India Association of Minnesota

January 2026 Newsletter

53 Years Supporting the Indian Community

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2026 India Association of Minnesota

Officers

 President Mangala Acharya - Vice President Sunitha Pillai

General Secretary Analabha Dutta - Treasurer - Nithya Mathad

Board of Directors

Aditi Velankar - Anurag Saurabh - Bhargava Srikantha

Madhan Kumar Rajendran - Madhulika Gaur - Rashmi Jindani - Reena Raichur

Rupali Gupta - Sanjay Terakanambi - Srividya Vaidyanathan (2025)

Uma Venkat - Vipasha Verma

Trustee Advisory Council

Chair Sreeni Checka (2020) - Vice Chair Sree Kamojjala (2017)

Meena Bharti (2024)

Honorary Board

 Dr. Bruce Corrie - Ram Gada - Dr. Sita K. Dash

Nominations Committee

 Sreeni Checka (2020) - Sree Kamojjala (2017)

Meena Bharti (2024) - Venkat Seemakurty - Sayali Amarapurkar

Working Committees

Aadarsh Akula - Arun Batchu - Manjula Raman - Prakash Singh

Pratap Bhosale - Rashmy Nair - Reshma Kolhapure - Seena George

Sridhar Nivarty - Usha Mishra - Vaibhav Regalla - Vikesh Raj

Administration

Alice Northrup

(Year) served as IAM president

Watch for more IAM Board & Committee news in future IAM newsletters.

Attendees at General Body Meeting on December 7, 2025 pictured below.

Departing IAM Board Members

IAM sincerely thanks our board members who have tirelessly given of their time, talent and energy in service to both India Association of Minnesota and the community at large. We are grateful for all they have done during their tenure with IAM.

Shruti Joshi - Board Member 2023 - 2025. Co-chair of Government Relations committee, Lead for 2024 Literacy Event and 2025 Non-violence Day Event, represented IAM at numerous events.

Fazel Haris - Board Member 2024-2025. Chair of Outreach committee, participated in many community events.

Muniesh Khandelwal - Associate Board Member 2025. Supported IAM events.

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.

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR

2026 IAM INTERNSHIP PROGRAM.

The India Association of Minnesota (IAM) is excited to announce our 1-Year Internship Program, designed to provide high school students with invaluable hands-on experience in various aspects of community engagement and nonprofit management.

Our mission at IAM is to foster a vibrant Indian American community in Minnesota through three core pillars: Charity, Connections, and Culture.

As an intern, you will have the opportunity to contribute directly to these pillars and make a lasting impact on the 60,000+ Minnesotans of Asian Indian origin within our community.

For more information & to apply Click Here

IAM News & Events

IAM & Partners

Supporting our Minnesota Community Update

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

On November 25, 2025, we presented Open Door Pantry, Loaves & Fishes, Second Harvest Heartland and Communities Advancing Prosperity for Immigrants (CAPI), each a check for $3,000.

The campaign has continued through the Holiday Season and will end this week. IAM will be giving a second check to these organizations shortly.

Thank you to every one who generously donated to help our fellow citizens. Special thanks to all of our partners.

We encourage everyone to continue to support the food banks and organizations who are dedicated to helping Minnesotans, who for a variety of reasons, are facing food insecurity.

Every dollar you donate can equate to the food banks providing 3 meals.

No Minnesotan should have to choose between food, bills or survival!

IAM Participating in the Community

Know Your Neighbor

City of Edina, State Senators representing the area and Edina Police Department organized a community gathering for the community members to come together and get to know one another through shared experiences and dialogues. The event was held at the Edina Chamber of Commerce on the evening of Wednesday, December 10th. 

Community leaders of diverse demographics came together representing their cultural backgrounds and create a stronger connection. Apart from the Caucasian community, there were representations from Somali, Asian, Afghani, West Asian, African American and Asian Indian communities. Srividya Vaidyanathan, the 2025 IAM President represented the Asian Indian community in the conversations. 

The takeaways from the gathering for everyone was a better understanding of and respect for the different cultures, while discovering the commonality that connects us to make us a stronger, collective community.

Chance Fund Raiser

On December 6, 2025, in celebration of their 10th anniversary, the Chance Foundation of Minnesota presented "Kahani - The Story of Storytelling," a masterfully scripted production by Ajay Rawal and Kuhu Singh that interwove storytelling from the Stone Age to the digital era through song, dance, and drama. The event showcased the foundation’s decade-long commitment to empowering underprivileged children in India through education and health initiatives. The evening was a seamless fusion of performing arts and philanthropy, concluding with heartfelt congratulations to the entire crew for a masterful performance.

Supporting Chance from IAM were Presidents Srividya Vaidyanathan (2025), Sreeni Checka (2020), Sree Kamajjola (2017), Gupthan Namboodiripad (1995) and Ananth Shankar (2000). IAM former presidents stay involved in the community. Ramesh Muniswamy (2006) is the incoming President of Chance. Also in attendance from IAM were Sunitha Pillai, Mangala Acharya, Shruti Joshi, Fazel Haris, Nithya Mathad, Venkat Seemakurthy and not pictured Sanjay Tereakanambi, Manjula Raman, Analabha Dutta and Muniesh Khandelwal.

Donate here to support the children of India.

https://chanceforthem.com/

MVP Cricket Academy's

MVP Cricket Academy is a youth cricket training program in the Twin Cities that offers coaching for various skill levels of the sport of cricket, with sessions held at indoor facilities like Crossbat Cricket Arena, Burnsville MN. Their International Cricket Council certified coaches provide training for kids and teens, with programs for different age groups and skill levels, and emphasize developing well-rounded athletes through competition and skill-building. 

Their first formal annual award event was held at Chaska Community Center on January 14th. Srividya Vaidyanathan, IAM 2025 President was on the invited guest list. 

Youth teams and individual star performers were awarded in multiple categories for their achievements at local and national levels. Team coaches and managers were also recognized at the event.

 Minnesota Malayalee Association (MMA)



The Oru Christmas Gathering held on December 13 at Shakopee West Middle School was a resounding success, bringing our community together for a day of festivities, joy and connections.

Proudly brought to you by Minnesota Malayalee Association , the event featured a special visit with Santa and a vibrant lineup of performances, all while our dedicated board members joined in to celebrate the season with everyone. A major highlight of the afternoon was the incredible spread of delicious food, topped off with a traditional plum cake that brought a true, nostalgic taste of the holidays to the table.

It was great to meet the outgoing and incoming MMA Board. Wishing them a great 2026!!

Attending from India Association of Minnesota were General Secretary Sunitha Pillai, Board Members Analabha Dutta and Fazel Haris.

IAM History

Ananth Shankar

IAM President 2000

Memory fades but some events are hard to forget.

Fifty years ago, in 1975, I arrived in a new land.

I had graduated in 1973 from IIT Kharagpur and was working for an architectural firm in Madras. During this time I wanted to pursue higher studies in the US. My father supported me and my boss in the firm advised me to choose Minnesota out of the five universities that had accepted me. The dean was a well known architect.

A couple days after arriving in New York, I took a Northwest Orient flight to Minneapolis. I found myself lost in the middle of the huge University of Minnesota campus. I joined a couple of acquaintances from India and we settled down in a campus apartment.

Over the next fifty years, my time at the University, my work as an architect and my social engagement with the general and Indian population of Minnesota led me to an interest in local politics and a desire to volunteer myself more to social causes. I saw first hand the various Indian organizations trying to knit the community together. The India Student Association, SILC (School of Indian Languages and Culture), the various Indian state organizations were all doing their part in bringing people together. I was also drawn into the work of the India Association of Minnesota (then called the India Club).

In the mid 90s, my name was recommended by a prominent Indian Minnesotan for the board of IAM. I accepted. I served on the board during the years 1997 to 1999 learning valuable lessons about the various events that the organization held each year. In 1999, I served as the Vice President under President Bhupat Desai.

1999 was a tumultuous year in India. A super cyclone in Odisha claimed the lives of thousands of people. The Kargil war broke out at the line of control between India and Pakistan. In the US too, there were a number of developments, the impeachment of a president, the Columbine school massacre, and a war in Yugoslavia.Y2K fears escalated throughout the year.

As I took over the reigns of IAM in 2000, the Odisha floods of the year before weighed heavily on the board. IAM had raised a good amount of relief money in 1999, but the task of distributing the money fell on the 2000 board. More than $28,000 was distributed to Seva, C.A.R.E., Orissa Village Trust and Sri Aurobindo Progress Trust. 2000 was also the 50th anniversary of India becoming a republic. IAM marked the special anniversary at the annual January Dinner. India Consul General JC Sharma was the chief guest.

Our monthly meetings were held at the International Institute of Minnesota, in St Paul. I was supported by an active board of directors. Asian Indian Women's Association (AIWA) became active and held an expo in the spring. The board concentrated efforts in two areas; membership renewal and messaging regarding census participation.

IAM participated in the Festival of Nations held at the St Paul Civic Center. The theme was “Celebrate the Seasons”. Three different Indian dance groups participated. The food booth was as popular as ever serving mouth watering eats! The annual IAM picnic and flag hoisting to celebrate India Independence day was held at Fort Snelling State Park. The final event of the year, Festival of India, was held at the Landmark

Center on October 1. Surendra Kumar, the consul general of India for the Chicago region was the chief guest. More than 80 participants entertained more than 500 people. A visa camp was held simultaneously. As it was an election year, many politicians came including US Senator Paul Wellstone.

At the end of the year, it was time to hand over the baton to the incoming 2001 president, Vipin Gopal. As I think back to the year 2000, we were spared of any major catastrophic events. But the year was sandwiched between two years 1999 and 2001 when major events took place. In 2001 India was shaken by a major earthquake in Gujarat with thousands of casualties. In September the 9/11 attacks in the US took almost 3000 lives. Day to day lives of citizens all over the world changed.

After a few years of unofficial volunteering, I became part of IAM's Trustee Advisory Council (TAC) I was on it from 2006 to 2009. Our main task was to look at the bylaws and suggest changes.

In 2020 the IAM Past Presidents Club (IPC) was formed and I continue to support and participate in India Association of Minnesota activities as my time allows.

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. Mia, Main Theater, Edina Theater
• International Fest (IFest) , April 10-11, 2026, River Centre
• IndiaFest, August 15, 2026, Minnesota State Capitol Grounds.

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

Government Relations & Community Engagement

Martin Luther King (MLK)

January 19, 2026

"The day honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the civil rights leader whose most well-known areas of advocacy include civil rights and racial equality, voting rights, nonviolent resistance, economic justice, fair housing, and opposition to militarism and poverty.

MLK Day commemorates Dr. King’s leadership in the American civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. Through peaceful protests and powerful speeches, he challenged racial segregation and inspired a nation to pursue social justice.

The holiday is designated as a National Day of Service, encouraging Americans to volunteer and give back to their communities."

To read more Click Here

MLK Celebration in Minnesota

"This year marks the 40th anniversary of our state’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday celebration—one of the longest-running and largest in the nation. From Rochester to Red Lake, communities across Minnesota will gather to honor Dr. King’s enduring legacy and bring his vision to life in our neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, and public spaces." For more information https://mn.gov/oeoa/mlk-2026/

Community Events

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.

Over 200 films and shorts, including Indian films, will be shown at The Main, Edina Theater, Mia and in Rochester, MN from April 8 -19, 2026. Watch for more information in the February IAM newletter.

4th Annual Princess Of Asia® Pageant

February 21–22, 2026 • Mall of America

Registration Now Open

Step into a world of elegance, empowerment, and transformation as the 4th Annual Princess Of Asia® Pageant returns. Registration is now open for girls and women ages 4 through adult, who will be competing for Queen’s titles, and for boys ages 6 and up, who will serve as escort volunteers during the event. This year’s pageant promises to be the biggest and brightest celebration yet.

The Princess Of Asia® Pageant is more than a competition—it’s a confidence-building and leadership development program through a cultural lens that helps participants shine on stage and beyond. Through every challenge and opportunity, contestants learn to boost confidence, build leadership, and improve communication, embodying true empowerment.

The 2026 program features a new one-on-one interview as part of the required competitions, plus six exciting optional competitions: Photogenic, Runway, Ethnic Wear, Fun Fitness, Talent, and Spokesmodel. Open to both girls and boys, these high-energy optionals celebrate personality, poise, and creativity. With a strong focus on community service, and the support of generous sponsors and experienced judges, every participant is guided with encouragement and care at every step.

Event Schedule

• Day 1 (Feb 21): Optionals & Prelims — DoubleTree by Hilton MSP
• Day 2 (Feb 22): Finals & Royal Crowning Ceremony — Mall of America

For more information and to register www.princessofasia.org.

Miscellaneous

1973 Letter of a Nostalgic Indian Lady in Minnesota

Ever wondered how an Indian immigrant woman felt in 1970's Minnesota, when support systems were negligible; there were no Indian restaurants, and making phone calls or sourcing groceries was hard? Read this old letter to get a feel of life before organizations like the India Association of Minnesota (IAM) appeared on the scene.

In January of 2024, IAM supported Minnesota authors and bloggers by hosting a Literacy event at the Minnetonka Community Center. Click on the link below to read a new offering from one of those participants, Shivangi Singh.

To read Click Here

Mimi's Christmas Cake

Rima Chakraborty

Mimi's Christmas Cake is a new book that focuses on a slice of Christmas traditions for Indian Americans, not yet explored in other children's books currently available in the USA. Ultimately, while the story takes place during Christmas and Christmas traditions, the message of the story is universal.

It’s a heartwarming holiday story about sisters Methi and Mouri, family traditions, and learning that food is love — and love is meant to be shared. 

 Available on Amazon in paperback, hardcover & Kindle

Suchi Sairam Receives Mom's Choice Award (MCAA)

At the 2024 IAM Literacy Event, Suchi Sairam presented her first book, Dancing Deepa. Recently she has received the Mom's Choice Award (MCAA) for her second book Singing Surya Dreams to Dance.

The book is also a finalist for Hindi's Libraries Females of Fiction 2025 Picture book. Awards will be announced mid-January.

Suchi is well known in the Twin Cities Indian community as the founder of Kala Vandanam, where she teaches bharatanatyam dance classes in St. Paul.

For more information about Singing Surya Dreams to Dance Click Here

https://kalavandanam.com/

Happy New Year

As this new year begins, let us view every challenge as an opportunity, let us advance the important work of India Association of Minnesota and let us work together to showcase the contributions of the Minnesota Indian community. Let's make an impact.

IAM wishes everyone a happy, healthy & safe 2026!

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.