Vidya Jyoti’s 'Vibrant India' Cultural Festival Illuminates Chicago with Rich Traditions, Colorful Performances, and Community Spirit

Chicago, IL: 
There are some events that entertain, others that inspire and then there are those rare, radiant moments, where joy and purpose run together in harmony. April 27, 2025 on a Sunday afternoon, Vidya Jyoti Global Education Opportunity Foundation hosted the Vibrant India Cultural Festival at Ashton Place in Chicago, Illinois. 

From the moment the guests stepped through the doors, they were swept into a celebration of Indian heritage, creativity, and most importantly: hope. The festival, free and open to the public, pulsed with color and life. It was hosted with charm and energy by two MC’s Neha Sobti and Priyanka Parekh, who guided the audience through an unforgettable journey. The show opened with an upbeat hip hop performance blending rhythm and youthfulness. As the day unfolded, the stage bloomed with a variety of dances: elegant ballet, vibrant Garba, classical Indian sequences, and children twirling in joyful abandon. Groups such as Suhani Dance Academy, Ghunguru School, and Four Stars Dance Group left audiences spellbound. 

At the heart of it all was Vidya Jyoti’s powerful purpose: to educate underprivileged children across India, the U.S., and Haiti. The founder Pratibha Jairath spoke passionately, presenting stories of transformation. One such story was of Radhika, an orphaned child who, because of Vidya Jyoti’s support, is now scoring over 80% (A grade) in school. “We are not just giving money,” said Pratibha, her voice thick with emotion. “We are giving dignity. We are building futures.” 

Then came the two fashion walks, a moment where grace met pride. Dressed in stunning saris, lehengas, and Indo-western fusion wear, participants of all ages took to the runway in two dynamic segments. The fashionistas for the evening were: Swati Kukian, Suparna Dutta, Shree Guruswamy, Shraddha Marathe, Shalaka Sawant, Sara Bongale, Sakshi Sharma, Renuka, Pika Munshi, Nidhi Mishra, Neelam Aloor, Manisha Pandit, Kitkat shah, Falguni Sukhadia, Fal Rana, Deepti Gupta, Bharathi Devathi, Alli Dhanaraj. In the Title Walk, finalists were judged not only on style, but voice and purpose. When Rihanna Tandon and Archana Pantraffan stepped forward as winners, their poise and eloquence gave everyone chills. The judges Sanskriti Sharma, Sushma Bhanot, and Archana Agarwal beamed with pride. 

A moving highlight of the afternoon was the recognition of community champions by Pratibha Jairath and co-founder Madhu Uppal. With the support of Mayor John Leash of Aurora and Alderwoman Shweta Baid, Vidya Jyoti presented Plaques to Vidya Jyoti sponsors, Sunil Shah, Pinky Dinesh Thakkar, Sudhir Agarwal, Brij Sharma, Dr. Ashok Mehta, Bill Lyon, Ramesh Mehra, Dr. Bhupinder Beri. Plaques were also presented to Prem Sharma, Urmil Chawla for their vision and leadership, and to Anita Beri & Sarita Sood for their dedication to Vidya Jyoti. 

Recognitions and tokens of appreciation were presented to community heroes; the people whose silent efforts light the path for others. The honorees included Ramesh Malhan, Vipin Wadhera, Balbeer Kaur, Pramila Malhotra, Anu Malhotra, Ram Saini, Anita Rawal Subhash Pandey, Anurag Misra, Jayanti Oza, Atul Wahi, Rosey Bhasin, Krishna Chitturi, Nikhil Shah and Uma Kartiki. Their highlights were also presented on a video screen as they were called, by Vidya Jyoti’s technical director Shivam Viswanathan. 

Around the hall, food and shopping booths added flavor and flair to the event. Guests nibbled on savory chaats, sweets, and home-style meals. The effort of vendor booths was coordinated by a team led by Anita Beri, Sarita Sood, Shree Gurusamy, Alka Sood and Preeti Chawla. Colorful stalls offered handwoven jewelry, textiles, and gifts with their own story.

Advisory Board member Dr. Bhupinder Beri echoed the emotions in his powerful appeal, “We are fortunate because someone once invested in our education. For just $30 a month or a dollar a day, we can offer a child that same gift. Let’s make giving a habit, not a moment.” Ashok Potdar, a dedicated and passionate director of organization, reminded the audience that “Knowledge is the only wealth that cannot be stolen.” The room fell silent, then rose to applause. Another passionate advisory member, Ramesh Mehra had another powerful appeal to help folks understand the mission of Vidya Jyoti.

The two raffle draws, including a grand prize of $250, kept the energy high throughout. It was time for the final performance, a full-on Garba circle that united young and old, like the community had become one beating heart, dancing together. 

As the event drew to a close, Pratibha took the mic one last time. Her words were soft but strong. “Vidya Jyoti started with a dream in India. Today, we are helping schools in the U.S., in Haiti, and beyond. Because when we educate a child, we educate generations.” 

“This was more than a cultural event. It was a radiant expression of humanity’s best. Vidya Jyoti is not just teaching children they are awakening possibilities” said by Suresh Bodiwala, Chairman of Asian Media USA

Vidya Jyoti, through this colorful and impactful celebration, reaffirmed its mission: to educate, empower, and inspire through unity and cultural pride. For more information, sponsor a child or to get involved, visit www.vidya-jyoti.com.