India Association of Minnesota

December 2023 Newsletter

Celebrating 50 years 1973 - 2023

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IAM News & Events

A Message from Tanwi Mookherjee Prigge, President 2023

As the new year 2024 approaches, I want to take a moment to reflect on everything our team and you have accomplished together. After Covid kept us apart, it was important for the community to celebrate and honor the IAM 50th anniversary milestone in a grand way and create an even bigger community impact. We have been serving this incredible thriving community for the last 50 years! I had the honor to serve as IAM’s President during such a significant year and lead a full board of 20 members where 75% of us were women.

Past Presidents, Honorary members, and Trustee Advisory council - a big thank you for paving the path for the last 50 years and for your insight and mentorship. Our incredible interns have made a huge positive impact on our success of the past years and even more in the 50th anniversary year.

Our corporate sponsorship and partnerships with our donors and granters have been an incredible benefit to our team and organization and we are so grateful for your kindness. Our appreciation is immeasurable for your trust in us and contribution to our mission of Culture, Charity and Connection. We have significantly grown and diversified our membership base this year, which enabled us to reach more of you this year. We could not express enough gratitude for your generosity!

Due to our partnership with Chief Patron Dr. Dash Foundation, we were able to include more people in our events and celebrate our multi-generational community in a big way. We forged stronger connections with various new and established institutions like CaringBridge, SAATH, KDT, Ragamala, SEWA, Regional orgs, Consulate General in Chicago, MIA, Ordway, Historical society, EAAA, Jazba, Euphoria, MAAHMG and so many more.

Our flagship event, the 50th Anniversary IndiaFest 2023 cultural extravaganza this year drew the largest attendance we have ever seen. 11 food vendors and 23 bazaar vendors added to the almost hundred booths we had this year, well represented by non-profits, regional organizations and over 30 cultural performances including an incredible musician and artist Nazia Alam from India.

Some of our new events this year celebrated International Women’s Day involving race talks, a Mental Health Seminar with an emphasis on culture and ethnicity that were attended by a very diverse group of women and youth. We showed strong support for our AAPI community by participating in major community festivals. We celebrated our invaluable connection with the community in a grand gala style at the 50th Anniversary Gala Connect India in April where 450 of you attended and showed support for IAM. We even had a banquet style dinner event with our honorable Consul General from Chicago Mr. Ghosh. We celebrated Pink Garba in a pink-fabulous fashion and delivered comprehensive information about breast cancer awareness and healthy living.

We joined hands with the Small Business community and SEWA-AIFW this year and had our First Annual Holiday Bazaar just before Diwali that showcased 32 diverse vendors. This joyful event was attended by 600-700 people and covered by several local media outlets.

We recently celebrated Dhanyawad, a volunteer appreciation and 50th Anniversary Holiday event. So many of you danced and sang to the beautiful live music in a blue-lit glittering room. It was a memorable night when we expressed our heartfelt gratitude for the love you have shown us for the last 50 years. 

We will also be launching a brand-new website this month that will have comprehensive information about our happenings and reflect on the historical years of IAM.

As we bid farewell to another amazing year, I hope to see the 2024 team continue to succeed and work together to accomplish great things. Serving as the president of IAM has been an exciting and rewarding opportunity to lead an organization that gives so many a sense of belonging. Of course, change is a moving target. But the goal of trying to figure out the best ways to ensure that communities can thrive, include others, and grow with the newer generations is one that must continue. I hope that I was able to play a small part in helping to steer this ship toward that goal. The love of my family and friends throughout this journey is what I am most grateful for.

My dearest late father used to say, “Life isn't about all the stuff. It isn't about getting all these things. It's about surrounding yourself with good people and taking care of the people around you.”

IAM keeps good company. We are here because of your unwavering love and support. Stay connected.

Thank you for a great 2023 and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

IAM's Inaugural Literary Showcase 

India Association of Minnesota (IAM) is proud to bring to you, for the first time, a literary event celebrating authors, bloggers, poets and writers of the Indian and South-Asian diaspora, with local Minnesota connections. 

Hear from authors, mingle with other patrons of the written word, find a good read to curl-up with to get you through a harsh Minnesota winter, and even come away with a signed copy of your favorite new book! The chai and munchies are on us.

Use the QR code on the flyer or Click Here to RSVP

Mark your calendars! 

Date:  Saturday, January 13th, 2024

Time: 2 pm to 5 pm

Place: Minnetonka Community Center

14600 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka, MN 55345

This is a non-political event featuring writers from South Asia.

Open to all. Free to attend. Donations accepted.

*If you are an established author/blogger of South Asian origin and are interested in participating, please send us an email at info@iamn.org before December 20, 2023*

Watch for details on our www.iamn.org and social media pages in the coming weeks.

Dhanyawad

Celebrating the end of IAM's 50th Year

On Friday evening, December 1, 2023, India Association of Minnesota had the final event celebrating it's 50th year. It was held at the Minnetonka Community Center. Guests started arriving at 5 pm and were greeted by Mangala Acharya, Gira Vibharkar and Alice Northrup at the reception table.

Inside the ballroom, music was playing. IAM board members mingled with IAM Corporate sponsors, regional and community partners, family and friends.

Outgoing 2023 President, Tanwi Prigge was introduced by Mansi Mehra, the emcee for the evening. She talked about her personal experience as president. She spoke about the 50th year of IAM and the events celebrating it. During her remarks, Tanwi recognized the past presidents in attendance ( Stefan Peterson, Shanti Shah, Bhupat Desai, Kiran Bandi, Nash Shaikh, PG Narayanan, Ananth Shankar, Ashoke Mandal and Sunoj Narayanan). Tanwi acknowledged the interns for their impactful involvement and asked long time IAM member and current Honorary Board Member, Dr. Bruce Corrie and SEWA CEO Anjuli Mishra Cameron to say a few words. She then introduced MN State Rep Ginny Klevorn who received a round of applause. She had the 2023 Board join her on stage and spoke about each one as she introduced them. Videos of the 50th Anniversary Gala and IndiaFest 2023 were played along with a picture display of the events throughout the year. Tanwi introduced Meena Bharti, the incoming 2024 IAM President. Meena addressed the room speaking about her goals for the coming year. She was joined by new members to the 2024 board.

A delicious buffet from India Bazaar of Plymouth and beverages were served along with the popular cake pops.

IndiaFest awards were presented. Congratulations to the winners.

• Best Interactive Booth - Bengali Association of Minnesota
• Best Exhibit - Marathi Association of Minnesota
• Best Parade Ambassador - Gujarati Samaj of Minnesota

Special awards were presented. Dr. S K Dash was honored at Chief Patron. Ram Gada received the Making a Difference - Community Service Award. Venkat Seemakurthy was honored for his volunteerism.

Certificates were given to the parents of the 2023 Scholarships.

Throughout the evening, music was played by a live band featuring Simien Xavier on guitar, Alfred Dmelio on drums, Richard Christian performing on tabla and octapad, Hitesh Masters on guitar and Tushar accompaning on guitar and doing vocals. Gorinka returned from California to perform for Dhanyawad.

Tanwi thanked everyone for their support during the year. The evening ended with many attendees dancing and enjoying the great music.

PINK GARBA

The annual IAM-WIN Pink Garb for Breast Cancer Awareness took place on Saturday October 28, 2023. For the third year it was held at the Phenow Center in Maple Grove.

Arriving in various shades of pink, the guests were greeted by IAM 2023 President Tanwi Prigge, Vice-president Meena Bharti, Ramla Hasalani and Alice Northrup. A Breast cancer balloon prop from Corner Balloons in Maple Grove, made a perfect spot for photos. During the first hour, while mingling, a delectable buffet catered by Best of India and Holy Land was served. Special Breast Cancer Awareness Cake pops were a hit.

IAM Past Presidents, Shanti Shah, Stefan Peterson and Nasreen Shaikh as well as Rosewitha Desai, wife of the first India Club president were in attendance to support the cause.

Tanwi welcomed everyone and spoke about IAM, WIN and the importance of breast cancer awareness. She thanked Dr. Dash for his generosity in sponsoring the event. Models from Arquette Talents were dressed in beautiful designs from Desi Adah, Dilli Haart and the Kaurz Collections during a fashion show. Priyanka Mundhra beautifully performed a lively Indian dance.

The audience listened intently during the panel discussion. Ms. Sara Tsantes, an orthopedic clinician with Hennepin Healthcare, who has worked in a breast cancer surgical practice in New York, was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. She has embarked on the long and at times difficult treatment journey. Vanessa Sarraute shared her personal story of finding out that she has breast cancer and how she is coping with the reality and treatment. Oncologist, Dr. R Raman presented an enlightening overview of cancer including statistics. He stressed the importance of prevention of annual mammograms. Rounding out the panel was Mary Jo Nye.

Two tickets donated by Spirit Airlines were raffled off. The evening ended with everyone enjoying Garba dancing.

During an enjoyable evening, we learned to be our own advocates and to be diligent about getting annual physical, vaccinations and most importantly, mammograms. India Association of Minnesota thanks everyone who attended Pink Garba for their generosity and support.

Holiday Bazaar

On Sunday, November 5, 2023, India Association of Minnesota and SEWA-AIFW partnered to bring to the community the First Indian Small Business Holiday Bazaar. Led by Tanwi Prigge and Anjuli Mishra Cameron, the pre-Diwali event was held at the SEWA building in Brooklyn Center. Thirty vendors displayed a wide array of jewelry, clothing, decorative items, arts, home goods, food and services. The energy at the event was palpable as the attendees shopped. Hot Indian was on hand with delectable Indian food and beverages.

Supporting the community were State Representatives Ginny Klevorn and Kristin Bahner. IAM past president and Eden Prairie City Councilman P G Narayanan as well as IAM past presidents Nasreen Shaikh and Sunoj Narayanan were in attendance.

IAM interns, Anand Seemakurthy and Aahan Sheth, Board member Ramla Hasanali and Alice Northrup worked the event. SEWA personnel at the bazaar were Raj Chaudhary, Dasharath Yata, Mubina Qureshi, Srivani Ganji, Rohini Ramanuj, Srividya Srinivasan, Rituparna Rana, Aarti Ragavachari, Omid Yaqoobi.Ramesh Ebram, Yasmeen, Ruth Sebiyam and Bharati Raj.

Thank you to all the vendors for participating in this successful inaugural event.

Srushti Fashions, Siri Financial Services, Aliya's Collection, Mokka Fashions, Palette by Priya

Nallamallis NVA Jewelers, Sscreations, Rose & Rani, Asna's Collection, Jiya Decors,

Pratap Bhosale State Farm Agency, LifeMAP Wealth Advisors, LLC,D&S Collections,

IndiaBazaar, Shakuntala Design Inc, Twin Cities Real Estate Group, Tays Secret Garden, 

Srushti Fashions USA LLC, Rangz Collection, Sugardust & Sprinkles, Inara Destinations,

 Shrisa's Collection, Panache, Kaurz Collection, JUZT CLAZZY COLLECTION, Samhiti Collections,

Rivaaj Clothing & Zari by ZeeRivaaj, Precious Twenty-One Photography, LLC, Teqnizan Inc.

IAM Internship Program 2024

India Association of Minnesota is now accepting applications for participation in the 2024 Internship program. Interns work in all aspects of the organization while learning about the history of IAM and its core pillars of Culture, Charity & Connections.

Deadline for applications is January 15, 2024.

For more information, go to IAM Internship

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).

YFor 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 QRcode.

Welcome to new IAM members

Upcoming IAM Calendar of Events

Event/Date/Venue

• Literary Event, Jan 13, 2024, Minnetonka Community Center

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

Government Relations & Civic Engagement

2023 Election Results

IAM Congratulates newly elected school board members.

Paras Bhende will join Milind Sohoni on the Wayzata School board.

Simi Patnaik reelected to Washington County School District Board.

India Association of Minnesota is non-political. 

IAM will inform but does not endorse any candidates.

Youth News

Young Actress Steals the Spotlight

IAM Intern Indra Khariwala

Our city has a star in the making. Indra Khariwala shines as Lila in Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress at Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) in Minneapolis.

“It’s the first time this show has ever been put on,” Indra says. “I’m excited to help the writer’s vision and their dreams come to life.”

The Edina High School junior is no stranger to the stage. This is her second role at CTC, and she has been in nine productions at Stages Theatre Company in Hopkins. Her talent landed her a spot in the prestigious summer intensive program at Broadway Artists Alliance in New York City.



“Theater offers so much community, love and room for growth,” the aspiring Broadway actress says. “It’s an amazing opportunity for kids and adults of any age.”

Edina Magazine by Feroza Mehta | Nov 2023

Arjun Acharya

2023 Stillwater High School graduate, Arjun Acharya has earned the prestigious "Winner with Distinction" for Dance/World Dance:Indian from YoungArts for 2024. This award recognizes work that demonstrates “exceptional technique; a strong, sophisticated, nuanced, and clear artistic point of view; and a depth of thinking/performance that far exceeds the level of peers at this career stage.” Selected out of thousands of applicants, Arjun will be attending YoungArts Week in Miami January 7-13, 2024 to train with internationally recognized leaders & mentors in the dance field, and collaborate with many rising talented artists from throughout the US.

Arjun has trained at Kala Vandanam in Bharatanatyam for over 10 years. He is also a talented young tabla player (a student of Dr. A. Pavan) and rising mridangam student (of Mr. Shrinivasan) as well. He is currently a freshman at University of California, Santa Barbara. Arjun is the son of IAM General Secretary, Mangala Acharya. - Suchi Sairam

IAM congratulates Arjun on earning this prestigious competition.

https://kalavandanam.com/

Hindu Society of Minnesota (HSMN) & Nritya Kalakshetra Academy

You are cordially invite you to experience and enjoy a cultural bonanz, “Nritya Katha Kutcheri”, harmonizing heritage through dance (a PAN India celebration of Krishna).

Date: December 17, 2023,

Time: 3:30 - 5:00 PM.

Where: Hindu Temple of Minnesota

10530 Temple Drive, Maple Grove, MN 55311

For VIP tickets Click Here For General tickets Click Here

https://www.hindutemplemn.org/

Minnesota Hindu Milan Mandir

Milan Holiday Feast - Visit the Santa Photo Booth!

Date: Saturday, December 9, 2023

Showtime: 5:00 - 7:00 pm

Dinner: 7:00 pm

Where: 501 Walnut St,. Farmington, MN. 44024

Tickets at the door: $10.00 per person/ Children 5 & under Free

Marathi Association of Minnesota in collaboration with Prime Media US is happy to announce that Marathi movie “Zimma-2” will be showcased.

Dates: December 8, 9, & 10, 2023

Where: Marcus Theater, Shakopee

View trailer here

Ticket details and show timing will be shared soon.

www.mnmarathi.org

Miscellaneous

Season's Greetings!



Whether it's Diwali, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa or New Years, it is the season to gather with family and friends. The India Association of Minnesota has gathered with you, our Indian family, throughout the year as we celebrated our 50th year. We are thankful for our corporate sponsors, regional partners, Indian businesses, volunteers, family and friends who have supported us during 2023.



IAM wishes everyone a Happy Holiday Season!

Stay Connected with IAM

Visit the IAM Website IAM Facebook Instagram @iamnorg

IAM is on 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.