NAPERVILLE, IL August 14, 2016: The second India Day parade & Celebration organized by Naperville Indian Community Outreach(“NICO”) in association with City of Naperville and Indian Consulate General to observe the 70th anniversary of India’s independence was an unprecedented success. It was attended by many-many thousands of participants & spectators, several of whom came from neighboring states and suburbs. The day started with the media coming in at 7:30 am to cover the event and there by all roads started to lead to Naperville central school and knock part for India day Parade and Celebration. It was a Sunday morning with bright sun ready to witness a historical moment for Naperville when community started to pour in from all directions to Naperville Central High School.
A colorful procession of over 80 entries with 40 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 Naperville community lined the procession route waving flags of the United States and India. The parade was aired live by NCTV17.
The parade marshal was sensational, multi-award winning Indian Singer Sunidhi Chauhan from India, Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico, India’s Consul General Dr. Ausaf Sayeed and Lieutenant Governor Sanguinetti were the chief guests of the event. Congressman Bill foster, Senator Mike Connelly, Commissioner Tim Schneider, Mayor Gopal Lalmalani along with many other State and Local Elected representatives and prominent leaders of Chicago & Naperville were enthusiastic participants in the parade and celebrations.
Lieutenant Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti said that she hailed the diversity that was being celebrated, adding that there is need for more diverse cultures in leadership so that all the races and colors can be adequately represented. She was in full action walking in the Parade and hand shaking each and every spectator with respectful greeting Namaste and clicking pictures with children’s and families.
Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Consul General of India 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 country. Dr. Sayeed also presented Outstanding Service Awards on behalf of ICO to Director Dr. Nirav Shah, Director James Joseph and Secretary Hardik Bhatt of State of Illinois.
Naperville Mayor Steve 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 second such event by the Indian American community in Naperville. He applause the great contribution by the Indian American to United States and especially to Naperville. Mayor also read the Proclamation signed by Governor Bruce Rauner declaring August 15th as official India’s Independence Day in State of Illinois.
Krishna Bansal, Chairman of the NICO said that this celebration is part of the outreach initiative to engage Indian American Community into 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.
Chirag Jani, Board Member said that the parade this year was second 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.
The parade was followed by a celebration and Concert event at Knock Park featuring food, jewelry, apparel and music and dance. Kick-off the celebration was with the strong rendition of US National Anthem and Indian National by High School Senior Avni Limdi and Indian National Anthem was presented by singer Nipa Shah. Viral Shah, NICO Treasurer stated that event was free for public. This was made possible with the help of over 50 sponsors including Patel Brothers/SWAD as Grand Sponsor and Wintrust Bank as Event Sponsor.
The Parade & Celebration continued with concert by the highly acclaimed Indian playback singer, Sunidhi Chauhan. She was supported by a state-of-the-art symphony orchestra, leading musicians, and talented vocalists, performed live and mesmerized Bollywood music lovers in a Concert. 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 Sunidhi and the musical capabilities of her team. This proved to be a grand treat for the music enthusiasts and made India day parade & celebration event super hit. Sunidhi garnered huge admiration from the audience for her gifted versatility as a natural performer. “What a beautiful performance by Sunidhi the lead singer and her team. This is what music is all about; it touched the souls, regardless of language, color, creed, and geographical boundaries”, said Matt Gambs American in the audience, who seemed to have enjoyed the evening as thoroughly as his counterparts and Indian Americans.
The successful culmination of the event was also a tribute to members of the NICO 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 NICO led from the front by Krishna Bansal with its Board Members Chirag Jani, Dharmisth Patel, Dinkar Karumuri, Gautam Grover, Keyur Shah, Madhur Limdi, Narayan Tata, Rahul Saigal, Saily Joshi, Shammi Mittal, Vasavi Chakka, Vinod Vasisth and Viral Shah and a strong army of Volunteers.
Krishna Bansal specially recognized and thanked sponsors, partners, dignitaries, volunteers and everyone who attended the event. He announced to be back next year India Day with even a better program and urged everyone to join the outreach efforts and encouraged to visit www.napervilleindian.com for more information.
Indian Community Outreach
Contact no +1 630-300-0345