India Association of Minnesota

February 2025 Newsletter

52 Years Supporting the Indian Community

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. 

IAM News & Events

Connect India 2025

Save the Date

India Association of Minnesota's annual Connect India 2025 - a unique platform that brings together organizations working on Indian American causes around Minnesota and India will be held Sunday, March 30, 2025. This is a great opportunity to network, share your mission, vision, and activities and learn from other organizations. Your participation will strengthen and organize the more than 60,000 strong Minnesota Indian American community.

IAM is looking for nominations for the Lifetime Achievement Award and Person of the Year Award. Please search within your organizations and the community for candidates.



Please watch your mail for this invitation only event and the nomination link.

2025 IAM Interns

Anokhi Shah . Anuraa Venkat

Nayan Menon . Nikhil Sagar

Rhythm Hrishikesh Shah . Rishi Raichur

Sricharan Kanajam . Shaunya Kumar

Shritha Devaraju . Reet Sandhu

Trisha Manjure . Thanvi Chada

Welcome to our returning and new interns.

 AshaUSA Presents: Brain Health Matters! 

Caring for yourself and your loved ones—Together.

We are excited to collaborate with The Remember Project (https://rememberproject.org/)to raise awareness and foster understanding through powerful storytelling and meaningful conversations.

What to Expect:

• A two-hour event featuring a short play performed by professional actors.
• Real, raw issues surrounding dementia care, diagnosis, and relationships brought to life on stage.
• Interactive discussions following the play—exploring the themes, metaphors, and emotional impact of memory loss.

 Join Us for Two Community Conversations:

• Sun Feb 2nd Come and watch "The Fortune Cookies" Fortune Cookies trailer
• Time: 4pm to 6pm
• Venue: Grandparents Conference Room 
• Minneapolis American Indian Community Center
• 1530 East Franklin Ave.
• Minneapolis, MN 55404

• Sun Mar 2nd Come and watch "In the Garden" In the Garden trailer
• Time: 4pm to 6.30pm
• Venue: Grandparents Conference Room 
• Minneapolis American Indian Community Center
• 1530 East Franklin Ave.
• Minneapolis, MN 55404

These FREE, family-friendly events are open to all—kids 6+ are welcome! Enjoy light refreshments and connect with others in your community.

Special thanks to India Association of Minnesota for partnering with us to make these events possible!



We look forward to seeing you there! RSVP Here for one or both events.  

Landmark Center's Urban Expeditions - India

India was proud to showcase the Indian culture in partnership with the Landmark Center. Urban Exhibitions - India was held on Sunday, January 12, 2025. In spite of inclement weather the attendance was remarkable.

Alice L Johnson, the the board member of Minnesota Landmarks opened the event and welcomed the audience. IAM President Srividya Vaidyanathan then spoke about India Association of Minnesota. The emcee for the day was IAM Board member Nithya Balakrishnan Mathad. As any proud mother would, she introduced six talented young violinists, including her two children, who played the Star Spangled Banner and Jana Gana Mana as the audience stood for the two national anthems. The violinists were Shritha Devaraju, Shiven Kharidehal, Vedant Chetan, Anahi Mathad, Keshav Kharidehal, Manya Mathad and Adithi Remella.

Four styles of Indian dance were then performed. A Bollywood Dance consisting of a fusion of dynamic dance styles was performed by Twin Cities Trendsetters represented by Swara Sujith, Shreya Jithesh, Sahasra Munjeti, Vidharshana Sivakumar, Leisha Mekala, Rachana Kamalapuram, Sana Sujith, and Devna Variar. Kala Vandanan entertained with a Traditional Dance. Apoorva Godavari introduced the dancers who are trained by Suchi Sairam. Dancing were Advika Sachidanandan, Amithy Sharma, Dheekshitha Jayaprakash and Dhrithi Rayadurgam. Virsaat Dance Academy dancers Myra Khanchi,

Arnav Bains, Rishita Somani and Raunak Behl performed a Bhangra Dance. The last dances were classical taught by Achinthia Srikanth. Dancing Shabdam were Akshyashree Chinnakonda, Ashmitha Chinnakonda and Sahasra Veluru and Jathiswaram were Akshyashree Chinnakonda, Annapoorna Rajesh and Sahasra Veluru. The dances were energetic, colorful and poignant to the delight of the audience.

Wrapping up the formal program was sari modeling done by Bhairavi. It showcased the beauty of Indian heritage by highlighting the diversity in six yards of saree weavings andI draping styles. The display highlighted both traditional, authentic techniques as well as modern interpretations of how sarees are draped today. This blend of the olden days and modern saree styles beautifully reflects the rich cultural legacy while embracing its evolving fashion trends. Vallabha Tantri spoke about the different saris in their weaves. 

No Indian event is complete without Indian cuisine. India Bazaar of Plymouth and India Market from Woodbury provided a variety of delectable food to enjoy throughout the afternoon.

Artisan Basket, Aaraa Boutique and Aliya's Collection had tables with Indian jewelry, trinkets and clothing for sale.

Activities for the kids included mandala art, block printing, send a postcard from India, a passport station including a picture and stamp. Gracious Henna had a line of young girls waiting to get their hands tattoed with henna. President Srividya Vaidyanathan was seen holding a snake in the display of animals typical of India from Sustainable Safari.

India Association of Minnesota thanks the Landmark Center, the Indian restaurants and vendors and everyone who helped to make this enjoyable event a success. Special thanks to the spouses of the IAM team who generously help with IAM events.

The IAM team for Urban Exhibitions pictured above were President Srividya Vaidyanathan, Vice President Mangala Acharya, Secretary Sunitha Pillai, Anurag Sabrauh, Shruti Joshi, Nithya Mathad, Fazel Haris, Alice Northrup and new board members Muniesh Khandelwal, Manjula Ramen and Mandhulika Gaur. Also attending 2012 President Kusum Gosain and alumni intern Aayush Goud.

IAM History

IAM has a history with Landmark Center.

Urban Exhibitions - India

IAM participated in Urban Exhibitions for the first time in 2012. President Kusum Gosain led the team. She reminisced about how successful it was while attending this year's event. Pictured Alice Northrup and IAM 2012 President Kusum Gosain.

India Day - Festival of India - IndiaFest

India Club, now IAM, held it's first India Day at St. Anthony Park High School in 1985. Sudhansu Misra (1997) suggested the Landmark Center and the event was held there from 1986 through 2007 when the rebranded Festival of India had outgrown the space. In 2008 it was held outside at Lake Phalen Park. PG Narayanan (2010) was working at the capitol and saw events happening on the grounds. IndiaFest has been at the Minnesota State Capitol grounds in August since 2009 and has grown to 25,000 attendance. Thank you to all the past presidents and honoray members for providing the above information.

Cancer Awareness Donation

Sreeni Checka and Alice Northrup formally presented a check for $9000 to the Randy Shaver Cancer Research and Community Fund on January 6, 2025.

"We wanted to thank you so much for your generous donation of $9,000.00 from your Nostalgic 90"s Cancer Awareness event in October. We are so humbled and grateful for your support! What an amazing event!

Your contribution will help us in our mission to enhance the lives of Minnesota’s Cancer

Community by funding research, educational programs and advanced technology.

Thank you so very much for the wonderful opportunity to help us make a difference in

Minnesota’s Cancer community. Happy New Year!"

Pictured above are Roseann Giovanatto-Shaver Sreeni Checka, Randy Shaver, Alice Northrup and Heather Austin.

The mission of the Randy Shaver Cancer Research and Community Fund is to assist and support the cancer community in Minnesota by funding research, prevention, treatment and other programs relating to the cancer community’s principal needs.

https://randyshavercancerfund.org/

Government Relations & Civic Engagement

World Building Experience



IAM was invited to a unique opportunity to join diverse racial and ethnic communities in a thought provoking discussion on “Who Is Us?: A Project on American Identity” hosted by the Aspen Institute’s Citizenship and American Identity Program and African American Leadership Forum (AALF) on January 24th.

IAM representative and Board member, Shruti Joshi, participated in this inaugural event in Minneapolis, the first of a multi-city series in 2025. The workshop centered around what it means to be American today and ways to build greater consensus around shared narratives that embrace a more pluralistic American identity. It was a collaborative exercise in imagining new possibilities that may inspire what futures we want to create and who those futures require us to be today. In the collaborative space were community leaders representing different ethnicities, religions, ideologies and ancestry.

Leveraging community knowledge from diverse backgrounds in this way was inspiring, uplifting and reaffirmed the need to uphold our shared humanity for an inclusive American democracy. There is far more that unites us than divides us, as we embrace what it means to be American.

Asian/Indian Concerns in Minnesota

India Association of Minnesota is aware of it's responsibility to represent and advocate for the Indian community in Minnesota. The Government Relations Committee actively interacts with Minnesota's politicians at all levels, representing the interests of all Indians living in the state. In these uncertain times, we are currently actively discussing and investigating the following topics.

• H1b Visa holders children aging out
• Racial hatred incident on the SV Temple grounds
• Indian homes being targeted for theft.
• Changes to immigration

Watch this space for periodic updates on these matters and others persued by IAM.

With the changes enforced through the president's executive actions, our community has questions and anxiety about their status in the United States. IAM stands in solidarity with those affected. But despite these executive orders, we need to be aware that U.S. immigration enforcement is still governed by laws. And every person in the Unites States, irrespective of their resident status, has their basic rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution.

Please go through the resources listed above for more information.

You may also reach out to us at info@iamn.org for support and we will help in connecting you with the right resources.

SAARI (South Asians Against Racial Injustice)

February is Black History Month

Since 1976, the month has been designated to remember the contributions of people of the African diaspora. 

"African Americans and Labor" is the theme for Black History Month in 2025. "The theme highlights the central role that work has played in the Black American experience, from the agricultural labor of enslaved Africans to the establishment of Black Wall Street. It also recognizes the role of organized labor in fighting economic and social injustices."

MAAHMG Celebrates Black History Month

Join MAAHMG for a series of events including the new exhibition Okra and Indigo by Black Artist Azania Tripp featuring Black Minnesotans' culinary traditions and stories.

For more information on Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery events during Black History Month Click Here

https://maahmg.org/

Black History at Mia

Celebrate the exceptional historical and creative cultural contributions made by African American artists with exhibitions, videos, stories, and more.

The Art of Remembering: Black Lives in Painting. Sunday Feb 2, 2025, 2 - 4:30 PM

Leslie Wilson: Is this the America of Ebony? Sunday Feb 16, 2025, 2 PM

Mia Matinee: 13th. Saturday Feb 22, 2025 2:00 PM. 

Celebration of African American Art. Self guided tour.

Family Day: Inspiration Everywhere. Sunday Feb 9 2025, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

https://new.artsmia.org/

AshaUSA

28 Days of Black History starts again on Saturday, February 1st! It’s Asha USA's 4th year running the series. Reflect back on last year’s series here.

The theme for 2025 is African Americans and Labor, focusing on the various and profound ways that work and working of all kinds – free and unfree. It’ll be highlighting incredible organizers, activists, entrepreneurs and influencers who shaped Black liberation through work.

You’ll receive one email each evening next month with a new story. If you signed up after that date, or can’t find one in your inbox, you can always catch up on their website.

With the rise of censorship and book bans in classrooms, efforts to reverse major civil rights reform, and the anti-woke movement trying to reshape our workplaces and classrooms, honoring Black history is more urgent than ever. We hope this series gives you ways to learn, unlearn and take action for Black and other marginalized communities in the U.S.

Share this series with a friend, encourage your workplace to join in, and feel free to leave a donation to say thanks! We’ve also got limited sponsorship opportunities. However you read with us, we’re so happy you’re here.

https://www.ashausa.org/

Theater MU

Theater Mu, a premier Asian American performing arts organization in Saint Paul, Minnesota. This coming spring, we are producing the world premiere of "Fifty Boxes of Earth" at Park Square Theater by playwright Ankita Raturi, with choreography by Ananya Chatterjea. 

Q just moved to the neighborhood, but instead of a bed, they brought fifty boxes of earth for the community garden. When Q starts cultivating fantastical, improbable plants, one man's distrust grows even as his young daughter reaches out in friendship.

This show contains themes of migration, belonging, loss and growth, family and community, and the tensions between fear and joy. The play combines dialogue with dance and puppetry, a multidisciplinary approach borne out of South Asian performance tradition. This story connects with anyone who has felt the effects of migration, colonization, and the heavy costs of leaving a home and putting down new roots.

For tickets  Click Here Tickets for the show are Pay As You Are, starting at $10.

SILC MELA 2025

SILC invites you to come and enjoy the fun at this annual event.

Saturday, February 8, 2025

To RSVP Click Here

Indian Music Society of Minnesota (IMSOM)

IMSOM and Layyasaaram jointly present

The Annual Twin Cities Aradhana Community Festival

Saturday, March 1, 10:00AM – 4:00PM

Nath Auditorium, Hindu Society of Minnesota, Maple Grove

Admission: FREE

IMSOM presents a Carnatic Flute Duet

by Herambh and Hemanth

Saturday, March 8, 5:00PM

Cowles Auditorium, HHH Center, University of Minnesota - West Bank, Minneapolis

Admission: $15-$25 (FREE for IMSOM Members with passes)

https://www.imsom.org/

Period. End of Sentence

Aashraya Seth founded two non-profits in India that work on menstrual equity and upskilling tribal and underserved women and girls in STEM.

The event is the screening of the Academy-award-winning movie Period. End of Sentence (for which Aashraya was an Ambassador), followed by a presentation on her work in India and light refreshments. 

Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025

Time: 5:00 - 6a;30 pm

Venue: Humphrey Institute, U of M

RSVP Here

The event is hosted by the UMN's Center for Women, Gender and Public Policy.

In the News

Gunjan Kedia to be CEO of U.S. Bancorp

Gunjan Kedia, president of U.S. Bancorp, has been named the next chief executive officer of the Minneapolis-based bank, effective in April, the company announced Tuesday afternoon.

Kedia, 54, will replace outgoing CEO Andy Cecere, who will remain in a support role as executive chairman, following the close of the company’s annual shareholder meeting April 15.

Stating that the banking industry is at an “important inflection point,” Kedia said in an interview that she is “honored by the board’s decision and very grateful to Andy for his leadership and his stewardship of our organization.”

Kedia outlined three priorities for the months ahead aimed at moving the business forward: accelerating growth, with a strategy focused on deeper client relationships; transforming the bank’s payments business; and focusing on enduring productivity, in part by leveraging technology to be “a simple, streamlined and secure bank.”

Read StarTribune article here

IAM 2019 President Nash Shaikh

Nash Shaikh and Shereese Turner of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity embrace at a memorial wall for former President Jimmy Carter.

Nash Shaikh is the Chair Emeritus of the Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors. We're immensely grateful for Nash's leadership, enthusiasm, and advocacy as Board Chair. As we celebrate a month of thanking our supporters—we call it Thankuary—Nash reflects on what motivates and inspires her to support Habitat's mission.

To read more Click Here

Congratulations to 2019 IAM President for work with Habitat for Humanity.

Giving Back - The Murthy's Fellowship in Pharmaceutics at University of Minnesota

Drs. Kuchi S. Murthy and (the late) Swatantra Bharathi Murthy donated $100,000 to University of Minnesota towards a new endowed fellowship in Pharmaceutics.

Dr. Murthy earned his MS and PhD in Pharmaceutics in 1966 and 1968 from the University of Minnesota. It was the financial support of a teaching assistantship that made it possible for Dr. Murthy to leave his home country of India, seek education and training at one of the top pharmacy schools in the country, and subsequently pursue his American dream of a successful career in the U.S.

After earning his degrees, he spent a year as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy before starting his career at Parke-Davis, which later merged with Warner-Lambert and ultimately Pfizer. Dr. Swatantra Bharathi Murthy, affectionately referred to as Bharathi, was a retired psychiatrist.

Dr. Murthy offers two key pieces of advice for young people. First, he emphasizes the importance of staying current by updating skills and education, given how rapidly technology, procedures, and society are changing. Second, he reminds us that everyone makes mistakes in various aspects of life, and it's essential to practice forgiveness – both for ourselves and others – when things don't go according to plan.

As Dr. Murthy's journey shows, success built on educational support creates a powerful circle of giving – contributions today can launch tomorrow's innovators who will carry forward the tradition of generosity.

View of the exhibition "Roshan Ganu: रातराणी: The Night Blooming Jasmine" installed in US Bank Gallery at Minneapolis Institute of Art. Exhibition on view at Mia November 23, 2024 - February 23, 2025.

Artist thrilled to win Jerome Grants

When Roshan Ganu got the call about being named a 2025-2028 Jerome Hill Artist Fellow in December 2024, she was back home in Goa, India, preparing to get married. It was right before her henna day, a celebration of applying henna to the bride, her family and friends that takes place days before the wedding. Her Minneapolis Artists Exhibition Project (MAEP) solo exhibition also had opened in November 2024 at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

Sometimes good news comes during the best moments.

“It was just really great to find out that I’ve made it,” said Ganu, whose multimedia work explores the human condition, particularly “isolation,” through narrative storytelling. Back in 2020, she started publishing hand-drawn illustrations on her Instagram account in an attempt to break the pandemic-induced isolation.

Read StarTribune article here

MAEP Artist Talk with Roshan Ganu

Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 6:30 pm

Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA)

Click Here to Reserve Free Tickets

MAEP Artist Roshan Ganu will discuss her use of art to explore broader conversations regarding access, history, and the power of art to inspire awe and wonder.

https://new.artsmia.org/

Congratulations Rashmy Nair

Rashmy Nair proudly won the title of Mrs. Universe Petite USA 2025 representing Minnesota among 40 contestants nationwide. A passionate advocate for following dreams at any stage of life, Rashmy embraced modeling after turning 40, proving it’s never too late to rewrite your story. 

Today, she is a published model and a celebrated runway presence, having walked for renowned designers in Minnesota and showcased her talent on the global stages of Milan and New York Fashion Week. 

During the *Mrs. Universe USA* competition, Rashmy shone brightly in the national costume round by portraying Unniarcha, a legendary 16th-century warrior. Her attire was a tribute to Kerala’s rich cultural heritage, embodying her deep pride in her roots. 

Rashmy credits her success to the unwavering support of her husband and mother, who believed in her even during moments of self-doubt. In addition to her achievements, Rashmy is passionate about helping others realize their potential. She provides runway and pageant coaching, empowering aspiring models and contestants to shine with confidence. 

Combining her expertise in IT with her passion for advocacy, she is also working on launching a digital platform dedicated to mentoring and empowering women, providing resources, and creating opportunities for personal and professional growth. 

Rashmy’s story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of believing in oneself. She continues to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness and pursue their dreams, regardless of age, size, or background.

Minnesota Kids Connecting with Rural India

A Milestone for Vidya Gyan

Vidya Gyan’s journey into 2025 was marked by a significant milestone in its decade-long commitment to rural education. It came through an extraordinary gesture from one of its Board members, 2021 - 2023 IAM board member, Rupali Gupta and her 8th-grade son and 4th grade daughter, visited a rural school in the Vidya Gyan network during their trip to India.

In a rare and inspiring act, the Guptas took time out from their busy family visit and traveled two hours each way to an elementary school in rural India. The experience exemplified their dedication to creating life-changing moments for their children and the local students.

Their visit coincided with one of the coldest days of December when classes were unexpectedly canceled. Yet around 35 students from "Super 20," a Vidya Gyan initiative focused on Learning and Leadership, braved the weather to be there. The interactions between the Minnesota kids and the rural students, conducted in Hindi, were heartening, enriching, and deeply inspiring.



Reflecting on the experience, Rupali shared, “The visit inspired us with the students’ enthusiasm and creativity.” Her daughter, Arohee, proposed an idea for a “Science Day,” challenging Vidya Gyan to turn the concept into reality. It was a moment of connection, innovation, and shared aspirations across continents. 

Ragamala Award

The three Ramaswamys have received a Creative Capital Award for their newest project, The Liminal Museum, which traces stories of their family as a microcosm of women in traditional societies in an installation/performance that layers gender, lineage, and aging through the life story and collected mementos of their late mother/grandmother. We look forward to keeping you updated on this project as it develops!

The Liminal Museum

https://www.ragamaladance.org/

Miscellaneous

Happy Valentine's Day

Flowers, chocolate and tokens of appreciation or just doing something nice and unexpected for our cherished love ones and cards to recognize our close friends are how we celebrate on February 14th each year. It's the small things that are memorable.

IAM wishes each and every one a Happy Valentine's Day

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.