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www.desitalkchicago.com – that’s all you need to know 17 CITY VIEWS March 13, 2026 Chicago Celebrates 396th Birth Anniversary Of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj With Grand Cultural Tribute At Vhpa-National Office T he 396th Birth Anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was celebrated on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at The Vishwa Hindu Pari- shad America (VHPA) National Office:200 New Bond St, Sugar Grove, IL 60554 with great pride and enthusiasm in Chicago through a grand community event organized by CSM 350 (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Monument in Chicago), Maharashtra Mandal Chicago (MMC), and Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHP-A), with participation and support from the Federation of Indian Associa- tions (FIA) and several Indian-American community organizations. The event brought together community leaders, families, youth, and cultural per- formers to honor the extraordinary legacy of the legendary Maratha ruler whose leadership, courage, and commitment to justice helped shape the course of Indian history and continues to inspire millions around the world. The celebration began on a patriotic and emotional note with the singing of the national anthems followed by Vande Mataram, creating a powerful atmosphere of unity and pride. The program featured patriotic songs, inspiring speeches, and vibrant cultural performances highlight- ing the life and ideals of Shivaji Maharaj. A musical highlight of the evening was a dynamic performance by singer Vira Adimulam, originally from Andhra Pradesh, who captivated the audience with a powerful Shivaji-themed song from the film Chhava. Her energetic rendition electrified the audience and brought the heroic spirit of Shivaji Maharaj to life. The keynote address was delivered by the President of INDIC Avatans, who presented an insightful and engaging talk on Shivaji Maharaj’s visionary leadership, military brilliance, and progressive gover- nance, emphasizing how his ideals remain deeply relevant in today’s world. Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) President Hemant Patel empha- sized the enduring legacy of Shivaji Maharaj.“Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj represents courage, justice, and visionary leadership. His life teaches us how a lead- er rooted in values can transform society. His ideals continue to inspire generations across the world, and it is our responsibil- ity to pass these values on to our youth,” said Hemant Patel. Several FIA members attended the celebration along with representatives frommultiple community organizations, highlighting the strong unity and cultural pride within the Indian-American com- munity in the Chicago area. During the program, VHP-A General Secretary Amitabh Mittal also addressed the audience and spoke about the im- portance of awareness and community responsibility in protecting and guiding the younger generation.“Our community must stay vigilant and proactive. Par- ents—especially mothers—play a critical role in guiding and protecting our chil- dren. Cultural awareness, family values, and community support are essential in today’s fast-changing world,” said Am- itabh Mittal. Voices from Organizers and Youth:Organizers of the event emphasized that celebrating Shivaji Maharaj abroad carries deep significance for the Indian diaspora.“Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is not just a historical figure—he is a time- less symbol of courage, strategic vision, and the protection of cultural identity. Celebrating his birth anniversary here in Chicago strengthens our connection to our heritage and inspires the next gen- eration of leaders,” said one of the event organizers from CSM 350. Members of Maharashtra Mandal Chi- cago highlighted the importance of cultur- al education for youth growing up in the United States.“For many of our children born and raised in America, events like this help them understand the greatness of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. By Bhailal M Patel KV Subramanian Becomes First Indian Economist To Win Chicago Alumni Award T he University of Chicago has honoured Professor Krishnamur- thy V. Subramanian with the Alumni Award for Professional Achievement, making him the first Indian economist to receive the distinction in the award’s 85-year history, according to an official press release. Subramanian, who served as the 17th Chief Economic Adviser to the Govern- ment of India from 2018 to 2021 and as an Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund, is the first Indian econo- mist to receive the honour since it was established in 1941. Reacting to the achievement, Profes- sor Subramanian stated, “To be included in this academic lineage is profoundly humbling. What makes it meaningful is that this is recognition for work done from India and for India. To follow, in my mod- est way, the inspiring footsteps of Indians who did their finest work based in India, from C. V. Raman and Homi J. Bhabha to Vikram Sarabhai and M. S. Swaminathan, is a genuine privilege.” The award places him among a distinguished group of past recipients that includes at least 14 Nobel laureates and global thought leaders such as Paul Samuelson, Gary Becker, Claudia Goldin, Carl Sagan, and Philip Kotler, the release added. According to the University’s official citation, Professor Subramanian’s Eco- nomic Surveys of India were described as a “landmark” document that provided “the intellectual foundation for India’s approach to self-reliance, anchored in competitive markets, policy autonomy, and inclusive growth”. The citation also credits his early diag- nosis of the COVID-19 crisis as a supply- side disruption and notes that his public articulation of a V-shaped economic recovery “helped anchor confidence in India’s economic resilience”, the release stated. Significantly, the work recognised by this award was undertaken predominantly from India and for India, unlike many prior honourees whose work was primari- ly based inWestern academic institutions. During his tenure as Chief Economic Adviser, Subramanian authored three Economic Surveys and contributed to macroeconomic strategy during one of the most volatile periods in modern global economic history. His subsequent role at the IMF further extended India’s policy perspective into multilateral economic discourse, the release added. With this honour, Subramanian has now received distinguished alumnus awards from all three of his alma maters: the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, the Indian Institute of Management Cal- cutta, and the University of Chicago. He currently serves as a Professor of Finance at the Indian School of Business and is the author of “India@100”. -ANI PHOTO:COURTESY ANI PHOTOS:ORGANIZERS Welcome guest and invite at Vishva Hindu Parishad America National Office 200 New Bond St, Sugar Grove, IL 60554. Celebrations started with prayer to Celebrates 396th Birth Anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with Grand Cultural Tribute at VHPA-National Office.