By: Jayanti Oza

The Club of Indian Women (CIW) brought together community, culture, and celebration as it hosted its much-anticipated Halla Gulla 2025 event at Matrix Naperville. More than 200 women attended the lively evening, which featured music, games, performances, and cuisine in an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie.

The program opened with emcee Madhu Uppal, who welcomed guests and set the tone for the evening, followed by an encouraging message from CIW President Vinita Gulabani. The venue was transformed into a vibrant and elegant space by the décor team led by Prem Sharma, Suman Mihaljee, and Manju Vashisht, with striking purple and pink floral arrangements by Deepti Suri adding to the festive ambiance.

Guests were greeted by a dedicated registration and welcome team comprising Preeti Chawla, Alka Sood, Pankaj Tanna, and Usha Gupta, ensuring a smooth and hospitable experience. The raffle segment, organized by Urmil Chawla and Neerja Aggarwal, along with Pankaj Tanna, kept the audience engaged with exciting prizes and enthusiastic participation.

Entertainment was a highlight of the evening, with the team led by Vandana Bunkapur and Tara Swaminathan presenting a lively mix of games and performances. A classic dance performance by Falguni Rana and a popular Bollywood-themed game drew particular applause. Singer Paulami Mazumdar energized the crowd with her dynamic performances, getting many attendees on their feet.

The event was further enriched by the presence of special guests Vandana Jhingan, a community leader, and Shweta Baid, Alderman of Aurora, who shared words of encouragement. CIW General Secretary Alka Sood honored them with the organization’s signature scarves. Mr. Neil Khot also attended the event, extending his best wishes to CIW, while the organization reciprocated by wishing him success in his congressional campaign.

Guided by Pimi Malhotra and Sangeeta Ginde, and supported by numerous volunteers working behind the scenes, the CIW team delivered a memorable and well-organized evening. The celebration concluded with an exceptional dinner and desserts provided by Matrix, leaving attendees with lasting memories.

Halla Gulla 2025 underscored CIW’s commitment to its motto, “Empowering Women, Enriching Lives, Embracing Community,” and highlighted the strength and spirit of togetherness within the community.