Our Bureau
Chicago, IL
Starting with the Memorial Day Parade, 4th of July Parade, 250th anniversary of America, Flag Hoisting in Downtown, Triranga Car Rally, and Patriotic Gala, the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA-Chicago, since 1980) concluded its 250th Anniversary of American and Indian patriotic festivities with a magnificent and colorful parade showcasing nothing but patriotism and sacrifice.
The whole of Devon Street, also known as Little India, was immersed in patriotic colors, songs, flags, and sky-roaring “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “God Bless America” slogans, creating an unforgettable patriotic spirit. Never before have we seen such a patriotic and colorful gathering! Many said it was one of the best parades in years—with floats overflowing with nationalism, cheering crowds along the walkways, and businesses, politicians, and organizations proudly marching with their banners. Despite the Indian population shifting to the western suburbs, the turnout was truly impressive.
A notable change was the replacement of Bollywood actors with retired high-ranking military veterans and spiritual gurus. President Hemant Patel has said for years: “Why waste time and money attracting that segment of crowds that come only to see actors and actresses rather than for national spirit? Military veterans and such distinguished personalities attract a quality crowd.
Finally, FIA-Chicago has proved consecutively that we can attract a nationalistic crowd with legends from whom we can learn, get inspired, and express our gratitude for their service. We hope organizers across the world learn from this example. Promote those who inspire us through their actions, not through their acting!
The ceremony began with the National Anthems and Vande Mataram. Grand Marshal Major General N.K. Dhir, Guest of Honor Consul General of Israel Elad Strohmayer, Mrs. Lima Mathew, Consul—Head of Chancery and Community Affair s from Consulate General of India office, Spiritual Guru Devkinandan Thakur, 50th Ward Alderman Debra Silverstein, Lieutenant Colonel Deepak Saxena, Captain Preeti Gupta, Flight Lieutenant Sanjay Sharma, Subedar Major Shyamchand, FIA Executive and Veteran Arvind Ankleshwaria, Illinois State Representative Ram Villivalam, FIA Trustee-Director Dr. Bharat Barai, Parade Chair Smita Shah, Banquet chair Dr. Santosh Kumar, Car Rally Chair Sanjay Vora were introduced and invited to unfurl the Indian flag.
Like for the past 30 years without fail, 90-year-old Mohan Patel (Kaka) brought the flag post in a bus and got everything ready. His level of patriotism is unimaginable to most. Finally, he was respectfully dropped off by car! President Patel publicly praised Mohan Kaka and thanked him for his extraordinary dedication.
Dhol Tasha (a traditional Maharashtrian band) from Maharashtra Mandal, along with biker Rootvij Bhatt and team from Chicago Bikers Club (CBC), made the parade vibrant, electrifying, energetic, and unforgettable—with American, Indian, and Bhagwa (saffron) colorful flags everywhere. They had their own picnic, but chose to attend the patriotic parade instead.
Consul General of Israel Elad Strohmayer and President Hemant Patel emphasized the strong friendship between America, India, and Israel. The crowd chanted, “Long live the friendship of America, India, and Israel!” President Hemant Patel said, “This is the strongest bond on Earth.” Trustee Rakesh Malhotra said the presence of the Israeli Consul General at the FIA parade was the first time in FIA history, and probably the first time at an Indian parade anywhere in America. We all feel proud of it.
Grand Marshal Maj. Gen. N.K. Dhir, Trustee-Director Dr. Bharat Barai, and Parade Chair Ms. Smita Shah also addressed the crowd. President Hemant Patel and Trustee Sanhita served as emcees, welcoming, greeting, introducing, and thanking all floats, businesses, organizations, walking groups, performers, media, trustees, executives, volunteers, and all participants.
Large portraits of our freedom fighters and icons—including Bharat Mata, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Rana Pratap, Swami Vivekananda, Rani Lakshmibai, Subhas Chandra Bose, Iron Man Sardar Patel, and Bhagat Singh—were a major attraction and highlight of the parade.
In an interview, President Hemant Patel reiterated his famous words: “Freedom was not free. It cost thousands of lives and sacrifices and must be celebrated with gratitude, respect, and full dignity.” He urged both America and India to remain vigilant against internal forces seeking to destroy democracy by exploiting democratic values. He also emphasized that Indians are law-abiding, with just 1.5% of Indians paying 6% of the taxes and creating thousands of jobs. Most are professionals—scientists, engineers, doctors, entrepreneurs, and business owners—many educated with subsidized education in India and now contributing to America.
President Hemant Patel said, “We feel proud and honored by the presence of so many prestigious, nationalistic organizations such as Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), Vishva Hindu Parishad of America (VHP-A), Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), Maharashtra Mandal, Harisumiran Mandir, Haridham Mandir, KaliBari, ManavSewa Mandir, Jain Mandir, Karni Sena, International University of Vedic Wellness, Shree Ram Garba Group, Sardar Patel Foundation, Shree Jalaram Mandir, Hanuman Mandir, Shree Ganesh Mandir, Umiya Mataji Mandir, Hindu Women Network, ISKCON, AASOA, Ekal Vidyalaya, Sewa International, ShreeSanatan Sewa Foundation, India Hub, Mokshdham, United Senior Pariwar, ICNT, Global Indian Diaspora, Devil Hindu Pariwar, UTCC, Art of Living, and many senior centers and elder-care organizations such as MAFS, UMAS, Care for Soul, Happy Hearts, and RelieCare.
The presence of active trustees Dr. Bharat Barai, Bhailalbhai Patel, Kanti N. Patel, Sohan Joshi, Anil Pillai, Ajay Agnihotri, Sanhita Agnihotri, Harish Kolasani, Rashmi Patel, Nitin Patel, Rakesh Malhotra; and Dr. Panna Barai was a big moral boost for the executives.
It took months of preparation. Since 8 AM, our executives Anil Singh, Joy Shah, Rohit Joshi, Bhavesh (Bob) Patel, Amar Upadhyay, Arvind Ankleshwaria, and Vira Adimulam led this gigantic effort, along with dedicated volunteers Harish Topiwala, Jai Prakash Shah, Manish Patel, Sanjay Vora, Jitubhai Hingu, Pramod Joshi, Chirag Chavda, VT Patel, Vikas Baxi, Yogesh Patel, Ravi Narumanchi, Devesh Pandit, Sanjay Patel, Nand Garg, Rajendra Thakkar, Chetan Rege, Namita Vedak, Himanshu Dave, Vijendar Doma, Satheesan Niar, Harshad Shah, JD Digvankar, Karan Sood, Sanjay Bhavsar, Chhaya Bhavsar, President’s wife Vasanti Patel, Hina Pandya, Ajit Shah, the BAPS team, EKAL team, Karni team, Vandana Jhingan, Phani Krishna from media and many others who worked tirelessly to execute the plan. A parade is like a puzzle—every piece must be in the right place at the right time. If even one piece is missing or misplaced, the entire plan can fail.
We are equally proud of the participation and support of businesses such as Patel Brothers, Flextron, Keystone Mortgage, State Bank of India (SBI), ICICI Bank, Millennium Bank, Rapid Rasoi, Gokul POS, Regal Jewelers, CK Motor Cars, Shurbhi, Gold Rush, Fasway Printing, Uma Saree, Uruswati, Shahil, Annpurna restaurant, RK carpet, Udipi, Shubh, IndiaCo, NP Jewelers, DJ Chirag Patel, Photographer JK Trivedi, decorator Mahul Rami, and FIA executives, active trustees, organizational heads, community leaders, and media including Chicago Tribune, Hindi Khabar, TV Asia, Desi Talk, IDC, New India Abroad, Jayantibhai Oza, and IUSA. It was truly a mela of patriotic organizations, individuals, and businesses—a crowd like never before, united by their love for America and Bharat.
The parade concluded with a grand finale of Garba and Bhangra, showcasing India’s rich, diverse, joyful, united, and colorful 5,000-year-old culture.
About FIA Chicago: Founded in 1980, the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) Chicago is one of the Midwest’s longest-serving Indian-American umbrella organizations. For over 46 years, FIA has promoted Indian heritage, community service, civic engagement, inclusivity, and stronger India–U.S. – Israel relations, representing numerous organizations and thousands of families.