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www.desitalkchicago.com – that’s all you need to know 8 CITY VIEWS April 3, 2026 Rep. Shri Thanedar Hosts Town Hall With Focus On Iran And ICE I ndian American Congressman from Michigan Shri Thanedar, an outspoken critic of the Iran war and ICE opera- tions in his state, held a Town Hall March 21, 2026, inviting constituents to air their views and get updates. Ques- tions from attendees went beyond Iran and ICE to healthcare, social security, and local amenities as well. “I had a great time hearing from constituents at my town hall this past Saturday! It was an honor to discuss every- day concerns with local Wayne County families and what I can do in Congress to address them. I want to thank everyone who came out to participate,” Thanedar said in an email blast. Here are some of the questions he got and the answers he provided: Q: Where does the money come from to pay for the daily cost of the war in Iran? It comes from our defense budget, which is supposed to be controlled by Congress, not the President. That’s why I will vote NO on any additional funding the President requests for the war in Iran. Q: What are some issues you see in common between different parts of the district, and what are some solutions to them? Access to housing, our aging sewer sys- tem, and issues relating to transportation and infrastructure are all faced by constit- uents across our district, which I’ve fought to address by securing federal funding for local projects to solve them. Q: How do we reduce funding allocated to military/ defense and transfer to health care, Medicaid, SSI, SNAP, ETC.? Congress has to pass a budget every year that reflects our country’s priorities. I believe we should redirect billions from our bloated defense spending over to pay for things at home like healthcare and food assistance, but we need 218 votes in Congress for that to pass. However, that is something I fight for every year. By a StaffWriter PHOTOS:OFFICE OF REP.THANEDAR Rep. Thanedar’s town hall where constituents have the opportunity to ask questions and voice their opinions to him at March 21, 2026 eveny. Rep. Thanedar greeting a constituent at his most recent town hall. ISKCON Chicago Hosts Grand Sri Rama Navami Celebration With Devotion And Cultural Splendor T he vibrant spiritual community of ISK- CON Chicago came together in a deeply devotional and celebratory atmosphere to honor Sri Rama Navami, com- memorating the divine appearance of Lord Sri Ramachandra.Hundreds Gather in Rogers Park Temple for Kirtan, Sundarakanda Presentation, and Community Prasadam Held at the temple’s Rogers Park location, the evening brought together devotees, fami- lies, and community members from across the Chicagoland area, united in a shared expres- sion of bhakti (devotion), cultural heritage, and spiritual reflection. Lord Sri Rama, revered as the embodiment of dharma, compassion, and ideal leadership, was glorified through a thoughtfully curated program blending devo- tion, art, and philosophy. An Evening of Spiritual Elevation:The celebration featured a sequence of spiritually enriching segments that engaged and inspired attendees:Soulful Kirtan: The program opened with vibrant congregational chanting, filling the temple with sacred sound vibrations. Gaura Arati: A traditional offering ceremony that deepened the devotional ambiance.Sundarakanda Shadow Play: A unique artistic presentation depicting Lord Hanuman’s heroic devotion, capturing themes of faith, courage, and service.Festival Address: Speakers reflected on the time- less relevance of Lord Rama’s life and teachings in con- temporary society.Grand Prasadam Feast: The evening concluded with a community feast, fostering unity and shared spiritual joy. A Tradition Rooted in TimelessWisdom:The International Society for Krishna Conscious- ness (ISKCON), founded by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in 1965, represents a spiri- tual tradition dating back thousands of years. Since establishing its presence in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood in 1979, ISKCON Chicago has served as a center for spiritual learning, cultural engagement, and commu- nity outreach, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds. Community Spirit and Participation:The fes- tival witnessed enthusiastic participation from devotees, many of whom contributed through seva (service) by sponsoring offerings such as flowers, garlands, and prasadam. Well-organized arrangements and a welcom- ing environment ensured a fulfilling experience for all attendees, reinforcing a sense of belonging and shared devotion. A Celebration Beyond Ritual:More than a religious observance, the Sri Rama Navami celebration stood as a powerful reminder of universal values—truth, duty, compassion, and righteousness—as exemplified in the life of Lord Rama. As chants of “Jai Sri Rama!” resonated throughout the temple, the evening concluded on a note of spiritual upliftment, leaving participants inspired and connected. ISKCON stands for the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, commonly known as the Hare Krishna movement. Founded in 1966 by A.C. Bhaktive- danta Swami Prabhupda in NewYork City, it is a mono- theistic, Gaudiya Vaishnava Hindu organization focused on teaching bhakti-yoga (devotion) to Krishna as the Supreme Deity. PHOTOS:ORGANIZERS By Bhailal M. Patel