Dear Friends of Swadeshi Mela,

I am elated to extend my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all of you for making
Swadeshi Mela 2023 an extraordinary and unforgettable event. This inaugural Indian American Trade Fair, hosted in Naperville, Chicago, USA, was an ode to our rich Indian heritage, a celebration of cultural diversity, and a platform for economic empowerment.

Swadeshi Mela 2023 was a labor of love, and the success we achieved is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our incredible team. We envisioned this event as a bridge connecting India and America, uniting communities, and fostering a greater understanding of our shared values and traditions.

Through the Swadeshi Mela, we sought to provide a stage for Indian businesses, both
established and budding, to showcase their unique products. Our 30 vendors, hailing from various Indian states and even American businesses, presented a remarkable array of offerings, reflecting India's rich tapestry of culture, artistry, and innovation.
We are thrilled to have witnessed the fruitful collaborations and agreements that emerged from the B2B meetings, promising a brighter future for Indian products in the United States.

One of the highlights of Swadeshi Mela 2023 was the 'Bharat Dharshan,' a showcase of handcrafts, handloom products, and tourism materials from all 28 Indian states. This exhibit was a remarkable feat, offering visitors an unprecedented glimpse into India's diverse cultures and traditions in one location.

Our commitment to supporting the UN's Millet Vision was evident through the extensive display of millet-based products and their health benefits. We believe in the potential of millets to drive positive change, and we were thrilled to see many Indian companies participating virtually and contributing to this initiative.

We were honored to have the Consul General of India Embassy in Chicago, Shri Somnath Ghosh Ji, as the chief guest during the opening ceremony. His words of wisdom and encouragement resonated deeply with our mission of inclusivity and tribal empowerment.

Swadeshi Mela 2023 was also an occasion to recognize exceptional individuals making a difference. Ms. Shallu Jindal and Mr. Rahul Prakash received international awards for their outstanding contributions to social change. Their work exemplifies the transformative impact one can have when dedicated to improving lives and promoting India's rich heritage.

The spectacular fashion show hosted by renowned designer Rosy Ahluwalia showcased the beauty of Indian handloom, representing all 28 Indian states. It was a visual feast that highlighted the essence of our diverse nation.

Looking ahead, we are excited to announce Swadeshi Mela 2.0, scheduled for September 13-15, 2024. With your continued support, we aim to make it even grander, with the
participation of more than 100 companies. We will provide further details and open
registration in November 2023.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our media partner, A3N Media, and our dedicated team, whose unwavering commitment brought this international event to life. Thank you to all our sponsors, media partners, and supporters who played a vital role in making Swadeshi Mela 2023 a resounding success and a source of pride for India in the USA.
More than 20,000 attendees graced us with their presence at Swadeshi Mela 2023, and for that, we are immensely grateful. Your enthusiasm and support have made this journey worthwhile, and we eagerly anticipate your return for Swadeshi Mela 2.0.
In closing, I want to express my deepest gratitude to Nagesh Rai, Munish Kaistha, Namita Kaistha, Swati Kukain, Rahul Trivedi, Abhishek Kumawat, Dipal Mehta, Aparna Rai, Tijendra Sahu, Ragini Sahu, Shashi Sahu, Manish Jain, Pratik Mehta, Sonu Joshi, Abhijit Joshi, as well as all sponsors and media partners for making this international event a resounding success and a source of pride for India in the USA and our Swadeshi Mela family - the team, thevisitors, and our partners.

I extend my sincere gratitude to our Grand Sponsors, whose generous support played a pivotal role in making Swadeshi Mela 2023 a resounding success:

• International Fresh Market
• Shri Darshan Singh Dhaliwal
• Dr. Bharat Barai and Dr. Panna Barai
• Mr. Ajit Singh

Together, we have embarked on a remarkable journey to celebrate our heritage, support our communities, and build bridges between nations. Let's continue to embrace the spirit of Swadeshi and look forward to the exciting adventures that await us.

With warm regards,
Deepali Saraogi
President- DTribals Foundation