A Decade of Light and Leadership: ASARP’s 10th Annual Diwali Gala Illuminates Elmhurst

Culture Meets Commerce: South Asian Real Estate Professionals Shine in Elmhurst

Lamps, Leadership, and New Beginnings: ASARP Installs Its Next Board

 

Chicago, IL: On a radiant Friday evening, October 30, 2026 at the Waterford Banquet & Conference Center, 933 S. Riverside Drive in Elmhurst, Illinois, the Association of South Asian Real Estate Professionals [ASARP] turned a decade of quiet determination into a night of celebration, connection, and renewed purpose. Under the banner “Celebrating Our Community, Honoring Our Connections, Building Our Future,” the 10th Annual Diwali Gala brought together real estate professionals, community leaders, industry partners, and families in a glowing affirmation that culture and commerce can strengthen each other.

 

The evening opened with warmth and tradition. Masters of Ceremonies Niti and Mansi welcomed the gathering and set a tone of joy and pride. Outgoing President Sunita Kakarlapudi, a dedicated real estate professional, investor, and community leader known for her client-first philosophy and international work spanning the UAE, India, Kenya, and Mexico, officially commenced the program. The Lamp Lighting Ceremony followed an intimate Diwali ritual in which dignitaries and guests together illuminated the room, symbolizing light over darkness and the collective strength of the community.

 

Distinguished guests were recognized and honored with traditional shawls. Among those present were Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Secretary Mario Treto Jr.; Director of the Division of Real Estate Laurie Murphy; State Senator Laura Murphy; former U.S. Representative Melissa Bean; DuPage County Board Member Saba Haider; Elmhurst Mayor Scott Levin; Naperville City Councilman Ashfaq Hussain Syed; Consul (Head of Chancery and Community Affairs) Lima Mathew of the Consulate General of India; Illinois Realtors President Debbie Prodehl; Aurora community leader Sweta Baid; Chicago Association of Realtors President Vicki Smano; Main Street Organization of Realtors President Greg Phillips; and other industry leaders including Carrie Little, Sarah Wear, and past Illinois Realtors President Matt Silver. Each received a warm welcome and a mark of respect that reflected ASARP’s deep ties to both the profession and the broader civic fabric.

 

ASARP Chairman Pradeep B. Shukla, also a Director of the National Association of Realtors and past president of the Mainstreet Organization of Realtors, delivered thoughtful remarks. He began with a moment of silence for Lynn Medicine, a longtime supporter and realtor whose recent passing was felt deeply by the organization. Looking back over ten years, he spoke of how a modest initiative to bring South Asian professionals together had grown into a respected platform for relationships, knowledge-sharing, leadership development, and opportunity. He thanked the National Association of Realtors, Illinois Realtors, IDFPR, Main Street Realtors, and all sponsors, and shared a special video message from NAR President Kevin Brown, who praised the organization’s professionalism and global outreach. Pradeep also expressed personal gratitude to his wife Harsha Shukla for her quiet, steadfast support, and recognized colleagues Anjali Mohanty, Bhailal Patel, Vimal Pandya, Rajesh Patel, and Kantilal Patel.

 

Vice Chair Shirin Marvi, Designated Managing Broker and founder of her own firm, a Top 3% REALTOR, and member of the Illinois Real Estate Administration and Disciplinary Board, reflected on the friendships, partnerships, and opportunities ASARP has created. She celebrated the organization’s evolution into a true community and family and offered warm congratulations to outgoing President Sunita Kakarlapudi and incoming President Nick Verma.

 

The formal installation of the 2026–2027 Board of Directors became a centerpiece of the evening. Community leader Keerthi Kumar Ravoori, former President of the Federation of Indian Associations Chicago and newly identified Chair of the Indian American Business Council, administered the oath. Board members Pradeep Shukla, Shirin Marvi, Sunita Kakarlapudi, Nick Verma, Nimish Jani, Bhailal M. Patel, and Kantilal Patel stood together as they pledged to uphold the constitution, bylaws, and code of ethics of the association and to serve the best interests of the profession and its members. In a special recognition, Anjali Mohanty was appointed Joint Treasurer for her extraordinary dedication without formal title—an appointment that drew warm applause.

 

Incoming President Nick Verma, CEO and Managing Broker of Midwest Realty and Brokerage and a leader within Main Street Realtors and IDFPR advisory circles, accepted the responsibility with clear-eyed optimism. He thanked Pradeep Shukla, Shirin Marvi, and Sunita Kakarlapudi for the strong foundation they built, recognized senior members Kantilal Patel and Bhailal Patel, and expressed gratitude to his wife and son. Looking ahead, he outlined a practical vision: elevating ASARP’s national profile, growing meaningful membership, expanding global connections especially with India, equipping members with technology and AI training, nurturing young leaders, and continuing to give back to the community. His promise was simple and strong—he would give his full time, energy, and commitment so that members could look back on real progress.

 

Cultural performances wove color and energy through the formal program. Srivani Vokkarane presented a graceful Kathak. High-energy Bhangra brought the spirit of Punjab to the floor. A vibrant Bollywood dance closed the performance segment. Guests also enjoyed complimentary mehndi, vendor booths, networking, and a shared dinner that allowed conversations to deepen.

 

Throughout the evening the organizing circle Event Chair Sunita Kakarlapudi, Membership Chair Nick Verma, Sponsorship Chair Pradeep B. Shukla, Gala Committee member Shirin Marvi, Information lead Anjali Mohanty, and the full advisory board including Ajit Singh, Anil Lumba, Ashok Laxmanani, Harsha Shukla, and many others worked with quiet efficiency. Their collective effort turned a professional gala into a genuine community celebration.

 

As the night drew to a close, one truth stood clear. In ten years ASARP has grown from a modest gathering into a respected force that connects careers, cultures, and generations. On this Diwali evening in Elmhurst, the Association of South Asian Real Estate Professionals did more than mark a milestone. It lit lamps for the decade ahead—lamps of opportunity, relationship, and shared purpose.

 

“When professionals gather not only to network but to honor culture, remember those who walked with them, and install the next generation of leaders with sincerity, an organization becomes more than an association it becomes a living community. ASARP’s tenth Diwali Gala showed exactly that spirit. May the light they kindled continue to guide careers, friendships, and service for many years to come” Mr. Suresh Bodiwala, Chairman and Founder of Asian Media USA.