Federation of Indian Associations celebrates Diwali and unveils visionary leadership for 2025
By: Avi Verma
The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) ushered in the Diwali festivities with a grand celebration at Ashyana Banquets, marked by its Annual General Body Meeting on October 27, 2024. The evening was a blend of cultural pride, community unity, and a forward-thinking vision as FIA not only celebrated the significance of Diwali but also introduced its new Executive Board for 2025, promising dynamic leadership for the year ahead.
A Vibrant Celebration of Community and Culture
The festivities kicked off at 3:30 PM with a lively social hour that set the tone for an evening full of joy, camaraderie, and community spirit. Guests mingled, capturing memories and celebrating the bonds that make FIA such a vital force within the Indian-American community. FIA’s “Document Everything” era was in full swing, with attendees enthusiastically documenting the occasion through photos and videos.
The formal meeting commenced with an official welcome from FIA Founder Chairman Sunil Shah and current President Pratibha Jairath. Shah delivered an inspiring address, reflecting on FIA’s impressive growth and its commitment to preserving Indian culture, especially during festivals like Diwali. He proudly shared that FIA now boasts over 300 board members, a testament to the organization’s expanding influence and continued dedication to community-building.
Recognizing Achievements and Future Goals
FIA President Pratibha Jairath took the stage to provide a recap of the association’s significant achievements in 2024. Highlights included:
- Major Events: Nine major events were successfully organized, including a Coat and Toy Drive scheduled for December.
- Community Engagement: The Windy City Bulls event, attended by over 400 people, the Holi celebration with cultural programs, and International Yoga Day, which saw a record 1,200 participants.
- Star Awards Night: This prestigious event featured Bollywood icon Jaya Prada and honored India’s Blind Cricket Team, alongside 25 community leaders across 19 categories.
- Scholarships: Six deserving students received scholarships at FIA’s Republic Day celebrations, selected from over 50 applications.
Vice Chairman Neil Khot also reflected on FIA’s unwavering commitment to community service, particularly during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic, when the organization provided vital support, including food, oxygen, and essentials to orphanages and homeless shelters.
Introducing the 2025 Executive Board
A highly anticipated moment of the evening was the unveiling of the 2025 Executive Board, which was met with enthusiastic applause. The new leadership team, dubbed the “Dream Team,” promises to continue FIA’s legacy of excellence and dedication to the community. The 2025 board includes:
- President: Anu Malhotra
- Executive Vice Presidents: Altaf Bukhari, Richa Chand, Sonia Luther
- Vice Presidents: Vaishal Talati, Murugesh Kasilingam, Subbu Iyer, Vikas Kalwani, Swati Kukian, Manoj Rathod
- Secretary General: Nilabh Dubey
- Treasurer: Suresh Bodiwala
- Cultural Secretaries: Falguni Rana, Pika Munshi
- Joint Secretary: Falguni Sukhadia, Kamlesh Kapoor
- Joint Treasurer: Payal Shah
- Joint Cultural Secretary: Priyanka Parekh
In her acceptance speech, President-elect Anu Malhotra shared a comprehensive roadmap for 2025, which includes key events such as Republic Day, Holi, International Yoga Day, Independence Day, and Diwali. Malhotra emphasized that “Leadership to me is not about being in charge – it is about caring deeply for those in your charge,” underscoring her commitment to community service and unity. She concluded her speech with an uplifting rendition of “Lakshya,” a song that symbolizes the collective spirit of ambition and achievement.
Celebrating Growth and Looking Ahead
Treasurer Suresh Bodiwala presented the financial report, noting FIA’s growing membership base and successful events. He highlighted the need for increased sponsorships to fuel future growth and ensure the continuation of FIA’s impactful initiatives.
The evening also included a friendly competition, where Sunil Shah and Manoj Joshi were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the Membership Drive. Joint Secretary Falguni Sukhadia delivered the vote of thanks, praising the guidance of FIA’s leadership and affirming support for the incoming president’s vision.
A Night of Fun and Fellowship
The event concluded on a high note with dinner, karaoke, and a lively dance floor. Emcees Shradha Marathe and Jitendra Bulsara kept the crowd entertained, while a special cake-cutting ceremony celebrated birthdays for the months of October and November.
About FIA
The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) is a leading organization dedicated to fostering Indian-American culture and promoting community unity. Through its numerous events and initiatives, FIA provides valuable networking opportunities while enriching the cultural fabric of the community. To learn more, visit www.fia-il.us.
