Chicago City Wire

Candidate for governor, Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Louisville) complimented the Indian community during its independence day event on Aug. 14.

"Yesterday, Cindy, Stephanie and I along with our great team had the opportunity to join the Indian Community of Illinois as they celebrated 75 years of independence," Bailey said in a statement. "The Indian community is full of wonderful people, including entrepreneurs who have chosen to pursue the American Dream here in Illinois. They know that dream is now in danger under Pritzker, and they know I am the candidate who will #restoreillinois and safeguard the prosperity they have earned for their communities, and families." 

The Federation of Indian Associations Chicago held a parade on Devon Avenue in celebration of India's 75th Independence Day. 

"We strive to bring our community together and instill a sense of belonging, thank our freedom fighters, rejoice 75 glorious years of Independent India as well as make a commitment to the younger generation for a peaceful and prosperous future,” Rakesh Malhotra, President of the Federation of Indian Association said, the Daily Herald reported. 

News India Times noted the list of attendees included “India’s Consul General in Chicago Amit Kumar, Illinois Congressmen Danny Davis (D-Oak Park), Raja Krishnamurthy (D-Schaumburg), and Brad Schneider (D-Lincolnshire), Alderman Debra Silverstein, Alderman Shweta Baid, prominent community leaders including Dr. Bharat Barai, Dr. Darshan Sigh Dhaliwal, Executive Director MAFS Santosh Kumar,  Dr. Ram Chakroborty, founder of Chicago Kali Bari and Smita Shah president & CEO of Spaan Tech.”

India’s Ministry of Culture noted the reason behind the special celebration of 75 years. 

“Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav was launched by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 12th March 2021 to celebrate a progressive independent India, culturally rich heritage and achievements of India. The initiative is also an ode to the Freedom Fighters who contributed to the freedom struggle. Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is being celebrated with a vision to bring people together from all corners of the country and celebrate India 2.0, guided by the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” the Ministry of Culture noted in a press release.