By Prashant Shah
Chicago: The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) Chicago, a cornerstone of the Indo-American community since the 1980s, hosted a powerful and emotional gathering marked by patriotism, remembrance, and unity. In a multifaceted event, FIA paid tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, honored the valor of the Bharatiya Armed Forces, and inaugurated its 2025–26 Executive Board with an official oath-taking ceremony—culminating in a special Memorial Day Meet & Greet.
Held during a holiday weekend, the event defied expectations with a strong turnout of over 150 influential leaders from Bharatiya organizations, businesses, and the wider diaspora. Attendees were warmly welcomed with floral greetings, while member organizations, sponsors, advertisers, and donors received heartfelt recognition for their unwavering support. Past presidents, trustees, delegates, and media partners were also honored for their longstanding contributions.
The evening unfolded with grace and conviction—from light refreshments to a concluding dinner—but it was the speeches that left the deepest mark. Honorable Trustee-Director Dr. Bharatbhai Barai and FIA President Hemant Patel delivered stirring messages that resonated across the room. Both leaders emphasized that remembrance of terrorism victims must be firm, loud, and unyielding. “The Tribute to Pahalgam Victims must be spoken in a language terrorists—and their sponsors—understand,” said Dr. Barai. Pakistan, identified as the global hub of terrorism, was called out, along with nations like Turkey and entities that support extremist ideologies.
The gathering issued a bold call to action: boycott all businesses, products, and communities that fund or enable terrorism. “Do not pay for your own destruction,” warned one speaker. “Terrorism must neither be forgotten nor forgiven.”
In a call for cultural consciousness, attendees were urged to celebrate patriotic festivals with dignity and national pride—eschewing the dilution of values by commercialized and inappropriate performances. The evening served as both a memorial and a call to unity, inspiring the Indo-American community to remain vigilant, proud, and proactive in preserving their values and honoring their heroes.
