PCS NIGHT: Saturday November 22, 2003

Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago, Press Release: 11/28/03

Contact: Rajinder Singh Mago 630-440-7730-cell, 630-377-5893 – H, 708-865-3031-W

“PCS NIGHT 2003” a Huge Success in Chicago

“Malkit Singh” and “International Bhangra Competition” steel the show

Punjabi Bhangra Team from England “Nachda Sansar” Wins PCS Chicago’s Second “International Bhangra Competition”

New PCS board inaugurated: Dr. Sandeep Khosla Chairman, and Dr. Harjinder Singh Khaira President

Chicago: More than 1500 jam-packed the venue of the second “International Bhangra Competition” organized by the Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago, at a sold out “PCS Night 2003” show on Saturday, November 22, 2003 at the Hanging Gardens Banquets in River Grove, a Western suburb of Chicago, near O’Hare. Several award winning Bhangra teams from England, Toronto, Vancouver, New York, Indiana, and Illinois competed for the championship and cash awards. Bhangra, a popular folk dance originating from the Punjab region in Northern India and Pakistan, is now claiming popularity all over the world due to it’s melodious, and rhythmic dancing beat.

 “Nachda Sansar,” a Bhangra dance team from Birmingham England won the hearts of the audience and the championship trophy and a $2,500 first prize. The “Vancouver VIBE” from Vancouver, Canada grabbed the runners up trophy and a $1,500 cash second prize. “Nachdi Jawani” a team from Toronto, Canada and “Cornell University Mundey Bhangra Team” from Ithaca, New York shared the third place and a $1000 cash award. “Rooh Punjab Di” a team from Chicago, and “Makhan” team from Purdue University, Indiana gave excellent performances, rousing the crowd to endless clapping and making the judge’s decision even more difficult. A joyous audience was all ears, eyes, cheers and applause for the performers.

The official judges for the competition were Kehar Singh Soodan, Manjit Singh Gill, Hardyal Singh Deol, Gulzar Singh Multani, and Anjali Julka.

“The judges had a real tough time ranking these superb teams performances,” commented Sunny Kular, the outgoing PCS president.

“The teams were judged on the authenticity of Bhangra dance form, choreography, originality, creativity, costumes, and overall presentation,” declared Rajinder Singh Mago, the competition coordinator.

“I haven’t seen such an awesome, authentic Bhangra performance since I left Punjab a long time ago,” claimed Dr. Sandeep Khosla, the new PCS Chicago chairman, and a Platinum sponsor of the event.

“ I am deeply impressed to see PCS organize such an excellent program to promote Punjabi culture in North America, I will support it all the way,” said Darshan Singh Dhaliwal a Wisconsin businessman who was the chief guest and Grand sponsor of the event.

The world famous Bhangra King “Malkit Singh and his Golden Star Band” from England, whose song “Jind Mahi” has appeared in the movie “Bend it like Beckham”, and his songs “Tutak Tutak Tutiyan,” and “Gurh Naalon Ishak Mitha” are great hits, was introduced by Dr. Khaira. He kept the audience spell bound and dancing in two segments after the bhangra competition.

This star studded colorful bhangra, music, and dance party went on till past midnight, where the audience danced to their heart’s content on an open dance floor. Delicious dinner was served by Vice Roy of India Restaurant.

The Counsel General of India, Arun Kumar, and U.S. Senate Republican Candidate, Dr. Chirinjeev Singh Kathuria, addressed the audience.

The stage was managed in parts by Sunny Kular, Dr. Harjinder Singh Khaira, Rajinder Singh Mago, and Mohinderjit Singh Saini. The guests of honor and sponsors were recognized with plaques.

The outgoing President Sunny Kular and Chairman Dr. Birinder Singh Marwah were recognized for their contributions, and were honored for their leadership with plaques.

The new PCS board of directors was also installed. Dr. Sandeep Khosla, Hon. Chairman, Mohinderjit Singh Saini and Gulzar Singh Multani Hon. Managing Directors. The working board is: Dr. Harjinder Singh Khaira President, Onkar Singh Sangha Sr. Vice President, Jasbir Singh Palia Vice President, Bhinder Singh Pamma Executive Secretary, Jagmeet Singh Finance Secretary, Amarpal Singh Matharu Joint Finance Secretary, Roopinder Singh Dhillon and Harish Kataria Sports Directors, Harbir Singh Virk Youth Affairs Director, Yadwinder Singh Grewal Public Relations Director, and Vandana Jhingan Inter-community Relations Director.

The event was planned and organized, in addition to the PCS board of directors, by many hardworking community volunteers like Mohinderjit Singh Saini, Jaswinder Singh Sapal, Paul Lail, Thakar Singh Basati, Manjit Singh Gill, Sonu Khaira, Kamal Battu, Gulzar Singh Multani, Parminder Ghotra, Surinder Bhatia, and Rajinder Singh Mago.

Jasbir Singh Suga and Mohinderjit Singh Rakalla contributed their services to photograph and videograph the event.

The program was sponsored by the following friends of PCS.
 

Grand Sponsor: Darshan S. Dhaliwal-Bulk Petroleum

Platinum Sponsors: Dr. Birinder S. Marwah, Sukhdev S. Multani  (U.S. Petro Mart), Raj Judge -Matrix  Packaging,

Gold Sponsors: Soodan & Associates, Sunny S. Kular, Dr. Sandeep Khosla, Grainger Inc., Allstate Transport Inc., Pan-Oceanic Engineering Inc., Gas Depot Inc.,  T- Mart Inc., MITS Inc., Harjit S. Sahi

Silver Sponsors: Thakar S. Basati, Dr. Jagjit S. Kaleka, Punjab Auto Works, Sarang Construction, Rangla Punjab Organization, Milwaukee, Aviation Consulting Co. Inc., Sandeep S. Dhillon, Sandhu Petroleum, K.B. Oil, Hardial S. Deol, Dr. Sarbjit S. Bhandal, Vic Singh, A-One Carpets, Dr. Rachpal S. Bajwa, Dr. Harjinder S. Khaira, Viceroy Of India Restaurants, Regal Jewels, Suga Builders & Construction, Grewal Brothers, R & S Petroleum, Dr. Gurabachan S. Kapoor, Dr. Charnjiv S. Kathuria, Chase Manhattan Mortgage, Dr. Rajinder S. Sandhu, Mandeep S. Dhillon, Manmohan S. Minhas

P.C.S. (info@PCSChicago.org) is an organization devoted to promoting Punjabi culture, language, performing arts, and sports, in the Chicago Metropolitan area. Next P.C.S. attractions include:  “Rangla Punjab 2004,” scheduled for April 10, 2004 at Gateway Theater in Chicago and “Punjabi Sports Festival 2004,” planned for the summer of 2004. Scholarships for Punjabi youth will be awarded at the “Graduation Night 2004”.