NAPERVILLE, IL August 13, 2017: The third India Day Parade and Celebration on the 70 years of India’s independence was an unprecedented success with over 30,000 of participants & spectators, several of who came from neighboring suburbs, states and countries. This was a magnificent display of art, dance, music, food, and culture that mesmerized everyone at Naperville organized by Indian Community Outreach Organization.
The day started with families walking towards Knock Park in Naperville at 8:00 am and followed by all roads leading to Naperville central school and knock part for India Day Parade and Celebration. It was a Sunday afternoon with the bright sun ready to witness a historical moment for Naperville when the community started to pour in from all directions to Naperville Central High School.
The event kick-started at 11:00 am with around 100 stalls presenting their products for the visitors, International food court, Children’s park, Ethnic Indian Bazaar and Local talent show at 12:30 pm by Natya Dance Theater, Utkalaa Center for Odissi Dance , Anila Sinha Foundation, Indian Christian Children of Chicago, Nrithyanjali Dance School, Kalashree Dance Academy, Soorya Dance School, Warrior Bhangra, Rhythms & Grace Dance Studios, Team Ghungroo, Bollywood Rhythms, Rhythm Academy and UC Bhangra.
A colorful procession of over 70 entries with 35 intricately decorated floats sponsored by various community organizations, businesses, and restaurants wended its way along the parade route in Hillside and West St in Naperville. Several dance groups representing the diverse dance forms and music of India were part of the procession which ended in Knock Park, Naperville. Thousands of enthusiastic Indian Americans and members of the Naperville community lined the procession route waving flags of the United States and India. The parade was aired live by many media outlets including NCTV17 and TVAsia.
Governor Bruce Rauner and Mayor Steve Chirico were the chief guests of the event. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthy along with many other State and Local Elected representatives and prominent leaders of Chicago & Naperville were enthusiastic participants in the parade and celebrations.
President Trump sent the greetings and the best wishes for the celebration. In his letter, he thanked Indian Americans for their irreplaceable contributions and stated that the future of valued partnership in between the United States and India has never looked brighter, and will continue to foster even greater cooperation for future generations.
Guest of Honor Governor Bruce Rauner said that the Indian American community is an integral part Of United States, enriching it with color, music, food, and dance. He also lauded the Indian American Community for contributing to the business and cultural heritage of the state and country. Governor also read the Proclamation signed by himself declaring August 15th as official India’s Independence Day in the State of Illinois.
Mayor Steve Chirico who spoke at the event said he was pleasantly surprised to note the overwhelming response to the parade & Celebration given the fact that this was the third such event by the Indian American community in Naperville. He applause Krishna Bansal, Chairman of Indian Community Outreach and the entire team for great contribution to Naperville. Mayor also handed out the 2017 ICO Community Pride Awards to the internationally renowned personalities who have gone above and beyond to serve and have provided Outstanding Leadership, Service & Dedication to the Indian American Community. The recipient of these awards were Dr. Bharat Barai from Indiana, Mr. Ramesh Shah from Huston and Mr. Shalabh Kumar from Chicago.
Krishna Bansal, Chairman of the Indian Community Outreach (“ICO”) said that this celebration is part of the outreach initiative to engage Indian American Community into the mainstream fabric of Naperville. This has also elevated Naperville amongst Indian American Community as the place to work and live in the country. There are already many Indian American owned businesses that are looking to come to Naperville and many more looking to get involved with the city as volunteers. In just four years we have now expanded our reach to serve the entire US Midwest region.
Chirag Jani, Board Member said that the parade this year was third one and has surpassed expectations in both magnitude and participation. We are constantly working to raise the bar to showcase Indian Americans as the best.
Viral Shah, ICO Treasurer stated that event was free for public. This was made possible with the help of over 100 sponsors including Patel Brothers/SWAD as Grand Sponsor and a consortium of Technology companies as Event Sponsor. The entire food court was managed by Spice Mart, a Naperville organization.
The evening program was kicked-off with strong rendition of US National Anthem and Indian National Anthem presented by Avni Limdi and Natasha Trikha. The sensational and Rocking star of India Mika Singh Set the Stage on Fire in Naperville with Patriotic Song Mere desh ki dharti, mere desh ki dharti Sona ughle, ughle here moti, Mere desh ki dharti and followed by Damaadam mast kalandar ali dam dam de andar
The highly acclaimed Indian rock star singer, Mika Singh, leading the entertainment segment of the evening performed live and mesmerized Bollywood music lovers in a Concert, presented by Indian Community Outreach on August 14, 2017, 7:00 pm onwards, at Knock Park, Naperville. The singing sensation kick-started the scintillating evening with the most unforgettable melody, always raging in the hearts of music lovers and super hit songs.
The audience were mesmerized by the dazzling display of musical talent, nonstop singing for over 2 hours, and a fusion of the rare talent of Mika and the musical capabilities of his team. This proved to be a grand treat for the music enthusiasts and made India day parade & celebration event super hit. Mika garnered huge admiration from the audience including Chief Guest of the evening Governor Bruce Rauner for his gifted versatility as a natural performer. The event was concluded with the dazzling display of fireworks with colors from Indian and US flags.
The successful culmination of the event was also a tribute to members of the ICO who toiled for days, with many spending sleepless nights to ensure that every minute detail from the space between floats to the detailed emergency and evacuation plan to make the pioneering event in Naperville a memorable and safe. And the dream team of ICO led from the front by Krishna Bansal with its Board Members Chirag Jani, Viral Shah, Dinkar Karumuri, Rahul Saigal, Vasavi Chakka, Vinod Vasisth, Dharmisth Patel and a strong army of Volunteers.
Krishna Bansal specially recognized and thanked sponsors, media, partners, dignitaries, volunteers and everyone who attended the event. He announced to be back next year on 12th Aug 2018 India Day with even a better program and urged everyone to join the outreach efforts and encouraged to visit www.indiancommunityoutreach.org by call 630.300.0345 for more details.