A Night Where the World Danced as One: AMEC’s 15th Congressional Global Champions Gala Ignites Naperville with Unity, Courage, and Unforgettable Brilliance

Chicago, IL: 
Yellow Box in Naperville, Illinois, pulsed with the heartbeat of 33 ethnic communities on the evening of July 25, 2026. More than 1700 guests filled the hall in person while thousands more joined via livestream as the American Multi-Ethnic Commission (AMEC) staged its 15th Annual Congressional Global Champions Gala under the theme “Igniting Passion: Equipping Change.” From 5:30 p.m. until nearly 11 p.m., the stage became a living atlas of culture, leadership, and hope anchored throughout by the steady presence of living legend U.S. Congressman Danny K. Davis.

The evening opened with the grand entry of co-anchors Gauri Yadav and Hannah Leong, followed by interfaith invocations that set a tone of shared reverence. Pastor Jebasingh Jebamony offered a Christian prayer for unity and blessing. Dr. Vasavi Chakka and Anwar Sadatullah recited Hindu and Muslim prayers, including Surah Al-Fatiha. National Chair Dr. Hong Liu, the first Chinese American to hold the post, welcomed the gathering with quiet pride, noting that differences remain America’s greatest strength. Governor Martino Tankar, National Faith Chair Dr. Twin Green, Senior Vice President Dr. Ronnie Yusefzai, Executive Vice President Kathy Thorat, and 12-year-old Student Secretary Samira Bangali each added warm greetings that underscored AMEC’s multi-generational reach.

Then the magic began. Created and patented by the Founder, Chairman Dr. Vijay G. Prabhakar, the signature “Around the World in 60 Minutes” segment swept the audience across continents without ever leaving their seats. Korean percussionist Chansoo Lee opened the journey. The Indonesian Consulate General and Performing Arts of Chicago followed with intricate hand movements. Polonia Dance Ensemble spun joyful Polish folk traditions. Dance Queen Q delivered sharp Chinese precision. Russia’s Kalinka Group soared with breathtaking athleticism. Shirlzar Dance Group exploded in Bollywood color. Chicago Nightingales brought Filipino bamboo rhythms. Chicago Flying Fairies floated in silk and grace. Ballet Folklorico Quetzalcoatl swirled Mexican skirts and fiery footwork. Lithuania’s Suktinis dazzled with intricate patterns. Japan’s Mikoren Awaodori Dance Group offered centuries of elegant tradition. The journey closed at home with Muntu Dance Theatre’s powerful West African American rhythms, drums calling every heart in the room. A Korean American singer, Yesoe Yoon, then delivered a stirring national anthem as the color guard from Great Lakes Naval Station stood at attention.

A formal processional heralded the evening’s dignitaries. Celebrity host Simran Ahuja and Governor Martino Tankar led the way, followed by National Women’s Chair Fatima Terror, Gala Chair Sam Ma, Chinese American Commissioner Arista Leong, Nigerian American Commissioner Stella Okare, Galasars Dr. Daryl Saldanha and Zena Ashley Lucas, GSA Millets Ambassador Sara Bongale, National Wellness Chair Anu Malhotra, National Health Chair Pat Merryweather, Executive Director Naven Chundra Cara, Senior Vice President Dr. Rani Yusefzai, Lieutenant Governor Syed Mukkarum, Chinese Consul General Ambassador Wang Baodang, Global Ambassador Pin Ni, National Chair Dr. Hong Liu, State Representative La Shawn Ford, the AMEC's dynamic & tireless Secretary General Seeta Bala along with AMEC's Intergovernmental Chair Shree Gurusamy, & Global Affairs Mohita Sukumar heralded the Honorable Karnataka Health Minister U.T. Khader Fareed, and finally AMEC President Dr. VGP and Executive VP Kathy Thorat escorting Congressman Danny K. Davis himself. A Special garland of cardamoms from Tamil Nadu for Rep Danny Davis, sandalwood garlands from Karnataka for Ambassador Wang, Rep. Ford & Commissioner Donna Miller and a shawl blessed at Ajmer Dargah for Karnataka Minister U. T. Khader added a glittering touch to this memorable gala.

ABC Channel 7 which broadcasted the gala referred to AMEC's 15th Annual Gala as America's largest multi ethnic festival.

Awards flowed in four elegant segments, each introduced with reverence. Healthcare Organization of the Year went to Center for Social Change, accepted by CEO Dr. Jasdip Singh and COO Sajid Tarar for 26 years of autism care and interfaith leadership in Elkridge, Maryland. Global Icon Pin Ni was celebrated for transforming Wanxiang America into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise that bridges the United States and China. Visionary of the Year Sam Pitroda, architect of India’s telecom revolution with 100 patents and 20 honorary doctorates, reminded the room that young people with an average age of 23 once turned a dream into 1.5 billion telephones and $250 billion in software exports. Child of the Year Aiden Saldanha, Student of the Year Katana Murphy-Green, Lily Prabhakar Change Maker Rosie Ni, Lifetime Achievement Louis James, Journalist of the Year Judy Hsu (ABC7 anchor celebrating 25 years), and Volunteer of the Year Shiva Adhikari each stepped forward to thunderous applause.

Segment two honored Attorney of the Year Beau Brindley Esq., Champion of Ethnic Arts Jigar Shah (founder of Chicago Indian Arts and Literature Festival), Senior Citizen of the Year Susan Au, Youth of the Year Kriti Aryal, Dr. Pratap C. Kumar Outstanding Physician of the Year Dr. Omar B. Lateef of Rush University, Rising Artiste of the Year actor John David Castilla, Golden Palm Award for Sustainable Real Estate Excellence to Papachsorn Meepa and Dr. Sunil V. Manjarekar, John Saldanha Healthcare Entrepreneur Award to Ashley Lucas, and Community Service Award to Faye Yu.

After a moving Whitney Houston Experience by Sherie Yuette Withers and the powerful “Beyond Limits” fashion showcase by Prosthetic Foundation of Americafeaturing amputees Gerardo, Carlos, Angela, Carla, Pablo, Sed Ali, Elena, John Reynolds, Louis Santiago, Cherish, and technician Cliff who redefined possibility Segment three continued the celebration. Community Leadership Award Ye Liu, Organization of the Year Indian Community Outreach (ICO) Naperville led by Krishna Badal, Social Entrepreneur of the Year Sandra Ford of Beautiful Angels, Agri Vision Award Professor Dr. Senay Simsek, Community Activist of the Year Fai Fong, Mir Ali Ethnic Singer of the Year Chandra Lekha Gangavarapu, Global Resilience Award Zina Harvey, Humanitarian Leadership Award Dr. Qing Chen, Young Woman of the Year Shruthie Ramaswamy, and Bridge Builder Award Xiaojing Li all received their honors.

A 30-member Celebration in Motion by Peoria’s PJ Dance Academy (Prasanna Jeer) set the stage for Segment four. Abraham Lincoln Leadership Award went to Illinois Republican Party Chairman Bob Grogan. Global Civic Leadership Award was presented to Karnataka Health Minister U.T. Khader Fareed, who spoke of Swami Vivekananda’s Chicago message and the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam the world is one family. Power Couple of the Year Dan Davis and Jennifer Davis (Republican nominee for the 8th Congressional District) shone with partnership and purpose. Legacy Builder Award Jesse White III carried forward his grandfather’s 60-year tradition of youth empowerment. Global Dance Icon Prasanna Jeer, Man of the Year State Representative La Shawn K. Ford, Woman of the Year Vijay Sharma, and the Danny K. Davis Peace Prize to Hassan A. Muhammad closed the formal awards with deep emotion. A special commemorative plaque honored the late Dr. Pratap C. Kumar, presented in spirit to his family.

The evening’s competitive heart was the Edward & Lily Prabhakar Global Challenge Cup dance competition. Nine teams—MAHA and Dongfang Performing Arts Association, Lumina 12, My Dance Academy of Naperville, Gandal Ritia of Bali Ria Studio, Rhythm Warriors, Lelaya, Gungaru, International Garba Team, and Twinkling Stars Academy (featuring autistic children) poured soul into every step. After electrifying tributes, including Ed Hollins’ Moonwalker Michael Jackson performance that brought every dancer onstage for a collective finale, the judgesGauri Yadav, Simran Ahuja, Shirley Rodriguez, Marian Valdez, Anthony Oli, Michael Ortega, and Mother Love declared Lumina 12 the champions. Consul General Ambassador Wang Baodang and Congressman Davis presented the trophy.

Throughout the night, Democratic nominees State Representative La Shawn K. Ford and Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller, Republican nominee Jennifer Davis, Illinois Republican Chairman Bob Grogan, former Secretary of State Jesse White, and Consul General Wang Baodang stood shoulder to shoulder—proof that AMEC remains the national bipartisan ethnic coalition founded in 2009 by Congressman Danny K. Davis and Dr. Vijay G. Prabhakar. As the final group photographs of volunteers, ambassadors, and performers filled the stage, one truth echoed: when cultures dance together, America becomes stronger, kinder, and infinitely more beautiful.

“I salute Dr. Vijay G. Prabhakar Our fearless & selfless leader whose initiatives are trailblazing and path breaking globally which is unparalleled today under the guidance of the Living Legend U. S. Congressman Danny K. Davis Popularly known as Dr VGP, his creative magic has mesmerized the global for the past fifteen years by building bridges that no storm can wash away. This AMEC gala curated by Dr. VGP was not merely an event; it was a living declaration that America’s strength lies in every language, every faith, every step of every dancer. May the spirit of unity witness in Naperville continue to light the path for generations yet unborn” said Suresh Bodiwala, Chairman and Founder, Asian Media USA.