Musical night for Parkinson’s awareness: Dr. Sheela Shah’s ‘Surmayi Sham’ draws crowds in support of the Parkinson’s Foundation
On the evening of September 15th, 2024, the Avery Coonley School Auditorium in Downers Grove, IL, came alive with the melodies of Surmayi Sham, a musical program headlined by Chicago-based singer and general dentist, Dr. Sheela Shah. The event, aimed at raising funds and awareness for Parkinson’s Disease, was a grand success, drawing large crowds and garnering support from the community.
The evening began with the traditional invocations of Ganesh and Saraswati Vandana, setting a spiritual tone for the program. In a heartfelt moment, Dr. Shah honored the special guests and supporters who had contributed to both the current event and previous initiatives. Among the family members in attendance were her two sons, Dr. Ravi Shah and Mr. Sagar Shah, along with her daughter-in-law, Lorie Shah, and grandchildren, Sunjay and Leila Shah, who participated in the prayer and recognition ceremony.
Dr. Sheela Shah then captivated the audience with an opening performance of “Om Namah Shiva,” conveying a message of perseverance and inner strength, a fitting reflection of the resilience required to confront Parkinson’s Disease. The event was a tribute to her late husband, Dr. Dipak Shah, who had battled Parkinson’s Disease before his passing in 2022. Dr. Shah spoke emotionally about the disease’s impact, not only on the afflicted but also on their families, and emphasized the urgent need for continued research to find a cure.
In addition to her soulful performances, the evening featured memorable contributions from Mr. Rajesh Chalan, renowned as the voice of Kishore Kumar, and dance performances choreographed by Nartan Academy and Monica Shah, with young talents Gia and Mahi dazzling the audience. The musical accompaniment by Hitesh Master and Orchestra Saregama added richness to the event, with Richard Christian on tabla and Imran Sheikh on percussion. A delightful dinner by Shree Bistro rounded out the evening.
Prominent community figures Sunil and Rita Shah attended as guests of honor, and Ramesh Punatar, a dedicated supporter of the Parkinson’s cause, was also in attendance. The success of the evening was further bolstered by Dr. Rajendra Shah and Bhamini Mcwana, who served as the event’s MCs.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Sheela Shah reflected on the need to raise awareness about Parkinson’s and the importance of supporting the foundation’s mission to improve treatment options and advance research. Through her music, Dr. Shah aims to not only honor her late husband’s memory but also inspire hope for the millions affected by this devastating disease.
The concert was a powerful reminder of the difference individuals can make in raising awareness and contributing to the fight against Parkinson’s Disease, combining artistry and advocacy in a deeply moving way.
4 Comments
👏👏👏👏👏wonderful generosity! All the best for raising awareness towards Parkinson’s! 💕🙏💕
By the description , What a wonderful this must have been. I have been there from the in
beginning of this fund raising event in Avery Cooley School. But due to the distance and my age, I have not attended this event.
Due to hard work and personal sacrifice of both Dr Dipak S Shah and Dr Sheela Shah this fund raising event in OAKBROOK, CHICAGO was established and with the cooperation of assisting musicians and support of all the attending INDIAN COMMUNITY AND LOCAL GUESTS this fund raising yearly event has become so successful.
Congratulations Sheela
NAVIN C SHAH.
CONGRATULATIONS SHEELA FOR CONTINUING THIS EVENT AND THE DREAM OF DR DIPAK S SHAH ALIVE.
Dr Dipak S Shah was my Mephew ( son of my eldest brother Dr Shantilal C Shah). Dr D Shah , in his practice always helped need and deprived patients. He was a GOOD human being.
I will always miss him. Even after his death he will be remembered and visualised by thousands of visually deprived people in INDIA.MAY HIS cause TO PREVENT BLINDNEDD in INDIA be a success.
Navin C Shah.