Chicago’s Iconic India Independence Day Parade Adds Glitters To ‘Little India’ Devon Avenue

Los Angeles, August. 19, 2021
NRIpress.club/Ramesh/ A.Gary Singh

CHICAGO - Under the leadership of its President Mr Rajesh Patel, the Federation of Indian Associations, Chicago organized a stunning parade on Devon Avenue to mark India’s 75th Independence Day. Mr Niranjan Shah’s daughter Ms Smita Shah marshaled the parade.

United States’ ranking Congressman Danny Davis participated in India’s Iconic Chicago Parade. Addressing the Community from the Grand Stand, Congressman Danny Davis said: “I wish India and Indian Community a very happy India Independence Day and congratulate the organizers for this exceptionally beautiful parade.”

Instantaneously reciprocating Congressman Danny Davis for his greetings and compliments, President Rajesh Patel stated that Indian Community is grateful to Congressman for attending the Parade. He also thanked him for Congressman Danny Davis’ continued support to all NRIs.
Highlighting the significant of the current year’s Parade, President Rajesh Patel stated, “Today’s Parade The parade receded into history the ghastly memories of community’s sufferings from the preceding coved-19 pandemic.

Rajesh Patel also thanked Chicago Police for assisting the organizers in smooth run of the parade. He appreciated the support from the business community that has just recovered from the adverse impact of the Coved-19.

Heartthrob diva of the glamor world Ms Khushi Patel was the star attraction at the parade. She is winner of the Miss India USA Miss Popular 2021, and also Miss India Florida 2021. Spectators especially the youth were seen jostling and jumping over the barricades to come and greet her.
Chicago’s world famous Devon Avenue, also popularly known as ‘Little India’ wore a festive look with India’s national colors – Orange, White, and Green – fluttering all along. It was tastefully decorated with ceremonial paraphernalia especially imported from India.

Spectators on both the sides of the street cheered a long series of floats as they marched past the Devon Avenue. Ismaili Community’s famous pipe-band was the vanguard of the parade. The floats represented different states and regions of India. Maharastra Mandal’s troupe with its bombastic lazium attracted maximum applause all along the route. Majestic float of the Metropolitan Asian Family Services went past the stand roaring “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.” Other organizations whose floats marched past the Grand Stand included: VHP, and Sardar Patel Foundation.

Political entities also joined the parade march. Significant them included: US Congressman Danny Davis, Congresswomen Jan Schakowsky, Illinois Senator Ram Vallivalam, Mayor Jassal Patel, Mayor of Moline Sangeetha Rayapati, Maine County Trustee Asif Malik, and Illinois State Rep Ms Denyse Wang Stoneback.

Also present were: Judge Rena Vantine, Judge Sanjay Tailor, Indo American Democratic Organization President Susan Patel, and Ms Valerie from High Ridge’s HRCC, Commissioner Water Reclamation District Commissioner Josina Morita along with Commissioner Mariyana Spyropoulos also marched in the parade.

FIA Executive board who marched in the Parade included: Raj Patel, Hemant Patel, Jayesh Patel, Amar Upadhyay, Satheesan Nair, Vinod Patel, Tribhovan Gaur and trustees Sunny Gabawala, Babu Marsha Patel, Sher Rajput, Anil Pillai, Sohan Joshi, Minhaz Akhter, and Kanti N Patel. Several Indian Army Officers also walked in the Parade. India’s local diplomat, Amit Kumar – posted as Consul General of India – did not attend India’s Independence Day Parade. Instead his subordinate PK Mishra was substituted.

Political aspirants Patricia Theresa Flyen, and Dilara Sayeed were also noticed. Indian Overseas Congress USA (Kerala Chapter) also joined the parade.

The parade comprised also of multiple corporates to include: Prism Health Lab, Tiffin-Udupi-ISP conglomerate, CK Motors Elgin, Shreeji Builders, Patel Brothers, Regal Jewelers, and World Fresh Market.