India Association of Minnesota

June 2024 Newsletter

51 Years Supporting the Indian Community

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IAM News & Events

The Consulate General of India, Chicago in collaboration with India Association of Minnesota is bringing back the Consular Camp to the Twin Cities.

Venue: Normandale Lutheran Church

6100 Normandale Road, Edina, MN. 55436

Click on the QRcode above or this link to register.

Flint Hills Family Festival

Celebrating the artist in every child.

"Dance, discover, and dream at the 2024 Flint Hills Family Festival! At this annual event, kids can dance to local and nationally renowned artists like Davina and the Vagabonds; 123 Andres!; NOOMA, an opera for babies; and Cirque Kalabanté with low-priced tickets. Plus, local music and dance groups, including fan favorite B2wins, will give FREE performances on two outdoor stages Friday night and Saturday beginning at 9:00 AM.

The whole family can discover all that Saint Paul has to offer by creating their own adventure through Rice Park, enjoying free interactive artmaking activities with Festival Partners including Children’s Theatre Company, Hoang Anh Vietnamese Dance Group, George Latimer Central Library, Math Happens, and so many more. With crafts, STEM activities, face painting, and balloon artists, there is something for everyone!"

Visit the India Association of Minnesota booth on Saturday, June 1, 2024.

Asian Fair

India Association of Minnesota will be particpating in the second Asian Fair. This free event is open to all. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the broader AAPI community. Enjoy Asian food, Performances (including IAM's own Fazel Haris),Cultural displays, Games, Exhibitors and more.

Date: Saturday, June 1, 2024

Time: 11:00 am - 7:00 pm

Venue: Hilde Performance Center, Plymouth

3450 Plymouth Blvd., Plymouth, MN 55447

Be sure to visit the IAM booth.

IAM Participating in the Community

SEWA-AIFW Health & Resources Fair

IAM President Meena Bharti, Dr. Dash, Honorary Board member Pradeep Sukhani and board members Sandeep & Nidhi Methi were on hand to support Anjuli Misra Cameron and the SEWA staff in this important service to the community. The Health & Resource Fair took place at the SEWA building on Saturday, May 4, 2024.

Many attended this free event which included presentations from experts and health screenings for blood pressure and A1C. Give aways and information was available. Service organizations and health insurance companies including Minnesota Senior Linkage Line, UCare, Medica and United Health had tables and representatives to answer questions.

Asian Fair Food Tasting

On Sunday, May 5, 2024, IAM Team members were at the Northwest Greenway Pavilion in Plymouth, MN to sample the food and beverages that will be featured at the Asian Fair on June 1, 2024.

Everyone enjoyed the variety of foods offered.

Be sure to visit the IAM booth at the Asian Fair.

In the picture below from IAM are Board members Fazel Haris, Ramla Hasanali, Sunitha Pilai and Analabha Dutta.

Woodbury Cricket Club Premier League Finals

On Tuesday, May 13, 2024, IAM President Meena Bharti presented the trophy and check to the Shine Lions for the Woodbury T1 Premier League(WPL). Congratulations to the winners. The Woodbury Cricket Club hosted the event. The Woodbury Cricket Club(WCC), Minnesota is serving the Cricket Community and developing cricket in the Twin city area. Recently, WCC conducted the Woodbury Premiere League comprised of six franchise based cricket teams. 110 players are registered to play on these teams. WPL encourages players of all ages to participate in Tournaments, Leagues, and Clinics.

Songkran Festival

On the occasion of the Songkran Festival, hosted by the Thai Cultural Council of Minnesotan and Wat Thai of St. Louis Park, India Association of Minnesota (IAM) was invited to a meeting with Thai Dignitaries from the Royal Thai government, Thai American leaders from across the country and Asian Pacific leaders from across Minnesota. A formal reception was held on May 16th at the Landmark Center in St. Paul. IAM was represented at the event by President Meena Bharti, Vice President Srividya and Government Relations Co-Chair Shruti Joshi. It was a grand Minnesota welcome to the Thai delegates, an opportunity for introductions and mingling, and a celebration of the vibrant culture and cuisine of Thailand. Miss Thailand Universe, Miss Thailand, second runner-up Miss Thailand, and the renowned Michelin Star Iron Chef-Thailand were present as Cultural ambassadors of Thailand.

IAM also proudly represented the Asian Indian diaspora as part of the broader API communities of Minnesota, at the inaugural ceremony of the Songkran Festival on the State Capitol grounds on May 18th. Songkran celebrates Thai New Year and draws thousands of Minnesotans and Midwesterners to experience Thai culture, the beauty of cultural diversity and optimism marking the beginning of the Thai New Year. As part of the API community, and representing India were IAM President Meena Bharti, General Secretary Managala Acharya and Government Relations Co-Chair Shruti Joshi. Songkran Festival ran through the weekend of May 18-19 and included several cultural performances, fashion show, parade, south asian food and small business vendors, opportunities for crowd participation and a papaya eating contest.

As part of the API community, and representing India were IAM President Meena Bharti, General Secretary Managala Acharya and Government Relations Co-Chair Shruti Joshi.

Edina AAPI Month Festival - KP

The Edina Asian American Alliance (EAAA) hosted its second annual Asian American Pacific Islander Month Festival on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Rosland Park in Edina.

The festival featured performances, food and was an amazing representation of the AAPI community in Edina. IAM President Meena Bharti and IAM interns, Krisha PIllai and Indra Khariwala spoke during the event about IAM and its connection to Edina.

Also in attendance from IAM were IAM Vice President Srividya Vaidyanathan, Board member Ramla Hasalani and past presidents Stefan Peterson (1988) and Shanti Shah (1992).

IAM at Allianz Field

The IAM booth at Allianz Field drew a lot of attention on Saturday evening, May 18, 2024. IAM sports lead, Sandeep Meethi arranged to have a booth in the main concourse prior to the game.

Thanks to the Allianz stadium and the Community Relations Director Cori Meixner and her team of Chris Chang and Kamal Hassan for their help.

IAM team members enjoying Minnesota United vrs Portland Timbers were IAM board members Analabha Dutta, Manoj Voona, Ram Rajagopalan, 2023 intern Shreya Ramraj and two young soccer enthusiasts, Vihaas Voona and Pranav Dutta. Minnesota United won 2-1!

L.I.V.E Empowered 2024

Twin Cities Rise held a recognition and awards event on Wednesday afternoon, May 22, 2022 at the American Swedish Institute. The first hour was for networking and refreshments.

The formal program started with four staff members speaking about their personal as well as client experiences. They spoke about four key self esteem beliefs that are necessary to success. I am loveable. I am Important. I am Valuable. I am Empowered.

TCR President Emmas Corrie, an Indian community member, addressed the guests, and thanked everyone for their support.

Pictured: IAM: Administration Alice Northrup, Honorary member Dr. Bruce Corrie, Board member Shruti Joshi, Emma Corrie, Honorary Board member Dr. S K Dash, IAM President Meena Bharti and TAC Chair Sreeni Checka.

https://twincitiesrise.org/

St Paul Tourism Celebration

IAM was invited to participate in St. Paul's Tourism Celebration on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at the Palace Theatre. IAM President Meena Bharti and General Secretary Mangala Acharya promoted IAM and IndiaFest, IAM's signature event, to be held on the Minnesota State Capitol grounds, August 17, 2024.

Making new connections during the event, IAM was invited by other cultural groups to have booths at their Cities festivals. Meena and Mangala enjoyed tasty treats from hotels and organizations in St. Paul.

IAM Interns

Meet IAM's 2024 Interns

Tanuj Sagar

Tanuj is a junior at East Ridge High School in Woodbury, MN. This is his second year on the IAM intern team. He is dedicated to making a difference in his community through his involvement on the intern team. Tanuj has a desire to help others and make sure they have access to resources that they will need. He hopes to make good connections through IAM and get to know more people. Along with this, Tanuj is an active member of his high school community. He is a part of multiple high school sports. Also, he is a part of his school's National Honor Society, Asian American Student Union, and Math Team. Some of Tanuj’s hobbies include lifting weights, playing guitar, and traveling.

Ananya Velpuri

Ananya is currently a senior at Prior Lake High School. This is her second year as an IAM intern and she is serving on the Government Relations, Cultural, and By-Laws committees. She greatly appreciates the opportunities she is able to participate in through IAM. She even interviewed a state representative. Beyond her involvement with IAM, Ananya is deeply passionate about healthcare and is considering pursuing a career as a surgeon and working in public health. She keeps busy with various school clubs, including serving board positions in Debate, Model UN, and Laker Leaders. In her free time, Ananya enjoys karate, where she teaches and competes, going out with friends, and working out at the gym. Ananya will be attending the University of Minnesota Twin Cities in the fall on the pre-med track.

IAM Membership

India Association of Minnesota invites you to become a sustaining member of the organization. As the Indian population in Minnesota increases, it is more important than ever that the community be involved in the activities of IAM as it represents our common interests.

The benefits are many, including participation in the annual election of IAM officers and board members, running for a seat on the board or becoming a part of the IAM committees (Government Relations, Cultural, History and SAARI).

For more information send an email to contact@iamn.org and an IAM board member will contact you. To become an IAM member Click Here or click on the QR code.

Welcome to new IAM members

Upcoming IAM Calendar of Events

Event/Date/Venue

• Flint Hills Family Festival - June 1
• Consular Camp - June 15, TBD
• International Yoga Day in partnership - June, TBD
• IAM Picnic - July
• Cricket Tournament (Recommended new event), TBD
• Indiafest 2024 - August 17th, Minnesota State Capitol grounds
• IAM Golf Tournament - September 7th
• NonViolence Day - Oct 2nd
• Pink Garba Women's Health event - October TBD
• Dhanyawaad - December TBD

Watch for coming events in future newsletters, on Facebook and the IAM website www.iamn.org.

SAARI

Juneteenth - June 19th

Happy Juneteenth! Today, we honor and celebrate freedom, while reflecting on the deep historical roots of this day. On June 19, 1865, the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their liberation—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Here's why this day matters:

• "Freedom Delayed is Freedom Denied" Juneteenth reminds us of the long, painful delay in emancipating all slaves, a stark reminder that justice delayed can have profound impacts on communities.

• Education and Reflection: This day offers an opportunity to learn more about Black history, understand the struggles and celebrate the achievements of Black Americans throughout history.

• Community and Celebration: Juneteenth is not just a day of reflection but also a day of vibrant celebrations, marked by festivals, music, and food that honor African American culture.

• Continued Advocacy: Recognizing Juneteenth helps us stay committed to the ongoing fight against systemic racism and inequality that persists today.

As we commemorate this pivotal moment in history, let's embrace the spirit of liberation and justice for all. How are you celebrating Juneteenth this year? Share your stories and join the conversation.

Edina Anti-Racism Collective



The Anti-Racism Collective in collaboration with filmmaker, Louise Woehrle, will host a screening and discussion of the documentary A Binding Truth on the morning of Wednesday June 19th at the Edina Theater. The film is about two men, former high school football teammates, now in their seventies, one white and one black and tells a beautiful, touching story about slavery, its impact, and how people can change for the better. 

8:30 - 9:00 Registration and Seating

9:00-11:00 Screening followed by Director's comments

11:00 - 12:00 Discussion and wrap up.

To register for this free event Click Here

We Are the Noise:

The Echoes of Our Ancestors

Juneteenth is a celebration of abolition, Black freedom, Black joy, Black history, and Black futures. This year’s event will be centered around disruption, reverberation, and amplification with our 2024 theme: We are the Noise- The Echoes of our Ancestors! This interactive block party includes a commemorative march, live performances, free food, Black vendors, giveaways, art-making, workshops, roller skating, and an interactive kids zone.

The University of Minnesota will host its third annual Juneteenth Celebration block party and commemorative march in North Minneapolis on Saturday, June 15, 2024, from 11 am to 5 pm. This free event – centering on the theme of We Are the Noise: The Echoes of Our Ancestors – will feature Black vendors, speakers, workshops, fashion show, storytellers, drumline, dancers, musicians, performers, DJs, live screen printing, roller skating, books, free food, free haircuts, art-making, a bouncy house, petting zoo, and more. The event will be held at the University’s Robert J. Jones Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC). This event, led by Professor Terresa Moses, is presented by the Office for Equity and Diversity and the College of Design.

https://juneteenth.umn.edu/

Pride Month



As we celebrate love and equality, it’s crucial to remember that being an ally to the LGBTQ+ community goes beyond rainbow flags and parades. Here are some ways we can all make a difference:

• Educate Yourself: Take time to understand the history, struggles, and victories of LGBTQ+ rights. Knowledge is the first step towards empathy.

• Speak Up: Use your voice to stand against homophobia, transphobia, and discrimination. Silence often means complicity.

• Support LGBTQ+ Businesses: This month, and every month, choose to support businesses owned by LGBTQ+ individuals.

• Respect Pronouns: Something as simple as using the correct pronouns can make a world of difference in making everyone feel accepted.

• Attend Events: Whether virtual or in-person, participating in Pride events shows solidarity and helps fund various LGBTQ+ causes.

Let’s strive to create a more inclusive world, not just during Pride Month but every day. Share your stories, educate, show up, and most importantly—love generously!

Government Relations & Civic Engagement

Election 2024



2024 is a significant election year, and the Indian-American community’s vote is more important than ever. Voting is crucial because it is the foundation of our democracy, giving us the power to shape the policies and leadership that affect our daily lives. Every vote counts, and your participation ensures that our community's voice is heard.

Who can vote?  

In Minnesota, you are eligible to register to vote if you:

• Are at least 16 years old to pre-register and at least 18 years old on the day of the election in which you intend to vote
• Are a U.S. citizen
• Maintain residence in Minnesota for at least 20 days before Election Day
• Are not currently incarcerated for a felony conviction
• Are not under court-ordered guardianship in which the court order revokes your right to vote
• Have not been found by a court to be legally incompetent to vote

This year, there are exciting updates to election eligibility and access. Notably: 

1. Early voting access has expanded, allowing more flexible voting options before Election Day. As of June 2024 eligible voters will be able to request to be added to a list to automatically be sent an absentee ballot during the early vote period, instead of needing to apply again ahead of every election. This will save time for voters who know they want to continue voting from home.

2. 16 and 17 year olds can now pre-register allowing them to submit a voter registration form, and have their registration take effect on their 18th birthday

3. Automatic voter registration has been established, making it easier for eligible Minnesotans to register and vote (Office of Minnesota). Those applying for an instructional permit, driver’s license or state ID, will now also be registered to vote if they meet all eligibility requirements, including citizenship. In addition to making it easier to vote, this will allow elections officials to streamline the process of updating voter rolls. Minnesotans will be able to opt-out of registering to vote within 20 days of their registration being processed.

4. Multilingual ballots will now be available. Voter instructions in the three most commonly spoken non-English languages will be provided in every polling place statewide. Additional language access such as translation services will be provided at qualifying polling places, according to census data.

Several other election reforms were passed in the 2023 State Legislature that go into effect in 2024. Read about them in MN State Reformer

Stay informed, get involved, and make sure your voice is part of this pivotal election!

Important dates in 2024:

June 28       Vote by mail or in person for the Primary

July 23        Register in advance by July 23 to save time on Primary Election Day

August 13      PRIMARY ELECTION

September 20  Vote by mail or in person September 20 – November 4

October 15     Register in advance by October 15 to save time on Election Day

November 5    ELECTION DAY

Click on this link to find out everything you need to know about registering to vote.

https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/register-to-vote/

Your vote matters!

 Antarnaad School of Hindustani Music

The Antarnaad School is excited to announce its second annual summer workshop on Hindustani (North Indian Classical) Music. Last year’s workshop was very well received. 25 students received training for several weeks and performed in the inaugural student recital of Antarnaad in June of 2023.

In this year’s 4-session workshop, we will give voice lessons and cover the salient aspects of Hindustani Music through lecture-demonstrations (lec-dems). The workshop will be spread over 4 days, from May 25 to June 15 (Saturdays for ages 7-17 and Thursdays for Adults), culminating in a student recital on June 22.

Workshop Instructors are Dr. Pooja Goswami Pavan & Prof. Dr. Shailendra Goswami

To enroll: Please email a brief statement of your interest to naad.leela@gmail.com

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

BAPS Charities : In the Joy of Others Walk / Run 2024 

Date: Sunday June 16, 2024

Time: 9 AM to 6 PM

(Walk followed by Lunch & Picnic)

Venue: Elm Creek Park Reserve (Acorn Shelter)

12400 James Deane Pkwy, 

Maple Grove, MN 55369

BAPS Charities harnesses the efforts and collective spirit of volunteers around the world to serve individuals, families and communities in five key areas: 

Community Empowerment, Educational Services, Environmental Protection & Preservation, Health & Wellness, and Humanitarian Relief.  

Taken together, these initiatives empower individuals to volunteer their time and resources to create a better community, nation and world.

Register, Donate and Raise funds 

https://www.bapscharities.org/usa/minneapolis/walkrun2024minneapolis/

For additional details or questions, contact Kalpesh Hingu at or.mp.admin@usa.baps.org

www.baps.org/minneapolis

Katha Dance Theatre (KDT)

KDT is pleased to announce the world premiere of Ganga: A Choreographic Odyssey at E.M. Pearson Theatre! With this production, director/choreographer Rita Mustaphi is premiering a film screening and live Kathak dance combination to create a unique cultural spectacle.

Ganga uses Kathak to convey the universal importance of protecting and conserving water sources. It portrays the mythological creation of the river Ganga (or Ganges), depicting Ganga as a nourishing river of life, a source of religious significance, but also one of the world's most polluted rivers that needs saving from environmental destruction.

A roster of acclaimed guest musicians accompanies KDT's Company and apprentices onstage, including Nirmala Rajasekar (vocals), Satyaprakash Mishra (tabla), Jayanta Banerjee (sitar), and Sriram N. Iyer (Mridangam), Sujeet Phanse (flute) and Abhinav Sharma (percussion).

Dates & Times: June 14 - 15 at 7:30 pm

June 16 at 2 pm (ASL-interpreted)

Runtime: 80 minutes (includes 20 minute intermission)

Venue: Concordia University - E.M. Pearson Theatre

312 Hamline Ave. N., St. Paul, MN 55104

Tickets: General Admission: $35, Students & Seniors (65+): $20

KDT is pleased to be sponsoring a public performance by Kathak master and senior-most disciple of the late Pandit Birju Maharaj, guru Saswati Sen. KATHAK - The Storytellers is taking place at Hopkins High School on June 29!

Starting at 7:30 pm, Ms. Sen will begin the show with a solo Kathak performance. The second half will feature Maitreyee Pahari and the company dancers from Lok Chhanda performing SUFIANA - A World of Spiritual Love, a mixture of Kathak dance and Sufi poetry.

This one-night-only show presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see some of Indian classical dance's greatest living performers.

Event: KATHAK - The Storytellers

Date & Time: June 29, 2024 at 7:30 PM

Venue: Hopkins High School, 2400 Royals Dr, Minnetonka, MN 55305

Tickets: General Admission $20, Students $15 (on sale June3, 2024)

Katha Dance Theatre

Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA)

Mewar (Udaipur) workshop 

India, 18th century



Maharana Sangram Singh II Performing Puja Before a Statue of Krishna, c. 1725

Opaque watercolor heightened with gold on paper 

The William Hood Dunwoody Fund and the Jane and James Emison Endowment for South Asian and Indian Art 2023.59

IAM encourages the Indian community to visit the Indian Galleries at MIA and the rotating exhibits.

The Shape of Time: Korean Art after 1989

The first generation of artists of Korean descent to experience the new freedoms and rapid changes ushered in by democracy reflect on social and political tensions, economic and cultural shifts, and illuminate the ironies of globalization. This exhibit ends June 23, 2024.

artsmia.org

Hindu Society of Minnesota

HSMN invites the community to the Carnatic Jazz Concert.

Date: Saturday, June 2, 2024

Time: 4:00 6:00 pm

Venue: HSMN Auditorium, Maple Grove, MN.

Click on the QRcode to purchase tickets.

************

Save the Date for Cultural Heritage Day.

Date: Saturday, July 13, 2024

Time: 11:00 - 3:00 pm

To register Click Here

https://www.hindutemplemn.org/

Minnesota Malayalee Association

You are invidted to join MMA for Eid Night 2024 for an evening of cultural programs and a delightful culinary experience.

Date: Saturday, June 8, 2024

Venue: North Garden Theater

929 W 7th Street, St Paul, MN 55102

Purchase your tickets today at https://mnmalayalee.org/mma/?p=5739 and enjoy the early bird discount for MMA members until May 26, 2024! Limited seats available!

https://mnmalayalee.org/

Pangea World Theater

This August, Pangea World Theater is expanding our education programming to middle schoolers, offering three Summer Camps for 4th to 6th graders. 

These camps are rooted in Pangea's belief in creating spaces where a multiplicity of experiences and cultures can enter a space and be creative together. Engaging in theater helps build confidence, community, team-building, and expressions of creativity! 

All camps are also priced on a sliding scale to stay accessible to all families. 

Pangea World Theater

TCTA, MMA, MNFK

One Unforgettable Night! The Twin Cities Tamil Association (TCTA), in exciting collaboration with the Minnesota Malayalee Association (MMA) , Minnesota Friends Karoake (MNFK) and in partnership with Dr.Dash Foundation, is thrilled to bring legendary singer Unnikrishnan and his talented daughter, Uthara, to Minneapolis for a live light music concert with a team of 11 members!

Date: Sunday, June 30, 2024

Time: 5:00 - 9:00 pm

Venue: Central Middle School Performing Arts Center

8025 School Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55344

For tickets Click Here

www.tctamn.org

Miscellaneous

FATHER’s DAY

June 16, 2024



"To the world, you might be just one person, but to one person you might just be the world." Happy Father's Day to all the incredible dads out there, every child's first superhero.

Today and everyday, we celebrate the unbreakable bond between fathers and their children. Whether it’s the countless bedtime stories, the endless games of catch, or the quiet moments of guidance, you've made our worlds infinitely brighter and safer.

Dads, thank you for being our first best friend, our steadfast protector, and our lifelong mentor. Your strength and love have shaped us in ways words can never fully express. We honor you by holding those precious moments close to our hearts.

Remembering the fathers who are no longer with us.

IAM withes the wonderful men in our lives a HAPPY Father's DAY!!

IAM Inaugural Literary Showcase participant releases new novel

Join Pallavi Sharma Dixit at Barnes & Noble for a book signing of her debut novel on June 4, 2024. The novel is "a delightful and perceptive jaunt into the heart of the Indian American community of New Jersey. Edison is a charming, often hilarious novel brimming over with life, laughter and dreams worthy of the most outrageous Bollywood movies".

https://www.pallavisharmadixit.com/

The inaugural IAM Literary Showcase in January was a bigger than expected success. Watch for future events featuring Minnesota connected authors and others in the arts.

Doodle for Google

State Winner announcement



Congratulations to Hiya Ghosh, this year’s Minnesota State winner of the Doodle 4 Google competition! Google was impressed by Hiya's creativity, imagination, and artistic talent. 

This year’s theme “My wish for the next 25 years…” Hiya is in the grade 3 and under category.

The pubic can vote for their favorite doodle from May 22 - June 4, 2024 at https://doodles.google.com/d4g/

Stay Connected with IAM

Visit the IAM Website IAM Facebook Instagram @iamnorg

IAM is on X (twitter) too!

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.