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www.desitalkchicago.com – that’s all you need to know 27 CITY VIEWS November 29, 2024 Indian Seniors Of Chicago Holds Joyful Annual Program And Diwali, Hundreds Attend T he Indian Seniors of Chicago, a community-driven organization run by seniors for seniors, cele- brated their annual function and Diwali at the Manav Seva Mandir in Bensenville, Illinois. The event wit- nessed the enthusiastic participation of approximately 430 members and guests, including many community leaders who came to support the group. The program commenced with Mas- ter of Ceremonies Bhupendra Suthar and Daxa Parikh guiding the audience through the celebrations. Panna Shah, an Executive Board Member, shared high- lights of the organization’s remarkable 24-year journey. The traditional lamp lighting cer- emony was led by prominent guests, including Dahya Prajapati (Chairman of the Manav Seva Mandir Trustee Board), Raju Chauhan (President of Manav Seva Mandir), Bhailal Patel, Shirish Patel, Narsinh Patel, Rohit Joshi, Ishwar Patel, and Dilip Patel. In the latter half of the program, the musicians and singers gave a very enjoy- able non-stop Bollywood songs and mu- sic that the members danced till the end. Prajapati discussed Manav Seva Mandir’s programs and addressed the pressing issue of minority atrocities in Bangladesh, emphasizing the need for future fundraising efforts to support affected communities. Diwali greetings were extended by Chauhan and Dilip Patel, who also honored the guests with flower bouquets. The cultural segment began with an introduction by Daxa Parikh, who welcomed the musical group Saregama. The group performances by the singers brought seniors to dance to the lively tunes. Navin Patel and Kanti Patel took the stage to recognize and honor the pro- gram’s generous donors and sponsors with roses and gifts. Kanti Patel offered the vote of thanks. The second half of the program was equally energetic, as the musicians played a set of Bollywood hits, keeping the audience on its feet until the event’s conclusion. Daxa Parikh and Panna Shah presented the singers and musicians with gifts and flowers as tokens of apprecia- tion. By Bhailal M Patel PHOTOS: Indian Seniors of Chicago Deep Pragyta (lamp lighting) ceremony was led by prominent guests, Lf to Rt. Deep Dilip N Patel; Dahyabhai Prajapati, Dr,Ishwarbhai Patel,Narsinhbhai Patel,Bhailal Patel. In the latter half of the program, the musicians and singers gave a very enjoyable non-stop Bollywood songs and music that the members danced till the end. A group picture of ISC executive committee members withmusicians and singers artist of the musical group Saregama. Congressman Krishnamoorthi Presented With Champion Of Freedom Award At ‘Toast To Freedom’ Event R anking Member Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) was presented with the Champion of Freedom Award November 19, at the Toast to Free- dom event, hosted by the Free Jimmy Lai Campaign. The Toast to Freedom is meant to honor the courage and resilience of the innocent people around the world who have been imprisoned by repressive regimes. During the event, Krishnamoorthi was presented the Award given to individuals who have been instrumental in efforts to support democracy in Hong Kong, defend the rule of law, and the freedom of press. “I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Free Jimmy Lai Campaign for hon- oring me with the Champion of Freedom Award,” Krishnamoorthi is quoted saying in the press release. “With today marking the resumption of Jimmy Lai’s arbitrary and unfair trial in Hong Kong, we are once again reminded of the importance in not only ensuring Lai’s immediate and uncon- ditional release, but standing up for the values of freedom and democracy in Hong Kong and across the world. I look forward to continuing to be a fierce advocate for the rule of law, freedom of press, and hu- man rights in Hong Kong and around the world.” Krishnamoorthy has also spoken out against alleged forced labor of the Uyghur community in China. The Department of Homeland Security on November 20, add- ed 29 entities to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) Entity List, which he said marked another major step to com- bat forced labor worldwide in the People’s Republic of China. This action brings the total number of listed entities to 107 PHOTO: https://democrats-selectcommitteeontheccp.house.gov/ Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Illinois, left, at the November 19, 2024, event where he received the Champion of Freedom Award. By a StaffWriter