On May 19, 2024, Ashyana Banquets was transformed into a hub of celebration and recognition as the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) Chicago, in partnership with Desi Junction, marked Mother’s Day with a flourish. But it wasn’t just about celebrating moms; the evening also witnessed the exciting announcement of the upcoming Star Awards, orchestrated by the visionary Jassi Parmar and the Desi Junction Team.
The festivities kicked off with a captivating Social Hour, where Payel Ganguly & Group mesmerized the audience with soul-stirring Bollywood melodies dedicated to motherhood and familial bonds.
Stepping onto the stage were FIA luminaries including Chairman Sunil Shah, Vice-Chairman Neil Khot, President Pratibha Jairath, and past President Vinita Gulabani. Their addresses painted a vivid picture of FIA’s journey, the essence of Mother’s Day, and tantalizing hints of surprises to come, underscoring FIA’s unwavering commitment to community service.
The event was graced by esteemed guests Consul General of India Somnath Ghosh and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, who eloquently highlighted the pivotal role of mothers in nurturing not just families but entire societies.
A pinnacle moment of the evening was the unveiling of the prestigious Star Awards trophy, a symbol of excellence and achievement within the community, by the chief guests. With bated breath, attendees awaited the announcement of various award categories, spanning from Entrepreneur of the Decade to Community Leader of the Year.
Efficiently orchestrating the proceedings were the FIA Ambassadors for the evening, Falguni Sukhadia, Priyanka Parekh, and Hemendra Shah, ensuring a seamless flow of presentations and backstage operations.
The spotlight then turned to the remarkable mothers being honored for their boundless sacrifices and unwavering dedication. Names like Anandita Ghosh, Riya Krishnamoorthi, and Smita N. Shah shone brightly among the deserving awardees.
Amidst heartfelt applause, Rita Shah, wife of Sunil Shah, serenaded the audience with a touching rendition of ‘Kitni Achchhi Hai, Tu Kitni Bholi Hai Pyaari Pyaari Hai O Maa’, encapsulating the essence of maternal love.
The evening was further enriched by captivating performances, including a classical dance by Rasika Bandekar and a lively medley by Dancing Divas (Trusha), setting the stage for a spirited open dance floor experience.
As the event drew to a close, attendees were in for one final surprise, courtesy of sponsors Ramesh Punater and Naresh Shah, who generously provided special prizes in categories such as Best Dancer and Most Enthusiastic Person.
Behind the scenes, the meticulous coordination of Kamlesh Kapoor, Dinesh Kapoor, and Atul Wahi ensured the seamless execution of the event, accommodating over 300 attendees.
Looking ahead, the excitement continues as the Star Awards gears up to commemorate India’s 78th Independence Day with a dazzling red-carpet affair on August 16, 2024, at Matrix Club, as announced by FIA.
