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www.desitalkchicago.com – that’s all you need to know 8 CITY VIEWS August 1, 2025 PHOTOS:Punjabi Cultural Society Punjabi Cultural Society Joins Khalsa Aid For Summer Parade In Streamwood, Illinois T he Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago (PCS) www.pcschicago. org, joined Khalsa Aid volunteers to participate in the Chicago suburb Streamwood’s Summer Celebra- tion parade on July 26, 2025, to kick off the 29th annual celebration. The theme for the year 2025 was “CandyLand – A Sweet Time”, a press release from P.C.S. said. The parade with 70 entries, stepped off at 10:30 AM at the intersection of Bartlett Road and Streamwood Blvd and con- cluded about a mile and half away at the festival grounds located at Hoosier Grove Park. (700W Irving Park Road). The P.C.S. and Khalsa Aid volunteers’ participation in the parade was coordi- nated by Dilpreet Kaur, Sarwan Singh and Rajinder Singh Mago. The contingent consisted of a decorated vehicle, Punjabi Dhol drum beat music, US flags and ban- ners, and was fervently applauded by the spectators. “We are here to stay. In addition to our own festivals, our communities must come out and participate wholeheartedly in the mainstream activities in the towns they live in,” said Rajinder Singh Mago member, board of governors Punjabi Cul- tural Society of Chicago. Over 10,000 people attended the Sum- mer Celebration over the three-day festi- val featuring Parade, food, drinks, music, games, carnival, rides and entertainment. This annual event is held during the last full weekend of July at Hoosier Grove Park in Streamwood Illinois. P.C.S. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) all vol- unteer community service organization devoted to promoting Punjabi culture, performing arts, language, education, sports, and good citizenship in the Chi- cago Metropolitan area and beyond. Khalsa Aid, is a non-profit humanitari- an organization headquartered in the U.K. with branches worldwide that provide disaster relief, keenly support refugees, and tirelessly work to aid communities globally. Founded in 1999, it operates under the principle of selfless service, no matter who you are. By a StaffWriter Scene from the Streamwood, Illinois Summer Celebration Parade where Punjabi Cultural Society and Khalsa Aid joined to celebrate the occasion. Members of Khalsa Aid and Punjabi Cultural Society pose for a photo. FIA Chicago And Hindu Mahotsav Host Summer Picnic Celebrating Indian Culture And Unity T he Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) Chi- cago, in collaboration with the Chicago Hindu Mahotsav Group NFP, proudly hosted a joyful and culturally rich Summer Community Picnic that brought together over 150 Indian American families on a hot and spirited August day. FIA Chicago – A Legacy Since 1980;Established in 1980, the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) Chicago stands as one of the oldest and most respected Indian American umbrella organizations in the Midwest. With a mission to unite diverse Indian regional communi- ties under one banner, FIA has led the way in promoting Indian heritage, organizing civic and cultural events, and engaging in philanthropic causes for over four decades. Through annual celebrations, parades, awareness cam- paigns, and interfaith partnerships, FIA continues to amplify the voice of the Indian diaspora while fostering unity, inclusion, and pride. A Day of Fun, Culture, and Connection;Held at a suburban park, the picnic featured an inviting mix of authentic Indian cuisine, family- friendly games, live karaoke, youth dance showcases, and a rousing session of traditional Garba, celebrating Indian music, dance, and community spirit. Esteemed Guests & Community Leaders,The picnic was honored by the presence of several community pillars, including, the Past FIA Presi- dents and Trustees: Bhailalbhai Patel, Kantibhai S. Patel, Kantibhai N. Patel, Rakesh Malhotra, Dr. Rashmi Patel, and Raj Patel,Mafatbhai Patel, founder of the iconic Patel Brothers grocery chain,Religious leaders from Harisumiran Mandir: P. Guruprasad Swamiji, P. Harisanmukh Swamiji, and Himanshubhai Sheth.These dig- nitaries extended their blessings and invited the community to upcoming spiritual and cultural programs, including one on August 10. Special Announcements & Performances,Vineshbhai Virani, President of VHPA, shared details about the “Sup- port a Child” initiative taking place on August 9 at Manav Seva Mandir. Abhinav Raina introduced the community to the upcoming film “The Bengal Files”, inviting all to attend its premiere.Talented youth artists Shikha and Tirth presented expressive Garba performances, while the Saraswati Singers Group led an energetic karaoke session, bringing devotion and delight to the day. Community Thanks & Recognition, Hemant Patel, President of FIA-Chicago, extended deep gratitude to Shailesh and Bela Rajput of Hindu Mahotsav for their leadership and collaboration, DJ Chirag Patel (Angel’s DJ) for providing lively music and atmosphere. All vol- unteers and sponsors for their unwavering support and generosity Honoring Our Sponsors Anil Singh – Red Tomatoes Restaurant Joy Shah – Rapid Rasoi Vinesh Virani Ra- jubhai Shah Rakesh Malhotra Rajendra Thakkar Care for Soul Dynasty HomeCare Dr. Nita Pate,l Nirav Patel, Attorney. Horizon Accounting Chicago Hindu Mahotsav Group – Bela Rajput and team FIA Upcoming Signature Events – Join Us in Celebrating India’s Independence The FIA Chicago team—Hemant Patel, Shailesh Rajput, Rohit Joshi, and volunteers—invite the com- munity to attend the following key events celebrating India’s independence and cultural pride: August 10 | 10:30 AM – ICO Naperville ParadeWalk with FIA August 15 | Morning – Indian Flag Hoisting Ceremony at Daley Center, Downtown Chicago August 15 | Evening – Patriotic Diaro at Manav Seva Mandir August 16 | 1:00 PM – Triranga Car Rally at National India Hub August 22 | 6:00 PM – Patriotic Gala at Manav Seva Mandir August 24 | 10:30 AM – India Independence Day Parade on Devon Avenue For 45 years, FIA Chicago has been a pil- lar of cultural unity, civic engagement, and Indo-American representation in the Midwest. The 2025 picnic serves as a joyful reminder of our shared values, family roots, and enduring heritage. By Bhailal M. Patel PHOTOS:ORGANIZERS President Hemant Patel with trustees of Federation of Indian Associations Chicago east:1980. Lf to RT: Shailesh Patel .Jyoti K Patel ,Kanti S Patel,Hashmush K Patel, Kanti N Patel, Bhailal M Patel and Amar Upadhyay