India Association of Minnesota

February 2026 Newsletter

53 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".

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IAM Supporting Minnesota's Immigrants

The India Association of Minnesota (IAM) is fully committed to the safety and well-being of the Indian, as well as the greater Minnesota immigrant community. Our focus right now is providing accurate information, connecting families with verified resources, and ensuring everyone understands their fundamental rights. We are working closely with community partners to monitor developments, and will share resource updates through our official channels as they become available.

IAM has hosted three virtual information sessions for the community on Know Your Rights & Community Safety. Additional information can be found on the IAM Website

Watch for Special Edition newsletter soon.

As a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, we want to support the Indian community in Minnesota. Our priority is making sure you have the resources you need.

2026 India Association of Minnesota (IAM)

Updates

Board of Directors

Neelima Parameswaran Krishnan

(Our apologies to Neelima for missing her in the January announcement)

Working Committees

Aditi Garg



Honorary Board

Steve Heckler - Suresh Krishna

Nominations Committee

Venkat Seemakurthy

(Name corrected)

Intern Cohort

Aarti Kannan - Aditi Kannan - Agriya Bhardwaj - Anika Sinha - Anokhi Shah

Deeksha Panda - Diya Sajlar - Geyasree Badri - Mridini Kishan Tripurantakam

Nandana Nambair - Nayan Menon - Om Roshan - Rajinesh Aravindan

Sejal Patnayak - Shaunya Kumar - Shikha Mahendrakar - Trisha Manjure

Vivek Seemakurthy

Orientation sessions for new IAM board and interns held on January 11 & 18, 2026 pictured below.

Connect India 2026

Presented by India Association of Minnesota

SAVE THE DATE!

Connect India is the first event IAM holds to bring in all our partner organizations from the state of MN, who have connection to our roots in India, under one roof. These organizations are our local regional, cultural and service partners who work with our Asian Indian communities in the state of Minnesota. IAM brings them together to share our missions and goals, and to explore areas where we as a community can cooperate and collaborate.

Watch your mail for this invitation only event.

IAM's Annual Lifetime Achievement Award and Person of the Year will be presented at Connect India. IAM Annual Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes Individuals or Organizations for achieving excellence in their field, promoting the interests of the Asian Indian community in Minnesota, and advancing understanding between the Asian Indian community and the Minnesota community at large. To learn more Click Here.

IAM Person of the Year Award recognizes Individuals of Indian American origin for their achievements during the course of 2025 - excellence in their field, an inspirational role model for the community and significant contribution to the society at large.

To submit a nomination Click Here or scan the QRcode in the below flyer. The deadline has been extended to February 8, 2026.

IAM News & Events

IAM & Partners

Supporting our Minnesota Community

At the beginning of November, IAM launched a fund raising initiative to support Minnesotans experiencing food insecurity.

In addition to the checks for $3,000 presented in November, checks in the amount of $2,535 were given to Open Door Pantry, Loaves & Fishes, Second Harvest Heartland and Communities Advancing Prosperity for Immigrants (CAPI) in January. IAM Board members, Srividya Vaidyanathan, Sanjay Terakanambi and Uma Venkat visited the four recipient organizations.

India Association of Minnesota thanks our partners for participating in this community effort and everyone who contributed.

International Film Fest



Save the Dates

India Association of Minnesota (IAM) and Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) are partnering for the second year with MSPFS for its 45th year of the International Film Festival in the Twin Cities.

MSPIFF, aka the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival, returns April 8-19, 2026 to celebrate its 45th anniversary with another awesome lineup of over 200 films from around the world, including Indian films and shorts, plus parties, panels, visiting filmmakers, and special guests galore. Films will be shown at The Main, Edina Theater, Mia and in Rochester, MN. As the largest annual celebration of international cinema in the region, MSPIFF45 promises to be its biggest festival yet!

Watch for more information in the March IAM newsetter.

Government Relations & Community Engagement

2026 is an Election Year!

Minnesota Precinct Caucuses

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

https://caucusfinder.sos.mn.gov/



What's on the Election Day ballot in 2026?

All voters will have these races on their general election ballot:

• U.S. Senator - U.S. Representative - Governor & Lt. Governor
• Secretary of State - State Auditor - Attorney General
• State Senator - State Representative - Judicial Seats

Voters may have one or more of these races on their ballot:

• County Officials - City Officers - School Board Members
• Township Officers - Local ballot questions

Election Calendar

Vote by mail or in person - June 26 through August 10 for the Primary

Primary Election - August 11, 2026

Vote by mail or in person - September 18 through November 2, 2026

Election Day - November 3, 2026

For more information https://www.sos.mn.gov/election-administration-campaigns/elections-calendar/

India Association of Minnesota is non-political. 

IAM will inform but does not endorse any candidates.

Indian American Candidates

Dr. Krishnan Subrahmanian is running for the Minnesota Senate SD49. Watch for more information on https://krishforsenate.com/

India Association of Minnesota requests that Indian candidates submit a picture, office running for and link to website for publication in this newsletter. Email to info@iamn.org.

SAARI

(South Asians Against Racial Injustice)

February is Black History Month

"A Century of Black History Commemoration," celebrating the 100th anniversary of Black History Month is the theme for 2026..

"2026 marks a century of national commemorations of Black history. Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson, George Cleveland Hall, William D. Hartgrove, Jesse E. Moorland, Alexander L. Jackson, and James E. Stamps institutionalized the teaching, study, dissemination, and commemoration of Black history when they founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) on September 9, 1915.

"As part of the global African diaspora, people of African descent in the United States have viewed their role in history as critical to their own development and that of the world. Along with writing Black histories, antebellum Black scholars north of slavery started observing the milestones in the struggle of people of African descent to gain their freedom and equality. Revealing their connection to the diaspora, they commemorated the Haitian Revolution, the end of the slave trade, and the end of slavery in Jamaica. They observed American emancipation with Watch Night, Jubilee Day, and Juneteenth celebrations. Eventually they feted the lives of individuals who fought against slavery, most notably Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. The scholar Arthur A. Schomburg captured the motivation of Black people to dig up their own history and present it to the world: “The American Negro must remake his past in order to make his future.”

To read the entire ASALH article Click Here

MAAMG Celebrates Black History Month

The Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery (MAAHMG) celebrates Black History Month 2025 with a new history exhibition The Black Vote, which explores the history of how African Americans gained the right to vote in Minnesota and the subsequent rise of Black officials in the State. The exhibition also highlights the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This multimedia exhibition includes history curated by Mica L. Anders, and artwork by Charles Caldwell, Karen Caldwell, A. Drew Hammond and Laura Marie. An opening reception will be held February 6 from 6 – 8 pm at the museum, 1256 Penn Avenue N., Minneapolis, MN. Admission and parking are free. There will be light refreshments.

MAAHMG will also present engaging and informative free public events at the museum for Black History Month which include:

• February 8: Children’s Reading Circle with author Timi Bliss who will read her book, The Magic in Me
• February 13: Is DEI Dead?: A panel discussion about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
• February 15: M & M – Museum & Movie. This event, a collaboration between the museum and Northpoint Health and Wellness Center, starts with a tour of the museum followed by a screening of the movie The Six Triple Eight at Northpoint. 
• February 20: Tools for Starting and Sustaining a Business. 
• February 27: History & Art Talk about the exhibition The Black Vote.

 maahmg.org

Celebrate Black History at Mia

• Check out the many opportunities to explore Black history at Mia.
• Gordon Parks (American, 1912–2006), Untitled, Harlem, New York (detail), 1963 (printed 2020), archival pigment print. Gift of funds from Mary and Bob Mersky, 2020.55.3
• Friends Lecture Series: Michael Kleber-Diggs, poet, essayist and critic. February 5, 2026 • 6–7pm, Pillsbury Auditorium
• Meet at Mia: Visionaries: Featuring music, food, and artmaking.
• February 5, 2026 • 5–9pm
• Family Day: Reflections: Includes films from TPT. February 8, 2026 • 10am–5pm
• Mia Matinee: “Invisible Beauty”. Saturday, February 28 • 2pm, Pillsbury Auditorium

artsmia.org

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

• Connect India, February 22, 2026, Minnetonka Community Center
• MSPFS International Film Event, April 8-19, 2026. Main Theater, Edina Theater & Mia
• International Fest (IFest) , April 10-11, 2026, River Centre
• Sports Day - May
• Flint Hills Family Festival - May 30, 2026, Rice Park, St Paul, MN. 
• Asian Fair - May 30, 2026, Hilde Performance Center, Plymouth, MN.
• Consular Camp - June, TBD 
• International Yoga Day - June 21, 2026, TBD
• IndiaFest, August 15, 2026, Minnesota State Capitol Grounds.
• NonViolence Day - October 3, 2026, Minnesota History Center
• Health Awareness Charity Event - October, TBD
• GBM and Member Appreciation - November, TBD

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

Community Events

Minnesota Malayalee Association (MMA)

Move with MMA – February Fitness Sessions

Join for Move with MMA, a community fitness series featuring fun, guided workouts for couples, friends, and individuals. Open to all fitness levels.

February Sessions:

• Valentine’s Day Full Body Workout – Feb 14 (Ridgedale Library, RHR Room)

• Intro to Strength Training & Nutrition – Feb 21 (I2 Fitness, Maple Grove)

Registration link:  MMA Membership + Fitness Registration :

https://mnmalayalee.org/

RGK Dance Academy

RAMAYANA — a grand musical dance drama in English, bringing the timeless Indian epic to life through breathtaking choreography, vibrant costumes, and powerful storytelling. Experience the journey of Ram, Sita, Lakshman, and Hanuman — a story of love, courage, devotion, and victory of good over evil — beautifully created for the whole family to enjoy together.

 RGK Dance Academy’s 23rd Anniversary Gala Production

 Annual Benefit Show for Vidya Gyan (supporting education for underprivileged children in India and USA)

 Sunday, March 22, 2026

 1:30 – 4:30 PM

 Wayzata Central Middle School

305 Vicksburg Lane, Plymouth, MN

 Tickets (Indian food included with every ticket):

• $45 Advance | $50 at the Door

• $100 VIP | $250 VVIP

• Students with ID: $25

• Children under 5: Free

• Group VIP (10+): $75 each

 Buy Tickets Online: www.rgkdance.org

 Info & Tickets: Renu G. Kumar – 763-227-0740

School of India for Language & Culture (SILC)

SILC Mela

Como Park Senior High School 

740 Rose Avenue West

St. Paul, MN 55117

silcmn.com

Miscellaneous

Valentine's Day

In these challenging times, let us embrace the spirit of love and connection on February 14th! This special day is an opportunity to pause, breathe, and reflect on the positive aspects of our lives, no matter how small. Whether it’s sharing vibrant flowers, delightful candies, or simply showering our loved ones with thoughtful gestures, let's spread joy and warmth throughout our community. And let’s not forget the fun! Exchanging playful cards with friends and children can bring a smile and a chuckle, reminding us that laughter is indeed the best medicine. So, let’s come together to celebrate love and appreciation, lifting each other’s spirits with kindness and connection. Join us in this heartfelt journey of cultural pride and community spirit—because even amidst unrest, love always finds a way to shine!

IAM wishes everyone a Happy Valentine's Day!

Stay Connected with IAM

Visit the IAM Website IAM Facebook Instagram@iamnorg

IAM is on X (twitter) too!