By Prashant Shah
Chicago: In a powerful celebration of patriotism, sacrifice and the enduring bond between India and the United States, the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA-Chicago), which has served the community since 1980, hosted a memorable Patriotic Gala on August 16 following its downtown flag-hoisting ceremony and Triranga Car Rally.
The gala brought together the spirit of India’s 80th Independence Day, America’s 250th anniversary and the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. The evening assumed special significance with the presence of Lieutenant General K. J. S. “Tiny” Dhillon (Retd.), who played a significant role in Operation Sindoor, along with several distinguished retired officers of the Indian Armed Forces.
For FIA President Hemant Patel, the celebration was the fulfillment of a long-held dream. “Freedom was not free,” Patel reminded the gathering, emphasizing that millions sacrificed and countless freedom fighters endured unimaginable hardships and gave their lives for India’s independence. He called for Independence Day to be observed with the dignity, pride and respect that the sacrifices of India’s heroes deserve.
The message resonated throughout the evening. The audience gave a standing ovation to Lt. Gen. Dhillon and Ambassador Somnath Ghose, while the presence of numerous veterans added extraordinary significance to the occasion. Among those attending were Major General M. K. Dhir, Brigadier Navin Ahuja, Brigadier Satish Sarwate, Lieutenant Colonel Deepak Saxena, Captain Rakesh Asthana and FIA veteran Arvind Ankleshwaria. Captain Preeti Gupta and Flight Lieutenant Sanjay Sharma were unable to attend because of their schedules.
The distinguished gathering also included Deputy Consul General Kriti Das, Deputy Consul General of Israel Delphine Gamburg, U.S. Congresswoman Melissa Bean, FIA Trustee-Director Dr. Bharat Barai, Banquet Chair Dr. Santosh Kumar and Triranga Car Rally Chair Sanjay Vora, among other community and business leaders.
The program opened with the national anthems of the United States and India, followed by Vande Mataram, led by Mayanka Pathak and 13-year-old Vardaan Tiwari of Kalibari Mandir. Darshana Patel’s rendition of “Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon,” joined by Hemant Patel, became one of the evening’s most emotional moments. As images of India’s Armed Forces appeared on the screen, many in the audience were visibly moved.
The veterans were invited to the front of the hall, where the audience rose to salute their service and sacrifice. The moment transformed the gala from a conventional community celebration into a deeply emotional tribute to those who have defended the nation.
A traditional diya-lighting ceremony followed, led by military veterans and distinguished guests. FIA trustees, executives, community organization heads, business leaders, media partners and prominent members of the Indian American community were also recognized for their contributions.
Holding portraits of Bharat Mata and national icons including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Maharana Pratap, Swami Vivekananda, Rani Lakshmibai, Subhas Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh and Sardar Patel, participants paid tribute to the towering figures who shaped India’s history and national consciousness.
An inspiring video presentation, directed by Hemant Patel and produced by Durgesh Shrivastava of Uttar Pradesh, further highlighted the strength and achievements of the Indian community. A particularly proud moment came when Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas was shown describing Illinois as being transformed by the contributions, talent and intellect of the Indian American community.
Ambassador Somnath Ghose spoke about the growing strength of U.S.-India relations and the enormous contribution of Indian Americans to the American economy. His remarks underscored the increasingly important role of the Indian diaspora in strengthening the relationship between the two countries.
Patriotic performances by Kavya Sheth, Pranvi Kakkar and six-year-old Sheryl Goyal added youthful energy to the celebration, while reinforcing the evening’s central message of love for India and respect for its heritage.
Dr. Bharat Barai described the event as a remarkable celebration of the 80th anniversary of India’s independence and America’s 250th anniversary, noting the historic presence of Lt. Gen. Dhillon and other senior military veterans. “Long live U.S.-India friendship,” he declared.
Trustee Rakesh Malhotra praised Hemant Patel for his tireless community leadership before introducing Lt. Gen. Dhillon.
In his remarks, Patel also recalled the horrific Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 26 people were killed after being identified as Hindus. He emphasized the need for the international community to confront terrorism, identify its underlying causes and refuse to remain silent.
Lt. Gen. Dhillon paid tribute to India’s veterans and emphasized that their lifelong service and sacrifices deserve the highest respect. Drawing from his book Operation Sindoor: The Untold Story of India’s Deep Strikes Inside Pakistan, he described the operation as a powerful demonstration of India’s preparedness, resolve and determination to protect its citizens.
Dhillon and Patel also thanked the Global Indian Diaspora Foundation for bringing the decorated military leader to the United States to share his experiences and the story of Operation Sindoor with the Indian American community.
Deputy Consul General Delphine Gamburg extended Independence Day greetings in Hindi, while FIA Executive Vice President Anil Singh thanked the performers, dignitaries, guests and audience for making the evening a success.
The celebration will continue with FIA’s Grand India Independence Day Parade on August 23 on Devon Avenue, with Patel inviting families and community members to participate.
FIA also unveiled its 2026 Annual Souvenir, documenting the organization’s history, leadership, programs, activities and community contributions. At 136 pages, it is the largest souvenir in FIA Chicago’s history.
More than a celebration, the Patriotic Gala delivered a powerful reminder: freedom carries a price, patriotism carries a responsibility, and the sacrifices of those who defended a nation must never be forgotten. FIA Chicago’s evening of remembrance, pride and unity set a compelling standard for how the Indian American community can honor its heritage while celebrating its remarkable place in America.
(With the input of FIA)
