NAPERVILLE — Under the leadership of its President Dr Radhika Chimata, the Indian American Medical Association, Illinois (IAMA-IL) marked 44 years with a fundraising gala. It featured a cocktail reception, a vendor expo, an awards presentation, and musical performances. Prominent Physicians were also honored at the gala that took place in Naperville. 

CHICAGO - The Mangalorean Konkan Christian Association (MKCA) celebrated its 20^th annual Christmas Celebration at St. Hubert’s Church Hall at Hoffman Estates, Illinois. In Konkani language, it is popularly called Natal Fest, which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas is celebrated by all the Christians worldwide on December 25^th. There was a general Holy Eucharist, where the MKCA members and guests attended. The first and second readings at the Mass were read by the members of MKCA, Dominick Carrabotta and Savio Pais.

SAN FRANSISCO - Renowned tabla maestro and composer Zakir Hussain passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at the age of 73 in San Francisco. Son of the iconic tabla maestro Ustad Allah Rakha, the 73-year-old legendary musician was admitted in ICU due to heart and lung-related ailments for the last two weeks.

 Chicago Andhra Association (CAA) celebrated Cultural day on November 2nd,2024 at Oswego East High school, Oswego. The event displayed a combination of cultural and modern activities, was coordinated by President of CAA, Ms. Swetha Kottapalli, Chairman Srinivas Pedamallu and Vice President Sri Krishna Mathukumalli. It was celebrated with great pomp and gaiety.

Monday is a moment in India’s aviation history as Vistara operates its final flight under its own brand before fully integrating with Air India.

CHICAGO (Bloomingdale) - Mr Madan Pamulapati’s Bawarchi Biryani has begun to spread it’s aroma in Bloomingdale; and, community is lining up there ordering “one-to-go” or “is-pick-up-ready?” Phone, there, is ringing non-stop, and Doordash orders flowing in. Bawarchi Biryani in Bloomingdale opened on July 2024. Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta along with the members of her government arrived to cut the ribbon signifying Bawarchi Biryani Bloomingdale’s inauguration. She was received by Madan Pamulapati and his parents Shri Narasaiah and Shrimati Ramanamma. His partner Mr Krishna Nimmagadda was also present to receive the Mayor and other government officials. Ms Lekha Nimagadda presented her a bouquet of flowers. Police Chief Mr Mike Rompa, Fire Chief Mr Jeff Lajoie, and Trustee Mr Michael Carpanzano accompanied her to the inauguration.

CHICAGO - Shalimar owner Mr Syed Ali Faheem’s son Mr Syed Moiz Ali has married Ms Mariam Jafar Ali daughter of Ali Jafar in a big awesome wedding. A Grand Reception on Saturday, 06 July, 2024 followed the wedding. Over 1500 guests attended. The fabulous Wedding Reception was held at the famous Rosemont Convention Center, Illinois, USA.  Several family members, and close friends attended the reception.

CHICAGO (Naperville) – To observe International Yoga Day, the Shree Shivkrupanand Swami Foundation of America (SSSFA), in collaboration with Gurutattva India, hosted a significant global meditation workshop titled ‘Soulful Yoga Beyond the Asanas' in Naperville. The event was conducted at multiple locations in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Florida, Kansas and California simultaneously.

CHICAGO (AURORA) – Dr Venkata Musunuru the Chairman of the Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji)Temple Aurora, has announced that historic Maha Kumbh Abhishek along with Maha Samprokshanam is being organized at the Temple from Sep 10 to 15 this year. Significance of this festival lies in the fact that it comes once in a 12-Year period. To enable community members to wholeheartedly participate in the Festivities, three levels of participative sponsorships and events have been planned. These are Kalasam Sponsorship, Religious Sponsorship and Business Sponsorship.

Bhagat Kabir Ji's full name was Kabir Das. 'Kabir' in Arabic language means 'great` and the word 'dasa' in Sanskrit language means a slave or a servant. He is one of the medieval Indian Saints of Bhakti and Sufi movements whose compositions Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji included in Adi Granth Sahib. While compiling Adi Granth Sahib Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji included the compositions of 15 Bhagtas, 11 Bhatts and 4 other holy men. Out of the 15 Bhagtas Bhagt Bhagat Kabir Ji's contribution is the largest, 227 Padas in 17 Ragas and 237 Slokas. Kabirpanthis i.e. followers of Bhagat Kabir Ji believe that he was born in 1398 and they give date of his demise as 1518 which means that he lived upto the age of 120 years.