastic hospitality to providing the entire banquet hall and every facility. The night took a heartfelt turn with a birthday celebration for all the October and November birthdays of FIA Members.
“Tonight, was not just a meeting, it was a movie, a melody, a movement,” said Vipul Srivastav. “Every diya lit tonight represents our shared dream for unity, growth, and harmony,” said Sharda Jain. As guests enjoyed a sumptuous dinner and photo sessions, the spirit of Diwali, resonated through every heart.
