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OneMind’s Diwali celebration honors culture and community
The event aimed to empower children, spark their creative talents, and celebrate Diwali's essence.
The celebration saw chief guests Congressman Bill Foster and the Consulate General of India in Chicago, Somnath Ghosh. / Courtesy Photo
Community-driven organization OneMind hosted a vibrant Diwali 2024 celebration, themed “Journey of Empowerment,” to showcase the creativity, cultural awareness, and community spirit of young participants.
The celebration saw chief guests Congressman Bill Foster and the Consulate General of India in Chicago, Somnath Ghosh, in attendance, both applauding OneMind's dedication to empowering young talents and preserving cultural heritage. Congressman Foster praised the organization’s efforts to create opportunities for young voices, remarking, “OneMind’s dedication to youth empowerment and cultural preservation is truly commendable.” Consulate General Ghosh similarly expressed admiration, noting, “It’s inspiring to see children embracing and celebrating their heritage with such enthusiasm.”
An essay competition held as part of the festivities invited elementary, middle, and high school students to reflect on Diwali’s significance. Foster and Ghosh presented awards to the winners, honoring the creativity and efforts of each participant.
OneMind emphasized inclusion through a musical performance by young musicians who played for an audience of nearly 200 attendees. Demonstrating unity and respect, the children performed both the American and Indian national anthems, followed by a rendition of "Vande Mataram."
In a segment titled “Journey of Empowerment,” children shared their experiences with OneMind, describing how involvement in community service, cultural events, and creative projects like the OneMind Band helped them grow and find purpose. In an interactive activity, the children collaboratively expanded the acronym “O.N.E. M.I.N.D.” to reflect their values: Optimistic, Nurture, Enlighten, Mindful, Inspire, Noble, and Dedicated. This meaningful exercise captured their shared commitment to these ideals and the organization’s positive impact on their lives.
Ramleela skit. / Courtesy PhotoA Ramleela skit performed by children ages 5 to 15 was a highlight of the celebration, bringing to life the story of Lord Ram. The young performers moved the audience with their dedication, demonstrating OneMind’s commitment to fostering cultural connections and moral education.
Bollywood-style dances, traditional Bhangra and lively singing also marked the occasion. Attendees learned about OneMind’s year-round initiatives, which focus on personal growth, cultural awareness, and community support.
The evening concluded with gifts for the participating children, bringing the celebration to a joyful end and reminding the audience of OneMind’s mission to empower youth, bridge cultural divides, and create a supportive community where every child feels valued and inspired.
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