P.C.S. Chicago Hosts Twelfth Annual “Punjabi Youth Graduation & Scholarship Awards Night”

Chicago, June 10, 2012:
R.S.Mago

• Manmit Kaur Sandhu Wins PCS Chicago Scholarship
  Scholarships , Dinner, Dance and Cake for the Class of 2012 Graduates
• Arvind Singh Co-Founder of Utopia Inc. an Inspiring Keynote Speaker
• “Rangla Punjab 2012” Participants Honored

The Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago (PCS) hosted its twelfth annual “Punjabi Youth Graduation and Scholarships Awards Night” on Sunday, June 10, 2012, at Viceroy of India Banquet Hall in Lombard, Illinois. More than 250 guests attended the event. The guests of honor were about 25 class of 2012 graduates from the Punjabi community. Arvind Singh co-founder President and C.E.O. of Utopia Inc.  with 25 years of entrepreneurial and other life experiences to share was an inspiring keynote speaker

Arvind J. Singh, Co-Founder, President & CEO of Utopia Inc., Chicago- global leader in Enterprise Data Solutions......READ MORE

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 The celebration included recognition awards, scholarships, keynote address, cake cutting ceremony, DJ music, dancing, networking, and delicious Indian cuisine. The participants of “Rangla Punjab 2012” the PCS Annual Vaisakhi cultural program were also awarded. The dinner party was free to the graduates and Rangla Punjab participants.
 "The purpose of this program is to promote higher education among our next generation. Our children need encouragement, appreciation, and professional guidance," said Dr. Amarjit Singh the P.C.S. Chairperson, “PCS Chicago is trying to facilitate that through role models,” he added.

P.C.S. $1000 scholarship this year was awarded to Manmit Kaur Sandhu of Lake Park High School in Roselle. Manmit won for her high scholastic achievements and also participation in community service and Punjabi cultural activities. Two $750 scholarships were awarded to Ramandeep Kaur and Rai Barinder Singh Ghotra for similar achievements.
An independent panel of judges selected the winners from the applicants according to a marking criterion established by PCS, which is based on scholastic grades, volunteering for community service, and participation in cultural activities. The scholarships were presented to the winners by PCS Chairman Dr. Amarjit Singh and Harinder Pal Singh (M.I.T.S.).
The scholarships were sponsored by Dr. Karamjit Kaur, Dr. Diljeet Kaur Singh, Ranjeet Kaur in fond memory of their father Dr. Pritam Singh, a scholar, educationist, and a freedom fighter with deep love for his community.
The other scholarships were sponsored by Sunny Kular in fond memory of his mother Jasmair Kaur Kular, and by Dr. Surjit Singh Patheja, and Harinder Pal Singh of M.I.T.S.

 The scholarship award dinner event was co-sponsored by Dr. Surjit Singh Patheja, Dr. Amarjit Singh, Dr. Robert Singh, Surinder Singh Palia, and Surinder K. Jain (Viceroy of India Banquets).

Navjot Singh who graduated from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee Wisconsin majoring in Accounting was a special student speaker at the event. Navjot received National Student Scholar Award along with being the 2nd team All American Basketball conference player of the year. “To be successful,” Navjot said, " work hard, play hard, and develop time management skills."

The motivational keynote speaker Arvind J. Singh Co-Founder, President & CEO, Utopia, Inc. Mundelein, Illinois was also the founder of ValuCom a prepaid telecom in the US which was acquired by Rediff.com in 2001. Arvind Singh congratulated the graduates and gave them ten short and sweet real life pragmatic "Helpful Tips" to be successful in college and in life. "Follow your passion, take risks, learn from your mistakes, take care of your body, make a difference, maintain your integrity, do not forget to have fun, give back to the community, and respect your family and friends," advised Arvind Singh.

He also announced a $1000 scholarship for entrepreneurial leadership in honor of his parents.
“If you love what you do, then you don’t have to work a day in your life,” said Rajinder Singh Mago who coordinated the scholarship award ceremonies with assistance from the scholarship committee, Sunny Kular and Pardeep Deol.
The PCS Chicago recognition certificates were presented to the class of 2012 graduates by Dr. Navdeep Kaur Sandhu, Harinder Singh MITS, and Padma Bhushan Dr. Amarjit Singh.

Padma Bhushan Dr. Amarjit Singh, (father of key note speaker Arvind Singh)  a scientist who had received his Ph.D in Electron Physics from Harvard University in 1949, who also addressed the graduates, received a long thunderous applause and a standing ovation for his achievements and his words of wisdom.

A special cake cutting ceremony honoring all the class of 2012 graduates was also held. An exclusive invitation for the first dance at the celebration party was given to the graduates.
PCS vice president Surinder Singh Sangha welcomed the gathering. Balwinder Singh Girn coordinated the Rangla Punjab participants awards.

Arvind J. Singh was honored, with a plaque presented to him by the PCS Chairperson Dr. Amarjit Singh with all the PCS officials standing by his side.
The scholarship donors Sunny Kular, Dr. Amarjit Singh, Dr. Surjit Singh Patheja (not present), and event sponsors Surinder Kumar Jain of Viceroy of India Banquets, were also honored with plaques presented to them by Dr. Amarjit Singh.
  The community service volunteer Surinder Singh Bhatia and Rangla Punjab 2012 event coordinators Jeetu Kaur, Sukhwinder Kaur, Jaspal Singh Saini, Winston Kelly (Kohl's) and Rishpal Singh (Sunshine DJ), were also honored with plaques by PCS officials.

All the performing artists of "Rangla Punjab 2012" the PCS Vaisakhi cultural show were given trophies and certificates for their hard work, participation, and excellent performances. The awards were presented by Lakhbir Singh Sandhu, Harkirat Singh Sandhu, Amolak Singh Gidha, Prof. Jaginder Singh Ramdev, and Mrs. Nimrata Kaur Singh. This part of the program was emceed by Balwinder Singh Girn, Jasbir Singh Palia, Harpreet Singh Grewal and Vic Singh assisted by Gurmit Singh Dhillon and Pardeep Singh Deol.

  All of the attendees enjoyed the party, relished delicious Indian cuisine, DJ music and dance. The dance floor was jam packed with young Bhangra lovers till late into the evening.

 The program was organized by Gurmit Singh Dhillon, Baljit Singh Sidhu, Surinder Singh Sangha, Pardeep Singh Deol, Harpreet Singh Grewal, Vic Singh, Sunny Kular, Ronny Kular, Balwinder Singh Girn, Mohinderjit Singh Saini, Parminder Singh Ghotra, Jasbir Singh Palia, Onkar Singh Sangha, Amarjit Kaur Atwal, Sukhmel Singh Atwal, Bhinder Singh Pamma, and Rajinder Singh Mago.

 The DJ music was provided by Rishpal Singh of Sunshine DJ and the photography by ABC Photography and Video.
Navjot Kaur president of Silverleaf Events & Wedding Design Inc. donated her services to decorate the banquet hall to an impressive graduation party theme.

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