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India Association of Minnesota
June 2026 Newsletter
53 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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2026 Consular Camp
By India Association of Minnesota
As a service to the Indian Community in Minnesota, IAM is again hosting a Consular camp on June 27, 2026. Watch for more information in a special edition IAM newsletter, coming soon and on the IAM Website
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2026 Youth Competition
by India Association of Minnesota
IAM is hosting an India Knowledge Olympiad for kids in grades 3 thru 12. The Olympiad is designed as a learning celebration, not a high-pressure competition.
$5 for IAM Members/$15 for non IAM Members
To become an IAM member Click Here
For more information and to register for a fun afternoon click on this Link or on the QRCode.
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IndiaFest 2026
“Experience India in a Day“ at IAM’s signature event each year, IndiaFest.
The event marks the celebration of Indian Independence Day, that falls on August 15th. The State of Minnesota recognizes this day as India Day. This event is an outdoor, free event, which is open for all. This year, IndiaFest is of special importance to the Asian Indian community as it will be celebrated on August 15th.
Sign up forms are now available for the following:
Cultural Form: https://forms.gle/p28x5yKU7PtpwtNd7
Food Booth: https://forms.gle/W6H9z3Ysh1YYhwY27
Bazaar: https://forms.gle/G9vVkUAZkxEkXdtr5
Exhibit: https://forms.gle/tz1qHD9VSZzx6G5a6
Watch for a special edition IndiaFest email the 2nd week of June.
| | IAM Participating in the Community | | |
On Wednesday, May 13th, Visit Saint Paul's Annual 2026 Tourism Celebration was held at Paikka Event Center. Events held in St. Paul, including the Minnesota State Fair, the Jazz Festival and IAM's signature event IndiaFest (held on the Minnesota State Capitol grounds) were showcased. Various cultural groups also had tables.
St. Paul Mayor Koahly Her spoke to the attendees. India Association of Minnesota was represented for the second year in a row by IAM Board Member Majula Raman.
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EAAA Annual AAPI Heritage Month Festival
The Edina Asian American Alliance (EAAA) hosted its fourth annual Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Month Festival on Saturday, May 16, 2026, a beautiful sunny spring day. The event, held at Rosland Park, featured performances, speeches and food trucks. India Association of Minnesota and other cultural and community groups welcomed the attendees to their tables. @026
President Mangala Acharya, 2003 President Deepshika Gupta, Vice-President Sunitha Pillai and Alice Northrup represented IAM.
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Twin Cities Rise Gala
On Sunday evening, May 17, 2026 Twin Cities Rice held its annual gala at the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Minneapolis. A cocktail reception with Silent Auction and raffle began the festivities. The theme was "The Power to Bloom". The dinner and program followed in the ballroom. TCR staff member Nicole Pillow was the emcee and she knows how to rev up the crowd. She then introduced CEO & President of TCR Emma Corrie who spoke eloquently about the achievements of the organization and the success of the "Risers". Two Riser Spotlight videos were played. The Frey Foundation was honored for their support for over two decades. Always fast and furious, the fundraising was next on the program. At the end of the evening, it was announced that over $460,000 had been raised. The evening ended with a dessert reception and entertainment by St. Paul native, Jamela Pettiford & the GQ Limit.
India Association of Minnesota showed up to support the cause and community member Emma Corrie. IAM was represented by IAM Presidents Mangala Acharya (2026), Sreeni Checks (2020), Tanwi Prigge (2023), Niru Misra (1994) and Ramesh Muniswamy (2006), Also attending were Ram Gada, Bruce Corrie, Alice Northrup and past board members Shruti Joshi, Pradeep Sukhani and Shonit Jain
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Twin Cities West Metro Asian Fair
On Saturday, May 30th, the Indian Association of Minnesota participated in the Twin Cities West Metro Asian Fair, joining fellow Asian communities in a vibrant celebration of culture and heritage that drew roughly 10,000 attendees throughout the day!
Our booth was a hub of excitement, especially for younger visitors who loved spinning the prize wheel, answering fun trivia questions about India, and receiving giveaways. It was a fantastic opportunity to share IAM’s mission and build anticipation for our upcoming signature events, including the Consular Camp and IndiaFest.
This successful day wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of our members Madhulika Gaur, Sanjay Terakanambi, Rashmy Nair, and Analabha Dutta, alongside our enthusiastic interns Diya Sajlar, Nayan Menon, and Rajinesh Aravindan. Their dedication was on full display as they engaged with thousands of visitors, fostering deeper cultural understanding within the broader Twin Cities community. We were also delighted to have community pillars Ram Gada and IAM Past Presidents Ashoke Mandal (2002), Sreeni Checka (2020) and Sree Kamojjala (2017) stop by the booth to show their support.
IAM extends a heartfelt thank you to all our volunteers, our special guests, and everyone who stopped by to connect with us!
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Flint Hills Family Festival
IAM was well represented at Ordeway Theater's Flint Hills Family Festival at Rice Park on Saturday, May 30, 2026. Spirited games of carrom were a crowd puller as usual, with our enthusiastic youth Om Roshan, Vivek, Anand, and Agriya providing quick lessons on how to play the game. The saree draping activity was also a very big hit, as always. The younger kids really enjoyed the mandala coasters and bookmarks and other mandala coloring activities. Kids of all ages loved the henna tatoos, bindis and various jewelry.
A big thank you to all the volunteers - Venkat, Vivek and Anand Seemakurthy, Mangala and Harish Acharya, Reena Raichur, Om Roshan, Sunitha Pillai, Nithya Mathad, Srividya Vaidyanathan, Aarati and Aditi Kannan, Mridhini, Agriya and Anamika Bharadwaj, Uma and Anura Venkat
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SILC Graduation
School of India for Languages and Culture (SILC), a bedrock of the Indian Community for the past 47 years, celebrated it's annual graduation ceremony at Como High School on Saturday, May 30. The event gave an opportunity for all the students to exhibit their new language skills, dance and tabla expertise and yoga skills. It was so encouraging to see students of all ages getting out of their comfort zone, learning new skills, and proudly showing their skills in front of their family, peers and the community.
IAM's president, Mangala Acharya was invited as the chief guest, and expressed her fondness for the organization. She talked about how she and her family volunteered at SILC for close to a decade, how SILC has always been close to her heart, so many of the SILC families are now her good friends, and how her family has stayed connected with SILC with her son Arjun Acharya going back to volunteer as the tabla teacher.
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API Day at the Capitol
On April 30th, IAM proudly participated in Asian Minnesotan Day at the Capitol, organized by the Coalition of Asian American Leaders (CAAL). The event brought together community leaders, advocates, students, and organizations from across Minnesota to strengthen civic engagement and advocate for issues impacting Asian Pacific Islander communities.
During the morning session, several MN House and Senate legislators including the House speaker Lisa Demuth spoke in support of the API communities and reaffirmed their support. IAM’s Sanjay Terakanambi along with several CAAL leaders accepted a proclamation from the Governor’s Office marking the month of May AANHPI Heritage Month.
During the afternoon session, Neelima Parameswaran Krishnan represented IAM and testified before the Asia Pacific Caucus on the impact of the Metro Transit surge and the growing concerns around safety among Asian Pacific Islander communities. She shared how the surge created fear, uncertainty, and hesitation within the Indian community, while also highlighting IAM’s efforts in supporting, informing, and assisting community members during that period.
During her testimony, she sought support for SF4741 and HF4650, the Anti Asian, Anti Asian Indian, and Anti Religious Hate Prevention Act, bipartisan bills proposed in collaboration with IAM to establish an independent ombudsperson to track, address, and prevent hate crimes and non criminal hate incidents. The testimony emphasized the importance of advocacy, representation, and continued collaboration with lawmakers to build safer and more inclusive communities for all Minnesotans.
Also in attendance from IAM were Board Member Madhulika Gaur and Honorary Board Member Ram Gada.
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2026 is an Election Year!
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
Primary
Vote by mail or in person
June 26 through August 10
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.
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SAARI
South Asians Against Racial Injustice.
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Juneteenth, Friday June 19, 2026
"Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday, the History Channel reports.
On Jan. 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared that all enslaved people in Confederate states would be freed. However, many enslavers ignored the order.
Texas was the last Confederate state to announce the proclamation on June 19, 1865, when Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger informed a community in Galveston, Texas, that Lincoln had freed enslaved people two and a half years earlier."
Minneapolis Celebrating Freedom Day: Head over to Bethune Park on June 13 to celebrate with activities, local food, and community resources.
Soul of the Southside: An expansive, free block party spanning Arbeiter Brewing, Moon Palace Books, and the Hook and Ladder Theater in South Minneapolis.
State Capitol Celebration: The 5th Annual Juneteenth "The Reckoning" will be held on the Minnesota State Capitol grounds in St. Paul on Friday, June 19.
Edina/Richfield Community Event: Centennial Lakes Park will host an afternoon of live performances, food trucks, and kids' zones.
Brooklyn Park & Brooklyn Center Events: The celebrations span the weekend with a community golf tournament on June 19 at the Centerbrook Golf Course, followed by a large family festival at North Hennepin Community College on June 20.
Bloomington Civic Plaza: An evening celebration featuring arts, history, and community gatherings.
https://www.visitsaintpaul.com/blog/juneteenth-in-saint-paul/
https://www.juneteenthevents.us/minneapolisaction
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The Edina/Richfield Juneteenth Celebration taking place on Friday, June 19th from 12:00–4:00 PM at Centennial Lakes Park in Edina.
This year’s event is shaping up to be our biggest and most impactful yet. Hosted by the Anti-Racism Collective and supported by the cities of Edina and Richfield and the Joint Community Police Partnership (JCCP), the celebration will bring our community together in meaningful ways.
You can expect:
- Live performances
- Fun and engaging activities for kids
- 25+ resource tables
- Food trucks and a wine station
- Messages from community leaders
However, this event can only happen with your support. Volunteers play a critical role in creating a welcoming, joyful, and well-organized experience for everyone who attends.
Volunteers needed in the following areas:
- Decoration/Support Runners (9:00–4:00)
- Welcome Table (11:00–4:00)
- Kids Space (10:30–2:30)
- Main Agenda Amphitheater (1:00–5:00)
- Table Set-up (9:00–12:00)
- Park Cleaning Support (3:30–5:00)
To review the volunteer details here: Click Here
If you’re willing to help, even for a portion of the day, please send your name and email to Linda Shay: Lindashay53@gmail.com so we can get you signed up.
If volunteering isn’t possible, we would still love to see you there—bring your friends, family, and neighbors. Your presence helps make this a vibrant, community-centered celebration of freedom, culture, and connection.
Thank you for helping us make this a meaningful and memorable event.
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June is Pride Month
"Pride Month is an annual celebration of the many contributions made by the LGBTQ+ community to history, society and cultures worldwide. In most places, Pride is celebrated throughout the month of June each year in commemoration of its roots in the Stonewall Riots of June 1969."
To read entire article: https://www.history.com/articles/pride-month
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To read about Twin Cities Pride Festival Click Here
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz issued a proclamation recognizing June as Pride Month, highlighting the state’s designation as a “trans refuge” state and its legal protections for "gender-affirming care."
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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. To become a member https://iamn.org/memberships/
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Upcoming IAM Calendar of Events
Event/Date/Venue
- India Knowledge Olympiad - June 7, 2026, Brookdale Library
- Consular Camp - June 27, 2026, TBD
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IndiaFest, August 15, 2026, Minnesota State Capitol Grounds.
- Non-Violence Day - October 2, 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.
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India Philanthropy Alliance
2026 Youth Essay Competition. This year's theme is #YouthWithPurpose.
Learn more and submit your essay.
The essay competition encourages Middle School and High School students to identify the greatest area of need in India and write a personal essay with well-researched solutions. This is a great way for your students to enhance their writing and critical thinking skills. A panel of judges will evaluate the essays, and the students will have the opportunity to present their essays to the judges. The winners in each category will be invited to attend a philanthropy summit in the fall, where they will participate in a fireside chat about their essay in front of nonprofit professionals, business leaders, and philanthropists. They will also be awarded a grant to give to the non-profit organization of their choosing. The essays of the winners, runners-up, and finalists will all be featured on our website and social media pages. The students would be able to network with their peers and make meaningful new connections as a result of writing a top-scoring essay.
For more information: Essay Submissions due by July 1, 2026.
https://www.indiaphilanthropyalliance.org/
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Subject: Make your summer count – Join Hustle Bootcamp
Hi there,
Looking for a way to make your summer actually count—not just pass by?
The Hustle Bootcamp: Preparing Young Adults for the Real World is a 9-week, hands-on program designed just for students like you—recent high school grads and early college students who want to build real-world skills.
This isn’t a lecture-based class. You’ll:
- Work on real projects (your own “micro-hustle”)
- Learn how to spot opportunities and create value
- Build confidence in communication and presenting ideas
- Gain practical skills you won’t always learn in a classroom
What to expect:
You’ll learn from Dr. Rajiv Tandon, an experienced entrepreneur who has helped many students turn ideas into real-world opportunities.
If you want to:
- Build something of your own
- Learn by doing, not just listening
- Stand out with real experience
This bootcamp is for you.
Spots are limited, so don’t wait too long to sign up!
Have questions? Reach out at Sayali@sewa-aifw.org or Shekhar@sewa-aifw.org .
Take the first step toward building your future this summer—we’d love to have you!
Register : Hustle Bootcamp: Preparing Young Adults for Real World – registration form
www.sewa-aifw.org
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The Ethnic Dance Theatre
Presents
Land of 10,000 Ethnicities
Setting the scene with the piece “Coming to America,” EDT will examine the path of local immigrants through a mixture of dance, song, and live music, beginning with one of the most prominent groups in Minnesota - the Scandinavians. Each community’s story will be introduced with brief narration, and cultures will be brought to life by performers dressed in regionally authentic clothing. Land of 10,000 Ethnicities will feature nearly 20 dancers, Mila Vocal Ensemble, and the EDT Folk Orchestra. EDT will debut new pieces from Latvia, Ireland, and Bulgaria, as well as bring back fan favorites from Mexico (“Bailes Norteño”), India (“Gujarati Dances” choreographed by Rita Mustaphi), and more.
Founded in 1974, by Donald LaCourse and Jonathan Frey, Ethnic Dance Theatre has been dedicated to the artistic performance and preservation of world music, song, and dance in the Twin Cities and beyond. This year, the Saturday night production (6/27) will be followed by a “Talk Back” question-and-answer segment featuring co-founder Donald LaCourse, in addition to members of the cast and production staff. Join us and ask about the beautiful costumes, for more information on a specific dance, how the show’s research was compiled, or anything else that comes to mind!
Whether learning about your own heritage or that of your neighbor’s, experience how the stories of Minnesota’s immigrants are not just pieces of our past, but part of our present and future. Be prepared to be immersed in culture as you stamp, schottische, and polka your way across our great state exploring our own backyard through the histories of the immigrants that chose to settle here.
E.M. Pearson Theatre, Concordia University
312 Hamline Avenue North, St. Paul, MN 55104
Friday, June 26, 2026 at 7:30pm
Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 7:30pm- with Q&A after
Saturday, June 28, 2026 at 2:00pm- ASL interpretation
Tickets: Pay-As-You-Can
Suggested amounts: Adults - $35, Senior/Student - $25, Children - $15
Tickets are available via the link here, or via our website!
Land of 10,000 Ethnicities: Volume 2 will run for approximately 2 hours including a 15 minute intermission.
For more information, visit www.ethnicdancetheatre.org
Tickets will be available at the box office 60 minutes prior to each show, or can be purchased online at: https://events.ticketleap.com/events/ethnic-dance-theatre/land-of-10-000-ethnicities-volume-2
https://ethnicdancetheatre.org/
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Kala Vandanam is delighted to perform at the Dakota County Parks 2026 Summer Solstice Festival. Celebrate the summer solstice and kicking off the summer season in this fun, family friendly festival.
ALL ARE WELCOME and FREE ADMISSION
Festival: June 22nd, 6-9pm
Kala Vandanam performance 8:30-9pm
Venue:Thompson County Park
360 Butler Ave. E., West St. Paul, MN 55118
https://kalavandanam.com/event/summersolstice2026/
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Vasantotsav 2026
Join Katha Dance Theatre for its first annual Vasantotsav - Spring Festival! KDT is excited to bring the community together for a festival showcasing established and emerging Kathak choreographers.
The program is subtitled Prakriti aur Parampara: Nature and Tradition. It begins at 7:30 pm with selections from Kathak E-motion. Choreographed by Rita Mustaphi, it showcases pure Kathak through focusing on Abhinaya, the form's integral expression of emotions.
Next is the world premiere of Ritu Ranga, the first production in the history of KDT to be choreographed solely by KDT Company members. Emerging choreographers Sarika Haris, Rupa Nair, Shilpi Chatterjee and Aaratrika Mondal worked closely with Rita Mustaphi as they crafted their pieces, each of which is based on a different meteorological season.
WHERE: Eden Prairie Central Middle School Performing Arts Center
8025 School Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55344
WHEN: June 6 at 7:30 pm (doors open at 7 pm)
TICKETS: Pick Your Price ($20 - $50); VIP: $60, Student: $15
The runtime should be 2 hours, "including a 30-minute intermission
with refreshments provided by Best of India".
Ticket link https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/vasantotsav--2026
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Echoes of India
A Solo Watercolor Exhibition by Neelima Parameswaran Krishnan
The India Association of Minnesota is proud to celebrate one of our own. Neelima Parameswaran Krishnan, IAM Board Member and multidisciplinary artist, is presenting her solo watercolor exhibition Echoes of India at the Plymouth Community Center Art Gallery, on display from June 12 through July 24. The exhibition is an intimate memoir and a tender homage to the land we carry within us.
Echoes of India finds poetry in the ordinary, in everyday life and the natural world of India, rendered through the luminous language of watercolor. Each work freezes a fleeting moment: a story carried not in words, but in light and shadow, stillness and feeling, colors that bloom, dissolve, and linger.
Neelima is a multidisciplinary artist, dancer, theater artist and director, arts educator, and community leader based in Minnesota. Her work is rooted in the power of narrative, exploring light, atmosphere, and cultural identity across disciplines and art forms. In Echoes of India, these threads weave together into something singular and deeply felt.
This exhibition is coordinated through a partnership with the City of Plymouth and the Plymouth Arts Council.
Plymouth Community Center Art Gallery
14800 34th Ave N., Plymouth, MN 55447
Open Daily 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Free & Open to the Public.
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Hindu Mythology
Sanjukta Mitra Solo Exhibition
With this series, painter Sanjukta Mitra aims to evoke a sense of connection to India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage through works that explore deities, spiritual themes, and mythological stories.
For Mitra, Hindu mythology is more than stories of gods and demons; it is a treasure trove of wisdom for navigating the complexities of modern life: “This series is more than an artistic endeavor—it is a personal meditation on how the divine can guide us to live with greater purpose, resilience, and love in our ever-changing world.”
https://www.mplsart.com/events/hindu-mythology-sanjukta-mitra
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The India Chamber of Commerce Minnesota (icocmn) proudly presents Trail Blaze: Women in Business & Leadership Summit — our inaugural evening dedicated to celebrating, elevating, and connecting the remarkable women driving change across our community.
Location: Maple Grove Community Center
Time: 5pm onwards
Date: June 18th 2026
FREE for Chamber Members
www.icocmn.org
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Re-imagining STEM Education for India Our core belief is that evidence-backed, rigorous, and relevant content can fundamentally transform the classroom experience for the child. Aavishkaar’s mission is to enable, equip, and empower educators and students to rekindle their creativity, curiosity and critical thinking in Math and Science. We achieve this by making learning experiential, hands on/minds-on, and immersive. Join us for an in-person gathering with Sandhya Gupta, 2007 IAM President, to learn about Aavishkaar’s work across India, hear stories from the field, and hear inspiring journeys of women in STEM from underserved communities
If you plan to attend: Please send the following information to the address below. Number of people attending and their names at $100 per person ($58 is tax-deductible).
You may also include an additional tax-deductible contribution: $_________ If you are unable to attend but would like to support, you can make a contribution in the following ways: If you plan to attend and want to donate by credit card, please send the above information in the provided envelope or email Karen at info@aavishkaarusa.org with the number of attendees. Make checks payable to: Aavishkaar USA or Scan the QR Code. Make checks payable to Aavishkaar USA and send it to: Aavishkaar USA, 1350 Rosemary Court, Hastings, MN 55033 By credit card: Visit https://bit.ly/DonateAavishkaarUSA26 Or scan the QR code
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ADVANCED BHARATANATYAM INTENSIVE
Led by Aparna Ramaswamy, this 5-day Bharatanatyam intensive offers an immersive experience grounded in the values of Smt. Alarmél Valli's Pandanallur lineage. Through technique classes and new repertoire, participants will engage deeply with the principles and concepts that shape this tradition. Balancing rigorous physical practice with reflection and dialogue, this intensive invites experienced Bharatanatyam students and dancers to explore how lineage informs artistic voice and creativity, and how culturally rooted forms continue to evolve with clarity and relevance today.
https://www.ragamaladance.org/
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SAATH MN
STORY TO SCREEN WORKSHOP
Got a story to tell? Your film could be part of a future festival.
Registration and Details:
https://www.saathmn.org/story-to-screen-2026
*PAY WHAT YOU CAN*
May 4 – June 22
Mondays | 7–9:30 PM
Center for Performing Arts
Story to Screen 2026 is a creative storytelling and filmmaking workshop designed for individuals interested in bringing their stories to life through visual media. The program focuses on guiding participants through storytelling, scripting, and screen adaptation in a supportive, community-driven environment.
Its a 2-hour, 10-week, story-forward filmmaking lab for filmmakers, community members of varied experiences interested in creating cinema that bears witness to both inner and outer worlds.
The workshop will be led by Bhavana Goparaju is an independent filmmaker, writer, data scientist, and social change catalyst.
Dates : April 13th - June 15th ( 10weeks)Time : 7pm-9pm
Location : Center for Performing Arts, Minneapolis
Cost : $390 - For 10 weeks
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Father's Day
June 21, 2026
The annual holiday celebrating dads, father figures and other paternal bonds – is in June. The idea for Father's Day emerged decades after Mother's Day, and the observance became a nationally celebrated holiday in 1972.
To read more about the origins of Father's Day Click Here
IAM wishes a Happy Father’s Day to all the special men in our community!
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South Asian professionals emigrating to the US in the 60’s and 70’s brought their aging parents with them. Many of these seniors, were non-english speaking, unable to drive and get around on their own. There were also complex dynamics around relationships with adult children, a crunch arising from traditional values and expectations of taking care of elders, in the same way they would have been taken care of in India. But the pressures of life in modern US society made it difficult to support that system. Adult children grappling with full time jobs and raising children involved in multiple activities, made it impossible to take time off to care for parents, causing heartache and disappointment from this clash of cultures. For many it was not feasible to have parents living with them, plus many parents were further along on their care needs, so children moved them to the best nursing homes they could afford. For others who continued to live with their children, they felt a lack of respect and total isolation.
One nursing home, in South Minneapolis had a concentration of South Asian seniors. Raj Chaudhary, SEWA-AIFW founder held social events in the property’s party room, entirely supported by volunteers. Indian food familiar to and appreciated by the seniors was brought in, and activities were planned to help them stay mentally and physically energized. The Senior program was particularly important to get them out of their homes, from watching the same TV serials every day, and have them engage ‘IN’ language with like minded people.
Much of SEWA’s core programming 20 years later is built around those early days of the Senior program: the annual summer picnic; and the volunteer appreciation event in the Fall, bringing seniors together for a luncheon at India Palace in Roseville. At the annual GALA in 2025, many seniors celebrated SEWA’s contributions to their lives as guests of SEWA.
To read Ruby Anik's blog Click Here
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To sign up for the IAM newsletter: Click Here
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