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India Association of Minnesota
March 2025 Newsletter
52 Years Supporting the Indian Community
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To our Newsletter Readers: If you do not see our sponsor's logos, you have not reached the end of the newsletter. Immediately below the last article on the left side, you will see "View entire message".
Please click on it.
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Financial Literacy Event
Save the Date
India Association of Minnesota will be again hosting a Financial Literacy event. Mark your calendars to attend this virtual learning session on Friday, April 18th, from 6:30 - 7:30 pm.
Watch for more information on the IAM website and social media.
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44th Annual Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival
India Association of Minnesota (IAM), and the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) are partnering with the Minneapolis St. Paul Film Society (MSPFS), presenter of the annual Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival/MSPIFF, during this year's film festival. MSPIFF is the largest and longest-running film festival in our region, and an international gathering of note. Seven Asian Indian films and one short will be shown over the course of the twelve day festival running April 2 - 13, 2025.
Venues: The Main Cinema (Hub of MSP Film/MSPIFF)/Minneapolis, Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) and The Edina Theater/Edina.
See the MSPIFF44 line-up at MSPFILM.ORG Single tickets are now on sale.
For discounted tickets for IAM members use code IAMMSPIFF44. When you select a showtime on the website, the spot to enter the code will be your first prompt.
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Celebrating the Artist in Every Child
For over 20 years, the Flint Hills Family Festival has brought communities together through the power of the arts, welcoming over a million students, teachers, and families since its conception in 2001. Join us to kick off each summer with thrilling performances, student matinees, art-making activities, and more.
During the Festival, kid-friendly activities spark creativity, exciting outdoor performances are free to attend, and inspiring, low-cost indoor performances are fun for the whole family! Stop by at the IAM booth!
Saturday, May 31, 2025
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
https://ordway.org/festival/
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Connect India 2025
India Association of Minnesota's annual Connect India 2025 was held on Sunday evening, March,30th at the Chaska Event Center. Pictures and review will be in the IAM May newsletter.
| | IAM Participating in the Community | | |
Indian Chamber of Commerce Minnesota (ICOCMN)
On March 27th, the Indian Chamber of Commerce MN had their launch event at the Diamond Banquet Hall of JW Marriott Hotel, Mall of America.
It was well attended by the promiment members of the community and elected officials who helped with this launch. IAM members were on the invite list.
With the Asian Indian community contributing to over $2 Billion in taxes to the state of Minnesota and owning several large and small businesses in the state, a Chamber of Commerce was a natural progression for the community to provide them with the required guidance and help them grow.
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ICOCMN has goals of not just fostering the existing businesses owned by Asian Indians here in Minnesota, but to also provide the necessary guidance and support to budding entrepreneurs. There is a plan to host an ICOCMN Shark Tank for these young minds looking to venture out with their business ideas.
Representing IAM were President Srividya Vaidyanathan, Honorary Board member Ram Gada, Board member Analabha Dutta and 2006 President Ramesh Muniswamy.
https://www.icocmn.org/
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Jazba 2025
March 1, 2025 saw 10 teams from across the country come together to compete at a high octane, high energy Jazba 2025. Watching these young adults come together as cohesive units to set the stage on fire was truly inspiring. But more inspiring was the board of undergrads who put together this amazing event. In addition to providing a grand spectacle of culture and entertainment, Jazba continues its decade long partnership with Women In Need (WIN) — their organizational nonprofit partner in Nagpur, India. WIN works toward empowering and rehabilitating women in India from domestic abuse, neglect and illnesses.
IAM was represented by Shivangi Pandey, Madhulika Gaur, Analabha Dutta, Anurag Saurabh, Mangala Acharya, Manjula Raman, Meena Bharti, Ram Gada and Fazel Haris.
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AshaUSA Presents: Brain Health Matters!
IAM collaborated with AshaUSA and The Remember Project on the two part presentations regarding brain health awareness.
The second and final part of the series was a video play called "In The Garden", about a family figuring out caregiving for the father with dementia. The community conversations post the presentation were thoughtful and deep. They brought forth the gaps in the care process and the societal stigma associated to these situations in certain communities were touching, and eye opening. With the advancements in medical research and treatment options, the general lifespan of humans is increasing. This leads to us seeing more cases of various forms of dementia among the aging population. Participating in such conversations, and being aware of the large support network available for the impacted families, is more important now.
The event was held at the Minneapolis American Indian Community Center. Pictured from IAM are President Srividya Vaidyanathan, Uma Venkat, Sunitha Pillai, Manjula Raman and Shruti Joshi. AshaUSA president and former IAM Board member (2021-2023) Sayali Amarapurkar coordinated the impactful two part program.
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India Day - Edina Rotary Meeting
On Thursday, March 6, 2025, The Rotary Club of Edina held India Day celebrations for its members at the Edina Country Club. Rotary Club Member, Dr. SK Dash organized the luncheon meeting.
The guest list included members of IAM board, HSMN board and several prominent members from the Indian community. IAM President Srividya Vaidyanathan gave a presentation to the assembled audience about India Association of Minnesota, as did the Hindu Society of Minnesota.
RGK dance academy opened the event with a Bollywood Dance performance.
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Fifty Boxes of Earth at Theater MU
IAM was invited to Theater Mu's production of Fifty Boxes of Earth by Ankita Raturi, with choreography by Ananya Chatterjea. Madhulika Gaur, Rashmi Jindani, Srividya Vaidyanathan, Mangala Acharya and Fazel Haris represented the India Association of Minnesota.
It was an evening full of deep, uncomfortable topics, skillfully and artistically presented on stage by the full Theater Mu ensemble. We left the two hour show shaken by some ugly truths, but feeling grateful to have been included in this celebration of talent.
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International Day 2025
The Internaltional School of Minnesota held its annual event celebrating different countries on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at its beautiul campus in Eden Prairie. India was one of the five featured countries this year.
The day started with the children and their families visiting classrooms decorated for each country. The walls were decorated with art and crafts done by the children including a peacock, rangoli and Diwali candles. A video played with pictures of India and Indian clothes were displaed. Hands were being decorated with henna and bindis placed on smiling upturned faces while boys tried on Gandhi hats.
As part of the International Day 2025 celebration, food from the represented countries was availabe, there was a parade of nations with students carrying flags and cultural performances rounded out the days festivities.
IAM Presidents Shanti Shah (1992), Ananth Shankar (2000), Honorary Board Member Ram Gada and Alice Northrup were on had to answer questions about India.
| | Government Relations & Community Engagement | | |
Refugee and Immigrant Helpline
The Refugee and Immigrant Helpline is a new service that offers callers information, resources and support in communities across Minnesota. Helpline navigators help connect people with resources and information about jobs, food, housing, legal help, and more. The helpline number is 1-800-814-4806. Navigators are ready to answer questions in multiple languages.
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Science of Spirituality (SOS)
You are invited to join "Celebrating Inner & Outer Holi.
Date: Friday, April 4, 2025
Where: 4054 Van Buren St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55421
Time: 6:30 pm
To register for this free event Click Here
https://www.sosmn.org/
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Sangeetha Kannada Koota (SKK)
Ugadi, celebrated as the New Year in Karnataka, marks the beginning of the Hindu lunar calendar. It falls in the month of Chaitra (usually March or April) and is a time for renewal and new beginnings. People celebrate Ugadi by cleaning and decorating their homes, wearing new clothes, and preparing special traditional foods like Ugadi Obbatu/Holige. The festival is also marked by prayers, rituals, and cultural activities, bringing communities together to embrace the upcoming year with hope, prosperity, and joy.
Join and celebrate this occasion with food, cultural programs and Artist BR Chaya performance. Come together to celebrate the spirit of unity and joy!
UGADI SAMBHRAMA
Event Date: Sat, April 5th 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Venue: Eisenhower Community Center
Address: 1001 MN-7, Hopkins, MN 55305
To purchase tickets Click Here
https://www.kannadamn.org
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Oikotan - Bengali Cultural Society of Minnesota
Oikotan MN is hosting a pickleball tournament on 26th of April - for the benefit of 'St Jude Children's Research Hospital' at Drop Shot Shakopee. To register Click Here
www.oikotanmn.org
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Indian Music Society of Minnesota (IMSOM)
Akkarai Sisters
Sunday, April 6 5:00 PM
Devaki Pandit, Abhinay Ravande & Harshad Kanetkar
Saturday, April 12, 7:00 PM
Venue for both performances:
Recital Hall, St. Catherine University
2004 Randolph Ave, St. Paul, MN. 55105
Admission: $15 - $25
https://www.imsom.org/
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South Asian Women’s Network (SAWN)
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!
Do you seek...
Impact without seeking fame
Respect more than accolades
Balance with harmonious lives
Fulfillment without external validation
Excellence without sacrificing empathy
People with Quiet Ambition do.
SAWN would love for you to explore your quiet ambition. Join for a workshop led by Suchi Sairam to explore frameworks and actionable tips to pursue what matters to you—without losing yourself or selling your soul.
To RSVP Click Here
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Bengali Storytime
Join community member Rima as she shares children's stories celebrating Indian culture. This event will be presented in Bengali and English along with crafts and performances. The Indian language featured will be primarily Bengali.
For youth ages 2–6.
Wescott Library 1340 Wescott Rd, Eagan, MN 55123
Saturday, May 3, 10–11 a.m.
For more information https://www.facebook.com/share/1BhF5kHoQm/
Wescott Library Click Here
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Ragamala Rooted: A Gala Celebration
Ragamala Dance Company took root 32 years ago with Ranee and Aparna Ramaswamy's belief in the Indian classical dance form of Bharatanatyam to uplift and inspire audiences. Ragamala is now recognized worldwide for transcending boundaries with stage performances and community engagement that ignites the imagination and mines the spirituality and philosophy of Indian art forms to moveand unite audiences worldwide.
Celebrate and support Ragamala's work while enjoying great food, performance, and conversation!
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Ragamala Rooted: A Gala Celebration
Join us to celebrate and support Ragamala's 32nd year!
Saturday, May 17
Center for Performing Arts, Mineapolis
5:30 - 6:30pm: Drinks and appetizer reception + tours of our studio
6:30 - 7:00pm: performance by the company
7:00-7:30pm: A live auction with one-of-a-kind experiences including trips, dinners, performance tickets and more
7:30 - 9:30pm: Dinner catered by award-winning restaurant Raag Progressive Indian Cuisine
Dress code: Fun and Festive!
Tickets Click Here
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Twin Cities Rise
Join Twin Cites R!SE for its biggest fundraising event of the year - the R!SE to the Occasion Gala! Each year, TCR helps thousands of individuals become empowered and employed, providing a pathway to R!SE from generational poverty to financial prosperity. Come celebrate breaking down barriers and Building Brighter Futures.
Date: Sunday, May 18, 2025
Venue: Four Seasons Hotel
245 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN
5:00 pm Cocktail Reception - 6:30 pm Dinner and Program - 8:00 pm Fund-A-Future - 8:30 pm Dessert
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LMT SEVA and Pro Dental
Proudly Presents in Association with Raj Bahl from Remax
Kumar Sanu & Sadhana Sargam Live in Concert
Don't miss the opportunity to see Kumar Sanu and Sadhana Sargam Live in concert.
Date & Time: June 14th @ 7:00 pm
Venue: Minneapolis Convention Center
To buy tickets https://lmtseva.eventbrite.com or click on the QRcode in flyer.
For more details please reach out to Shashi Tiwari at 612-978-3040 or send an email to lmtseva@gmail.com
https://lmtseva.com/
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Ananya Dance Theatre
Our Shawngrām Institute for Performance & Social Justice is our gathering place, where we practice (train) together, rehearse, lead workshops and community events, and teach weekly classes and our Summer Intensive.
For tickets Click Here
https://www.ananyadancetheatre.org/
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Meeting Your Need for Affordable Healthcare
KA Holistics is a cash-only clinic focused on providing quality healthcare at affordable prices.
Dr. Anil Kumar has been a physician in Twin Cities for over two decades. Working for larger healthcare providers he noticed the lack of agility and financial barriers preventing many. For more information https://www.kaholistics.com/
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World Health Day
April 7, 2025
World Health Day is a global health awareness day celebrated every year on 7 April, under the sponsorship of the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as other related organizations.
World Health Day is acknowledged by various governments and non-governmental organizations with interests in public health issues.
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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.
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