Desi talk

28 CITY VIEWS October 25, 2024 www.desitalkchicago.com – that’s all you need to know India Development Service Holds Gala To Celebrate 50th Anniversary O ctober 21, 2024 – Chicago, IL: India Development Service (idsua. org), a Chicago.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to sup- porting sustainable development initiatives in India, celebrated its 50th anniversary with a memorable gala on October 20, 2024, in Oakbrook IL. The evening was marked by inspiring speeches, cultural performances, and reflections on five decades of impactful work in India. The highlight of the evening was a keynote address delivered by Nobel Lau- reate Dr. Abhijit Banerjee, who captivated the audience with his insights on global poverty alleviation and the role of grass- roots organizations in driving sustainable change. Dr. Banerjee, co-recipient of the 2019 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences, emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between organizations like IDS and local communities, to create long-term development solutions. Also speaking at the event was S. R. Hiremath, one of IDS’s founding mem- bers, who reflected on the organization’s journey since its inception in 1974. His highlighted what inspired him to start the organization and thanked the IDS team for sustaining the organization for 5 decades. Two partner NGOs, which have worked closely with IDS for years, traveled from India to attend the event and share their stories. Representatives from these NGOs spoke about the transformative impact of their collaborations with IDS, demonstrat- ing how grassroots initiatives are empow- ering rural communities across India. The audience of more than 280 guests enjoyed a lively and interactive atmo- sphere, participating in a Fun Fact Quiz on India, which kept the crowd engaged and entertained. The gala also featured a vibrant cultural program, including dance performances and a live musical perfor- mance by local artists Raju Bankpaur and Shree Mahonty. The 50th anniversary gala, emceed by former host ofWBEZWorldview Jerome McDonnell was meant to be a tribute to the enduring legacy of IDS and its commitment to improving lives in India through sustainable development. Orga- nizers thanked everyone who participated and supported the event, making it a night to remember. By Prachi Jaitly, Special to Desi Talk Photo: Prachi Jaitly Organizers and special guests at the 50th Anniversary gala of India Development Service, held Oct. 20, 2024, in Oakbrook, Ill. Nobel Laureate Dr. Abhijit Banerjee, speaking at the 50th Anniversary gala of India Development Service, held Oct. 20, 2024, in Oakbrook, Ill. A ddison, IL – The All-Saints’ Alumni Association of North America (ASAANA), a non-profit orga- nization, celebrated its 20th anniversary and 5th reunion October 19, 2024, at Shalimar Banquet in Addison, Illinois. The event brought together alumni from across North America to honor the legacy of their alma ma- ter, All Saints’ High School, Hyderabad, India, a highly respected Christian institution with a history going back 165 years. A lively social hour gave alumni the opportunity to reconnect with classmates and reminisce about their time at the school. The rest of the program was emceed Dr. Shah Khan, the Master of Ceremonies. The Chief Guest was Illinois District Court Judge John C. Anderson and the Guest of Honor was Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim. ASAANA President Ameer Khan welcomed the at- tendees in his speech, reflecting on the storied history of All Saints’ High School, founded in 1855 by Reverend Daniel Murphy at the request of the King of Hyderabad, Asaf Nasirud Dowla. Initially modeled after Murphy’s alma mater in Ireland, the school’s motto, “Virtus Sola Nobilitat” (Virtue Alone Ennobles), emphasizes its com- mitment to both academic excellence and character development. The school was entrusted to the Montfort Brothers of St. Gabriel in 1932, continuing its mission of nurturing future leaders and professionals. Khan also highlighted ASAANA’s purpose as a non- profit organization dedicated to fostering unity among alumni and preserving the rich legacy of All Saints’ High School. As part of the evening’s festivities, attendees received the specially prepared 2024 ASAANA Souvenir Magazine, chronicling the alumni association’s mile- stones and achievements over the years. An awards ceremony honored distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions in their respec- tive fields. Awards were presented in three categories: Honor Awards, Extraordinary High Achievement Awards, and Certificates of Appreciation. Honor Awardees: Mohan Ambaty, Basit Baig, Mani Cherian Kizhakekera , Mohammed Vikaruddin Qureshi , Pashupatinath Pala, Syed Noor Ul Hassan Mohani , Dr. Mohammed Abdul Khader Siddiqi, Mohd. Liaqatullah Khan , Surender Singh Makhija, Chenna Lakshmi Pathi, Dr. Mohammed Abdul Basit, Er. Mohammed Ayub Mu- jahid, Extraordinary High Achievement Awardees: Dr. Angampally Rajeev, Dr. Sultan Sikander Ali Khan, Dr. Mohammed Abdul Majid, John Tarachand, Mohammed Mushtaq, Raj Kosgi, Mir Zulfeqar Ali, MLA , ATMYahya, Mohammed Abdul Mukhtader, Zamarud Hussain, Entre- preneur Mir Gazanfar Ali (Zaki), Dr. Sanjay Kirtane, Certificates of Appreciation were presented to the ASAANA Board andWorking Committee members for their dedication to organizing the 2024 Reunion. ASAANA 2024 – Board &Working Committee Members include: Founder & President: Ameer M Khan Vice Presidents: Dinesh Mahendra, Mushtaq Ahmed General Secretary & Editor-in-Chief: Ar. Zahyr Siddiqi Joint Secre- tary & Treasurer: Wajahat Khan Dr. Shah Khan, MC, Joint Secretary & Treasurer General Coordinator: M Osman Ali Abdul Azeem Khan, Attorney, Joint Treasurer Editor: Zafar Siddiqui Siraj Ali, Sub Editor Manoj Khatod, and Joint Coordinator IT Manager: Sanjay Srivastava. A cultural program and a traditional Hyderabadi din- ner were other highlights of the evening. The musical performance saw distinguished alumni Vaseem Iftekhar and Irshad Ansar deliver a highly engaging program. The vote of thanks was delivered by ASAANAVice President Dr. Dinesh Mahendra, expressing appreciation to all who made the event possible. Alumni of All-Saints School In India Hold Reunion In Illinois Photo:AsaanaVia Bhailal M Patel Sitting L to R: Mohammed Faheem, Journalist; AA Asif Sayeed, Cricketer; Khalid Abdul Qayyum, Cricketer; Ar. Zahyr Siddiqi, Gen Secretary, Chief Editor & Jury; Vaseem Ifthekhar, Director Cultural Affairs & Advisor; Holly Kim, Lake County Treasurer, State of Illinois, Asian/ American Caucus Chair; Ken DeLuc, Political Director, Rep. Judge John Anderson; Ma Khokar, Mayor Glendale Heights; Dr. Abdul Hai, Cricketer, Advisor, Head Jury; Er. Ameer MA Khan, Founder President; Ar Dinesh Mahendra, Vice President; Abdul Azeem Khan, Attorney, Joint Treasurer. Standing: L to R: Er. Osman Ali, Gen Coordinator; Dr. Shah Khan, Treasurer/ Joint Secretary & MC; Er. Wajahat Khan, Treasurer/Secretary; Er. Zafar Siddiqui, Editor; Er. Irshad Ansari, Joint Coordinator. By Bhailal M Patel