By: Dr Avi Verma
Photo Credit: Ramesh Punatar

The Chicagoland Club of Indian Women (CCIW) celebrated Mother’s Day with elegance, warmth, and community spirit on May 22 at the International University of Vedic Wellness in Streamwood, bringing together members, guests, and community leaders for an afternoon dedicated to honoring mothers and celebrating sisterhood.

The beautifully decorated venue reflected the spirit of the occasion as guests were welcomed with nourishing health drinks prepared by the Vedic Wellness team, followed by a wholesome Satvik lunch that highlighted wellness and mindful living.

The event was gracefully emceed by Mamta Bhargav, who welcomed attendees and guided the afternoon’s proceedings with poise and enthusiasm. CCIW President Vinita Gulabani acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the organizing team and thanked members for their continued trust and support.

Event Chair Madhu Uppal extended heartfelt Mother’s Day greetings and spoke about CCIW’s long-standing commitment to community service and cultural engagement. General Secretary Alka Sood thanked attendees for their participation and encouraged new members to become part of the CCIW family.

One of the most touching moments of the celebration came when founding member Prem Sharma reflected on the organization’s inspiring journey spanning nearly five decades. Sharing memories with emotion and pride, Sharma recounted how CCIW was founded alongside co-founders Suman Maula, Rani, Manju Gupta, and Urmil Chawla with a shared vision of service, friendship, and empowerment for women in the Indian-American community.

During the event, Sharma also unveiled the brochure for the “Golden Book of CCIW 50 Years,” marking the official launch of preparations for the organization’s Golden Anniversary celebrations scheduled for April 2027. She noted that Urmil Chawla, Pimi Malhotra, and Usha Wasan are leading the Golden Book committee.

Mrs. Santosh Kumar, a community leader and founder of the International University of Vedic Wellness, addressed the gathering and praised CCIW for its decades-long contribution to community building and women’s empowerment.

The wellness-focused retreat also featured Ayurvedic physician Dr. Pushpa, who shared practical health insights on gut wellness and holistic living. Yoga instructor Purvi led participants through rejuvenating face yoga and immersive sound meditation sessions that were enthusiastically appreciated by attendees.

Event Manager Aditi also addressed the audience and thanked the organizing team and guests for making the celebration a success.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, renowned vocalists Tara Swaminathan and Shikha Pandey presented a captivating musical performance featuring geet and ghazals, accompanied by Victor on sound. The timeless melodies inspired many in the audience to sing along and dance, creating an atmosphere filled with joy and nostalgia.

On behalf of Team CCIW and the university, Vandana Bunkapur and Sarita Sood distributed elegant gift pouches to all guests. The Treasurer Team — Fal Rana, Pankaj Tanna, and Usha Gupta — efficiently managed registration and event accounts throughout the day.

Special appreciation was extended to media team members Vandana Jhingan, Gurleen Kaur, and photographer Ramesh Punatar for documenting and supporting the event.

The celebration concluded with evening tea, snacks, and a guided tour of the university campus. Guests departed with smiles and cherished memories from an event that beautifully honored motherhood, wellness, and the enduring legacy of CCIW.