National India Hub in Schaumburg became the center of a major Indian American community celebration as more than 100 organizations gathered for INDIA FEST 2026 on August 15. The event brought together community leaders, volunteers, elected officials, cultural figures and families for a day focused on Indian heritage, unity and service.
The celebration featured several prominent guests, including Indian dance and film icon Prabhu Deva, journalist Chitra Tripathi and Lt. Gen. K.J.S. Dhillon. Sixteen elected officials also participated, underscoring the growing civic and community presence of the Indian American population in Illinois.
A major highlight came when Illinois State Senator Ram Villivalam, joined by six fellow state legislators, presented a Senate proclamation designating August 15 as “National India Hub Day.” The recognition honored the organization’s expanding role in bringing people and community groups together while promoting volunteerism and service.
National India Hub operates on a collaborative model that connects more than 150 organizations under one roof. Rather than requiring groups to give up their individual identities, the center allows each organization to maintain its own purpose while sharing facilities, volunteers, expertise, contacts and other resources.
Founder Harish Kolasani said the organization’s most important achievement is the network of trust created among its participating groups and volunteers. The philosophy emphasizes cooperation over competition, allowing organizations to combine their capabilities and reach more seniors, students, families and community members.
That collaborative approach became especially visible when heavy rain forced organizers to move the outdoor INDIA FEST program indoors. Nearly 50 vendors, entertainment programs, stage activities and competitions had to be relocated. Volunteers quickly reorganized the event, allowing the festivities to continue despite the weather.
Prabhu Deva attended the festival in the morning and returned for the evening program. Tripathi and Dhillon also had an opportunity to see the center’s community-driven work firsthand.
During the celebration, Kolasani announced plans for a second National India Hub in Naperville, signaling ambitions to expand the organization’s reach across the region.
He credited COO Sireesha Tipparaju, the volunteer team, DesiJunction and the organization’s founding trustees for helping make INDIA FEST and the broader National India Hub vision possible. The event ultimately highlighted how collaboration, volunteerism and shared resources can strengthen the Indian American community.
