The Indian American community in Chicago marked India’s 79th Independence Day with a weekend of powerful programming that blended cultural pride, historical reflection, and cinematic storytelling.

Organized by the Global Indian Diaspora Foundation (GIDF), the two-day celebration featured a patriotic evening titled Bande Mataram on Friday, August 8, followed by an exclusive pre-release screening of director Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri’s highly anticipated film ‘The Bengal Files’ on Saturday, August 9, at AMC Naperville.

The Bande Mataram event opened with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and the national anthems of India and the United States. The evening’s keynote address was delivered by Somnath Ghosh, Consul General of India in Chicago, who reflected on the historical significance of “Bande Mataram” and its enduring role in India’s freedom movement.

“A nation is not just a place—it is a living consciousness,” Ghosh said. “Bande Mataram is a pledge, a commitment to our collective identity.”

GIDF President Rakesh Malhotra highlighted the importance of such cultural events in strengthening community bonds and promoting historical awareness. “Independence Day is not just about remembering the past, it’s about building bridges for future generations,” he said.
Notable speakers included Dr. Santosh Kumar, founder of the International University of Vedic Wellness, and respected community leader Dr. Bharat Barai, who both emphasized the diaspora’s role in preserving India’s civilizational values and democratic ideals globally.

The evening also featured a vibrant cultural dance performance led by Bengali choreographers Lina Chakraborty and Rashmi Roy Chowdhury, presenting traditional Indian dance rooted in regional heritage.

In a highlight of the evening, a special meet-and-greet was held with Vivek Agnihotri and National Award-winning actress and producer Pallavi Joshi, who offered insights into the research, motivation, and message behind their latest film.

‘The Bengal Files’ continues Agnihotri’s bold cinematic journey

On Saturday, August 9, audiences gathered for the sold-out pre-release screening of ‘The Bengal Files’, presented as part of the national “One Truth. Ten Cities” tour. The film revisits the 1946 Direct Action Day riots, the Calcutta Killings, and the Noakhali massacres—tragic and underrepresented events that played a pivotal role in the lead-up to India’s partition.
The film follows the legacy of Agnihotri’s previous critically acclaimed work ‘The Kashmir Files’, which depicted the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in the 1990s. Speaking after the screening, Agnihotri said:

“If ‘The Kashmir Files’ hurt you, ‘The Bengal Files’ will haunt you. This is not just a film—it is a moral responsibility to share the stories that history ignored.”

Pallavi Joshi, who also plays a leading role in the film, emphasized that the project was born out of deep historical research and a desire to spotlight voices that were silenced.

“History must not be filtered for convenience. This film is a tribute to forgotten lives and a call for truth,” she said.

GIDF General Secretary Abhinav Raina described the film as a conversation starter. “This is more than cinema. It is an invitation to reflect on how we understand and remember our shared past.”
The event also featured the official release of the film’s souvenir, with guests including Abhishek Agarwal, producer of ‘The Bengal Files’; Mayor Paula McCombie of South Barrington; Dr. Santosh Kumar; Vinesh Virani of Vishwa Hindu Parishad-Chicago; and community promoter Mayank Singhania.

Together, the two events emphasized the mission of GIDF: to preserve truth, foster dialogue, and celebrate India’s heritage with integrity and pride. For many in attendance, the weekend was not only a tribute to India’s independence but also a reminder of the painful chapters that history must confront.