India Association of Minnesota

September 2025 Newsletter

52 Years Supporting the Indian Community

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We are India Association of Minnesota

A Message from the IAM Past Presidents

India Association of Minnesota (IAM) brings Minnesota’s Asian Indian community together to serve all Minnesotans. We amplify our partner organizations by pooling resources and spotlighting the values that unite us—Culture that welcomes. Charity that shows up. Connections that endure. You see this in impactful initiatives like emergency relief, consular camps, policy engagement, IndiaFest, and year-round grassroots volunteering.

Fifty-two years strong—and, like any volunteer-led organization, always a work in progress— we listen, learn, and act with transparency. We’re proudly nonpartisan and pro-community. IAM takes a balanced, long-term view so diverse, multi-faith, multi-generational voices are represented—not just the loudest ones. Our North Star is simple: bridge perspectives, build common good.

Join us. Shape our work. Help strengthen this institution for the next generation. Membership options are in this issue; General Body Meeting (GBM) details will follow next month.

Many voices. One community. A force for good.

IAM News & Events

IndiaFest

 by India Association of Minnesota

For the third year in a row, the rains threatened to make for a monsoon like IndiaFest and like previous years, the weather cleared just in time for the 42nd annual event. The IAM information booth and IAM merchandise booth on MLK Blvd were ready to meet and greet the arriving crowds. IndiaFest took place on Saturday, August 16, 2025 on the beautiful Minnesota State Capitol grounds. Partner. sponsor business and service organization booths covered both the upper and lower Capitol malls.

A highlight of the day is always the parade during the early afternoon. Led by the IAM Board, dignitaries, regional partners and corporate sponsors walk, dance and perform as they proceeded up the mall, past the cultural stage, where past board member, Sayali Amarapurkar and IAM Intern Sricharan Kanajam identified the groups as they marched past. With the State Capitol as a backdrop, the Indian and United States flags were hoisted by Sen Eric Pratt and Dr Sri Zaheer, with the guidance of IAM Committee member Venkat Seemakurthy. The Star Spangled Banner and Jana Gana Mana were beautifully sung by Prerna Manjunath, Avni Ranade,,Biradar and Rishi Raichur accompanied by talented violinists, Shritha Devaraju, Shiven Kharidehal, Vedant Chetan, Keshav Kharidehal, Anahi Mathad and Manya Mathad.

Emcee for the segment, IAM Board member Shruti Joshi, introduced Senator Pratt and Dr Zaheer who both addressed the assembled guests. Shruti then acknowledged the other dignitaries and special guests. IAM Intern, Anuraa Venkat gave an inciteful speech on the youth perspective now and for the future.

The Vision of Gandhi award was announced at Non-Violence Day in October of 2024. Co-founders, Dr. Manish Wani and Atul Kothari from the Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston ( EGMH) were presented with the award at this year's IndiaFest by Honorary Board member, Ram Gada. Mary Xiong from the Office of the Governor presented the IndiaFest Proclamation to IAM President Srividya Vaidyanathan. IAM Board member & past president, Meena Bharti presented the Student Achievement Awards with Dr. SK Dash. Congratulations to Adhitya Balasubramanian for Community Service, Kayna Aneja for Entrepreneurial Leadership, Harshita Rai for Arts & Sports, Alan Thomas and Thanishka Shetty for Overall accomplishment.

Dignitaries and guests were welcomed to the VIP booth by IAM Board member Sanjay Terakanambi. While networking they enjoyed a sampling of appetizers from the food vendors. IAM lifetime members mixed with the dignitaries and picked up their swag bags.

IAM past presidents on hand were Stefan Peterson (1988), Shanti Shah (1992), Niru Misra (1994), Ashoke Mandal (2002), Ramesh Muniswamy (2006), Kusum Gosain (2012), Ravi Sagi (2018), Nash Shaikh (2019), Sreeni Checka(2020) and Meena Bharti (2024). IAM thanks the past presidents for actively supporting the IAM initiatives and events.

Community Cultural performances took place on the main stage with the beautiful Minnesota State Capitol as a backdrop. IAM Interns Trisha Manjure and Thanvi Chada were the emcees.

Family and friends were in the audience to support the dancers who have practiced and continue to bring the Indian love of dance to Minnesotans.

The warm up performers for the late afternoon performances were Natyakala Dance School and Utkala Odissi Dance School.

Always a highlight of the cultural performance, the professional dance companies performed during afternoon prime time. Their amazing dances were applauded by the appreciative audience.

Appearing on the main stage were Ragamala, Kala Vandanam and Nritya Kalakshetra Academy, much to the delight of the audience.

The laughter of children could be heard as they bounced on the most inflatables ever at IndiaFest. The Activities booth, manned by IAM Associate Board members, Manjula Raman and Muniesh Khandelwal, was busy with the spin board, tattoos, bindis, carrom, chess, face painting and more.

No Indian event is complete without delicious Indian delicacies. Hyderabad House, Hometown Creamery, Bakke Fresh Sugarcane Juice, Northern Aloha Ice, Jill Jill Soda, Hyderabad Indian Grill, India Bazaar-Plymouth, Cafe Viola LLC, Da Fresh Sugarcane, Mr Momo, Piazza Karma, Chakh Le Foodie and Go Crepe were doing a fast business along John Ireland Blvd. The picnic area was full as everyone relaxed and enjoyed visiting with friends and acquaintances while enjoying some of their favorite foods.

Henna was popular and busy all day. Bazaar booths with a beautiful array of Indian clothes, jewelry and other Indian goods were surrounded by eager shoppers.

Bollywood Night - Remix Masala concluded the days activities . To rev up the crowd, there were lively youth performances by MN Junoon and TC Euphoria, emceed by the Sur aur Taal team. IndiaFest ended with a wonderful performance by Ananth Vikram and the Raga Rewired band. We were privileged to have Ananth and team at IndiaFest during his tour of the United States.

India Association of Minnesota thanks the Minnesota State Capitol, One Simple Plan (OSP) for their logistics collaboration, the Capitol Police who kept us safe. Daffodils Studios - Arun George and photographer, Rajesh Govindraj, inflatables by David & Heather Scheel and the Dr SK Dash Foundation.

IndiaFest can't happen without our wonderful sponsors. IAM thanks Metro Regional Arts Council, Minnesota State Arts Board, Minnesota Humanities Center, Dr SK Dash Foundation, Best Buy, KPMG, Old National Bank, State Farm, Andersen Window, Think Bank, Southwest Transit, and Metro Transit.

And finally, it takes months of planning and hours of work by the entire IAM board to bring IndiaFest to the Indian community. It is IAM's signature event where the Indian community can celebrate and the greater Minnesota community can learn and Experience India in a Day.

IAM 2025 President Srividya Vaidyanathan led this remarkable group of volunteers: Mangala Acharya, Sunitha Pillai, Uma Venkat, Analabha Dutta, Anurag Saurabh, Nithya Balakrishnan Mathad, Meena Bharti, Sanjay Terakanambi, Shruti Joshi, Rashmi Jindani, Vipasha Varma, Reena Raichur, Aditi Velankar, Madhulika Gaur, Manjula Raman, Muniesh Khandelwal, Dr. Manjula Raman, Fazel Haris, Dr. Bruce Corrie, Venkat Seemakurty and Alice Northrup.

Our very talented interns Trisha Manjure, Thanvi Chada, Sricharan Kanajam, Rhythm Hrishikesh Shah, Rishi Raichur, Shritha Devaraju and Anokhi Shah contributed their fair share of roles towards the success of this mega event.

Everyone from IAM went home happy, exhausted and proud of IndiaFest 2025!

Upcoming IAM Events

India Association of Minnesota (IAM) invites you to a day of commemoration of Mahatma Gandhi's birthday, an opportunity for reflection and pledge to action on carrying his legacy onwards in our contemporary times.

This is a free event, open to all Minnesotans, in partnership with Minnesota Historical Society, Dr. Dash Foundation and Twin-Cities Non Violent.

Registration is required to help us plan for logistics and to make your visit engaging. Thank you for committing to participating in this event.

To register Click Here

Save the Date

India Association of Minnesota (IAM) will be hosting an event on health & wellness.

Pink Garba was all about breast cancer and we focused on that In 2021 thru 2023. Last year, we expanded to all cancers and our fundraising event was Pink Musical, bringing in a whopping $9K for the Randy Shaver Cancer Foundation.

We are expanding our health awareness event again. Click here for more information. Put the date on your calendars now!

November 1, 2025

Eisenhower Community Center

1001 MN 7

Hopkins, MN 55305

For tickets Click Here

Join India Association of Minnesota

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.

Upcoming IAM Calendar of Events

Event/Date/Venue

• Non-Violence Day - October 4th, Minnesota History Center
• Health Awareness Event - November 1st, Eisenhower Community Center
• Dhanyawad - December 6th, TBD

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

Community Events

Celebrating Ananya Dance Theatre's 20th Season in 2025!

Sept 19-20, 7:30 pm

The O'Shaughnessy at St. Catherine University

2004 Randolph Ave, St. Paul

All tickets Pay-what-you-can starting at $5

Suggested price: $35

 https://www.ananyadancetheatre.org/dances/swapn-jhnp-dream-jumping

ONE TICKET = TWO EVENTS!

Swapnō Jhnāp: Dream Jumping Early Bird tickets

Learn More

or

Buy Tickets

⁣Must purchase by midnight September 1st! Use code ADT@20!

TOGETHER, IN PRACTICE 

Retrospective Documentary Film

20 Years of Ananya Dance Theatre

Created by Darren Johnson from 20 years of ADT Footage

plus

Artist Conversation and Reception

Saturday, September 6, 2025, 7-8:30 pm

After the film and moderated conversation, stay for nibbles and sips and mingle with ensemble members and collaborating artists.

Barbara Barker Center for Dance

University of MN

 500 21st Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55455

USE CODE "ADT@20"

Your O'Shaughnessy ticket receipt will include the message

"20 YEARS - EXTRA EVENT TICKET"

and you will receive a confirmation email with more details

directly from ADT on Tuesday, September 2. 

Questions? Email https://www.ananyadancetheatre.org/

Ananya Dance Theatre thanks the following organizations

for their ongoing support of our work . .



Gujarati Samaj of Minnesota (GSMN)

www.mngujaratisamaj.org

Charudatta Aphale is very famous kirtankar in India and currently on USA tour . He will be performing in Minneapolis on 14th September.

Aviraj Tayade is direct student of Pandit Bhimsen Joshi . He will be performing with Charudatta.

Indian Music Society of Minnesota (IMSOM)

https://www.imsom.org/

KATHA DANCE THEATRE

ANNOUNCES LOCAL PREMIERE OF "NATURE'S REVENGE"

Katha Dance Theatre (KDT) is excited to bring the local premiere of Prakritir Pratisodh - Nature's Revenge! to the O’Shaughnessy at St. Catherine University on November 8 - 9, 2025. This performance marks the MN debut of the evening-length show, which expands upon the original concept that was performed as a work-in-progress at the Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts' Fall Forward Festival in 2023.

Nature's Revenge portrays through Kathak dance a series of vignettes depicting what happens when human actions drive the five basic elements (or "Panchabhuta" – earth, water, fire, air, and space – which in Indian philosophy and Ayurveda are considered the fundamental building blocks of the universe and the human body) out of sync, and how we can work together to bring them back into harmony.

Featuring new and expanded choreography by KDT Artistic Director Rita Mustaphi and music composed by Pandit Birju Maharaj, Sarat Srivastav, Rajeev Chakraborty and Jayanta Banerjee, the show is in keeping with KDT's mission to propel the Kathak tradition into genre-bending spaces, including social justice and climate change advocacy.



Nature's Revenge revels in nature’s beauty while shedding light on the importance of collectively fostering a relationship of mutual respect with the earth.

Prakritir Pratisodh - Nature’s Revenge! | The O’Shaughnessy at St. Catherine University, 2004 Randolph Ave., St. Paul, 55105 | November 8 at 7:30 pm and Nov. 9 at 2 pm (ASL-interpreted) | Tickets available on O'Shaughnessy's website.

https://www.kathadance.org/

Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia)

Painted Poetry: Art of the Rajput Courts

Rajput paintings evoke many moods and senses. They tell stories about the beliefs, desires, myths, poetry, and power that shaped the royal Rajput courts of northern India during the 16th to 19th centuries. Rajput artists chose subject matter that was meant to engage all of our senses (taste, touch, smell, sound, and sight) and elicit emotional responses—an aesthetic experience known as rasa. Love, laughter, fury, compassion, disgust, horror, heroism, wonder, and tranquility are the nine rasas of Indian aesthetics and offer one way to interpret Rajput paintings.

May 10, 2025 - May 10, 2026

Gallery 212 - Free Exhibition

https://new.artsmia.org/exhibitions

Only a few weeks to go—A NAMIWalks Minnesota

You Don’t Want To Miss! On Saturday, September 27

NAMI Minnesota will host one of their most meaningful events, NAMIWalks Minnesota!

If you haven't yet registered or joined a team, now's the time! Join Sewa-AIFW team. Together, we can raise awareness, fight discrimination against people living with a mental illness, support families, and help expand mental health programs among South Asian families across Minnesota.

NAMIWalks Minnesota

Saturday, September 27 | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Minnehaha Regional Park, Minneapolis, MN 55417

Register to walk with Sewa-AIFW Team: https://www.namiwalks.org/teams/76918?language=en&cmr=474BBFA6613A 

More general Information: https://www.namiwalks.org/minnesota

Questions about Team Sewa-AIFW? Write to Sayali@sewa-aifw.org

The Superhit Tour is coming to town!

Get Ready Twin Cities!

Don’t miss the once in lifetime opportunity

See the duo Vishal and Sheykhar live in concert

When: September 5, 2025

Where: Orpheum Theatre

910 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Time: Doors open at 7:00pm

Less than a weeks left - Get your tickets today https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/060062E7F28D9A29

Bharatanatyam Classes at the Ragamala Training Center

Ragamala Dance Company/Training Center is internationally recognized for its lineage, rigor, and creativity. At the Ragamala Training Center, students receive classical training in the style of Bharatanatyam, carefully created by the internationally renowned Padma Bhushan Smt. Alarmél Valli. Artistic Directors Ranee Ramaswamy and Aparna Ramaswamy are dedicated to preserving and carrying on their guru’s tradition and passing it on to the next generation of dancers.

Classes run from September 2025—May 2026 in Minneapolis and Chaska. 

To register Here: Click Here

Email jothika@ragamaladance.org if you have any questions.

https://www.ragamaladance.org/training-center

SEWA-AIFW

 SAHAT: A 10-Minute Survey to Understand South Asian Health Issues

Dear Community Member,

You are invited to participate in the SAHAT Survey—a community-driven health assessment designed specifically for South Asians living in Minnesota (who are 18 years or older).

 Why SAHAT matters:

South Asians face unique health risks, including higher rates of heart disease, diabetes, and mental health challenges. Yet, these issues are often underrepresented in mainstream health research.

 Why your voice is needed:

The SAHAT Survey helps us gather accurate, culturally relevant data to improve health services, advocate for better care, and design programs that truly reflect our community’s needs.

 It only takes 10-15 minutes.

Your responses are confidential and will directly support efforts led by SEWA-AIFW to build healthier futures for South Asian families.

 Click here to take the SAHAT Survey

https://forms.gle/8MWAAhF7Xcmh1oCe9 

Thank you for being part of this important initiative. Together, we can make a lasting impact.

 As a thank you, at the end of the survey you’ll have the chance to enter a raffle for a $50 Amazon gift card. We’re giving away 10 Amazon gift cards to survey participants—don’t miss your chance to win!

If you have any questions or need support while completing the survey, please reach out to Sayali at Sayali@SEWA-AIFW.org.

www.sewa-aifw.org 

Sur Aur Taal

Alfaaz aur Awaaz is a narrated musical of legendary lyricists and composers comprising Bollywood songs penned by renowned lyricists from1950s to 2020. Presented by Sunshine Entertainment and Hosted by Sur Aur Taal Entertainment. Alfaaz aur Awaaz is a Global Chain of Ghazal Concerts conceptualized by one of the most popular and eminent poet Ajay Sahaab to revive the classical tradition of poetry and songs. This is a unique concept in which the poet and the singers jointly sit on the stage and perform together. Mostly this experiment has been immensely loved and widely appreciated and their Youtube channel has crossed 4000 million views across various media. It recently rewrote music history with 15 songs written by Ajay Sahaab trending in instagram at once on a single day Alfaaz aur Awaaz is a very sincere effort to bring back the golden era of music and poetry and the concept has been performed in the most prestigious venue the Royal Albert Hall of London and has held successful concerts across the globe in London, Switzerland, Dubai and many cities in India. It holds a record of sorts in music as in the last one year alone, 43 of its songs have trended.

Sunday 28th September, 2025

4 PM and ends at 7 PM.

Oak Grove Middle School

Bloomington, MN

The event starts at 4 PM and ends at 7 PM. There is a snack interval for 30 minutes during which snack food will be available for purchase. For details on tickets use the QR Code or visit this link or the event on Facebook. Any further questions can be directed to the organizers at suraurtaalllc@gmail.com. 

Tickets are selling fast!!! Only a few weeks to go!!! Don't be left out and don't miss this show full of nostalgia, melody, poetry and music, all in all the complete Bollywood experience!!!

MUSE is a program created by students, for students. Youth meet at the intersection of art and identity to develop their artistry, build community, learn about culture, and connect through their shared experience as a cohort. In MUSE, you will:

• Advance your theater skills across performance and design
• Connect with professional theaters and theatermakers
• Increase your knowledge of Asian American history, theater history, and literature.
• Gain a closer relationship with Theater Mu, the Midwest’s largest Asian American theater.

All members receive a $200 stipend, and a public transportation stipend is available upon request.

Dates: Sept 15 - Dec 15, 2025

Time: Mondays, 5-7pm, with optional monthly outings to performances and cultural events

Location: Theater Mu - 755 Prior Avenue N #107, Saint Paul, MN

Questions? Email morgen@theatermu.org.

To apply Click Here

THEATERMU.ORG

South Asian Women’s Network (SAWN)

Join as SAWN celebrates five incredible years of community!

Join for Saphal: East Meets Edge, an afternoon with South Asian women who’ve forged bold, unconventional paths - guided not by maps, but by courage and conviction.

From ancient healing to headline-making journalism, meet the South Asian women who are navigating unconventional roads - and redefining success on their own terms.

Know someone who’s ready to grow, lead, and dream big —whether they’re a young professional, college student, or high schooler? Invite them to share this empowering experience with you.

RSVP:  Click Here

South Asian Women’s Network (SAWN) is the premier organization for professional South Asian women in the Twin Cities. Founded in 2019, SAWN's mission is to cultivate a dynamic, empowered community through both personal and professional development. Whether you are a rising star, an emerging leader or a seasoned professional in your career, we appreciate the unique voice and experience each one of us brings to this collaborative platform. Join Us!

Follow us on social media: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

https://www.sawnmn.org/

Sarojini in Minnesota

Experience a groundbreaking fusion where classical music traditions of South India and the West meet. Hear a North American premiere unlike any other by Minnesota's own Shruthi Rajasekar. Hailed as "the most exciting piece of new music for choir and orchestra" by Canadian critic Natasha Gauthier, Sarojini (pronounced sa-RO-ji-ni) brings world-renowned Indian musicians Nirmala Rajasekar and Thanjavur K. Murgaboopathi, the VocalEssence Chorus and Ensemble Singers, and Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra together in a thrilling soundscape that tells the story of India's fight for independence from the British Empire.



“Your ideals of patriotism should not be limited to the prosperity of India; they should extend to the welfare of the world.”—Sarojini Naidu

Date & time: Saturday, October 25, 2025 4:00pm

Venue: University of Minnesota, Ted Mann Concert Hall

2128 S 4th St, Minneapolis, MN 55455

For tickets Click Here

Miscellaneous

Arts India US is proud to announce The Lotus Fellowship

A one-year program for any U.S. based, emerging Indian classical performing artist between the ages of 16-30 -- vocal, instrumental and dance are all included. Chosen Fellows will be matched to one among a robust list of seasoned Indian classical artists for mentorship on a short creative project, while also having access to workshops on industry navigation and career building catered to their needs.



Applications will be accepted until September 15, 2025.

https://www.artsindiaus.org/

Labor Day

September 1, 2025

Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday in September to honor and recognize the of laborers contributions and achievements in the development of the United United States. Every one of us has contributed to the success of this county - celebrate.

India Association of Minnesota wishes you a happy Labor Day with family & friends.

9/11 - Patriot Day

In remembrance of the those who were injured or died during the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001, many Americans perform acts of kindness and service in their communities..

Perform a good deed.

Constitution Day

Wednesday, September 17th

Constitution Day, also known as Citizenship Day, observed on September 17, is the day in 1787 that Delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed and ratified the Constitution of the United States.

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.