India Association of Minnesota

December 2025 Newsletter

52 Years Supporting the Indian Community

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From the Safety Townhall with multiple Hennepin County PDs, to the Student Townhall during the spring immigration crisis, to drafting and advocating for an Anti–Asian Indian Hate Bill at the state legislature, the IAM 2025 team has worked tirelessly behind the scenes. IAM is far more than our marquee event, IndiaFest—our mission extends to serving and representing the Indian community across Minnesota in meaningful and sustained ways.

This year’s consular camp was recognized by the Chicago Consulate as one of the largest serviced camps across all states under their jurisdiction. It is feedback like this—from officials and community members alike—that makes every challenge, every hour, and every ounce of effort worthwhile.

Throughout the year, we remained grounded in our core values of non-partisanship and secularism, staying focused despite some divisive distractions. We continued delivering value-added services while strengthening our partnerships across the community. Not only did we fulfill our goals, we deepened our relationships with the organizations that help amplify IAM’s mission.

Our families also deserve our heartfelt gratitude. They stood beside us, contributed their time, and supported us through every event, sacrificing the time they could have had with us. They are an extended part of our IAM team, and we couldn’t have done this without them.

Looking ahead, IAM’s vision is to elevate the voice of the younger generations within our community. We are committed to expanding our leadership pipeline by engaging new, emerging leaders on our board and committees. As a 100% volunteer-driven organization, everything we do is made possible by the unwavering support of our community. On behalf of IAM, I extend my sincere thanks for your continued trust and encouragement year after year.

Please join me in welcoming the 2026 IAM leadership team and committee members, who have stepped up to serve our community in the coming year. We will continue to keep this webpage updated as we go through our nomination process for new members on our board.

Recognition & Appreciation

It was a remarkable year at India Association of Minnesota. The banner above depicts the IAM events and initiatives, as well as community events where IAM had a table representing not only the organization but the Minnesota Indian community.

None of this is possible without our dedicated IAM Board and committees, all of whom volunteer their time and energy to serve the Asian Indians of Minnesota .

Thank you to our corporate sponsors, regional partners, Indian organizations, businesses, volunteers, family and friends who have supported IAM throughout the year.

The Dr. SK Dash Foundation generously funds IAM events and the activities of so many organizations throughout the Twin Cities.



We also thank Sehgal Foundation and Autism Sibs Universe for their considerable contributions towards IAM initiatives for the larger Minnesota communities.

And finally, IAM wants to recognize the significant financial donations made this year by past presidents Stefan Peterson (1988), Shanti Shah (1992). Bhupat Desai (1999) and Honorary Board Member Ram Gada to an investment fund for the future of IAM.

IAM News & Events

Important Reminder for All IAM Members

The India Association of Minnesota (IAM) 2025 Annual General Body Meeting (GBM) is this coming Sunday, December 7, 2025.

Time: 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Location: Brookdale Library

6125 Shingle Creek Pkwy, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430

It's never too late to become an IAM member. To join, see the membership section further down in this newsletter.

IAM & Partners

 Supporting our Minnesota Community

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

This is where community steps in. 

IAM launched a fund raising initiative to support Minnesotans experiencing food insecurity. Your contribution, big or small - helps fill the gap. (Read more below).

To donate Click Here or scan the QRcode.

First Checks Presented to Food Partners

On 11/25/2025, IAM board members Sanjay Terakanambi, Fazel Haris, Uma Venkat, Aditi Velankar, and Shruti Joshi visited our four food partner sites to distribute $12,000 (providing $3,000 each) from the funds raised to date through the “Together for Every Table” campaign.

Checks were presented to Mel McCormick and Carson McCalvy at Loaves & Fishes, Paul Andrighetti and Alexi Kleinschmidt at CAPI, Annie at Second Harvest Heartland, and Lisa Wendt and Jenny Mattson at Open Door Pantry.

All four partners expressed heartfelt appreciation for the support from IAM and our partner organizations. A consistent message we heard at every stop was that our donation was among the most meaningful contributions they received outside of major grants and corporate gifts.

Each organization also emphasized that the need remains extremely high due to the economic pressures many Minnesotans continue to face. The demand they’re seeing now is the highest since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our visits offered valuable insight into how far donations can stretch through these organizations. Their efficiency in food rescue, low-cost sourcing, logistics, and culturally informed distribution ensures that contributions go significantly further than individual efforts alone.

We appeal to all to contribute (Scan the QR code). The fundraiser will continue through the end of the year. IAM is deeply grateful to our partners and community for your support.

IAM Health Awareness Event

India Association of Minnesota held it's final event of 2025 on Saturday, November 1st at the Eisenhower Community Center.

IAM's health events started in in 2021 with Pink Garba, spotlighting breast cancer, followed by two more Pink Garbas in 2022 and 2023. Nostalgic 90's, a concert of local artists was held in 2024 where we broadened the scope to cancer awareness and care. This year cancer & other health issues affecting Asians was the theme.

After arriving, guests were greeted in the lobby by IAM Board members. The photo booth was busy. Guests had time to network and catch up with friends and connections.

Proceeds from this year's event equaled our 2024 charitable donation and IAM was able to present a check for $9,000 to the Children's Cancer Research Fund.

Sponsors for this year were Dr. SK Dash Foundation and Jayant Parthasarathi of Astrin Biosciences.

Photographer Rajesh Govindaraj was on hand to capture the event.

IAM President Srividya Vaidyanathan welcomed the attendees. The emcee for the evening was IAM Intern Anokhi Shah.

The focus of the annual health awareness event is to educate and bring awareness to the Asian Indian community about the health issues effecting all of us. A panel of experts each gave a presentation about their specialties followed by a brief Q&A session.

IAM thanks Dr. Alok Maheshwari - Cardiologist, Dr. Masood Ghazali - Neurologist, Dr. Natarajan Rama - Oncologist and Priyanka Sagar - Nutritionist and Dietician for participating this much needed information session.

The information shared by the doctors would be hosted on IAM website in the near future.

After the formal presentation, InFusion band took over the stage and entertained the audience with an uplifting musical performance.

The entertainment continued with a dance drama, It's About Time, where everything is not what it seems. Written by Neha Damle, and directed by Neha and Nikhil Nagraj. The play also featured a series of dance performances performed by Roots & Rythm.

SEWA-AIFW set up a tables for health checks and consult with doctors and staff.

The evening ended with a delicious dinner of Indian delicacies, which was catered by India Spice House. IAM Board members graciously served the guests at the buffet tables.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this wonderful event.

A short testimonial from CCRF for the community support via this fundraiser.

Special Thank you to the Entertainment

IAM sincerely thanks the actors, dancers and musicians who were an integral part of the IAM Health Awareness Event. Under the direction of Neha Damle and Nikhil Nagraj, the actors practiced for weeks to present a play depicting mental health. All of the performers not only donated their time but also purchased tickets in support of the Children's Cancer Research Fund.

On Saturday, November 29th, they and their families gathered again, for the watch party of the program, playing a game of trivial pursuit and enjoying a pot-luck lunch at McColl Pond ELC in Savage, MN.

IAM Participating in the Community

Kerala Hindus of Minnesota (KHMN)

KHMN, in partnership with Dr. Dash Foundation, brought to the Twin Cities the 400 years' old traditional art form of Kerala, called Kathakali. The event was held at Wayzata Central Middle School on Sunday, November 2nd. 

The performers were from Sree Bhagavaneeshwari Kathakali Yogam, Kochi District, Kerala, India. Kathakali is a classical dance-drama, which is a unique blend of theatre & storytelling, visual splendor, spiritual expression performed with music & rhythm. 

IAM President Srividya Vaidyanathan was invited along with some other community leaders to this culturally enriching event. IAM was represented by President Srividya Vaidyanathan, IAM Board members Uma Venkat, Sunitha Pillai, Fazel Haris, and Manjula Raman. Honorary Board member Ram Gada and 2009 IAM President Raj Menon were also in attendance.

CAAL Event

On November 12, 2025 the Coalition of Asian American Leaders (CAAL) in collaboration with Cambodian American Partnership of Minnesota (CAP-MN) and Vietnamese Social Services of MN (VSS) hosted “Missing Voices from the Vietnam War Era: The Stories of Southeast Asian Women” an evening of storytelling, reflection, and celebration commemorating the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. The Keynote Speaker, Mayor-elect of St. Paul, Representative Kaohly Her, addressed the gathering before the premiere of the documentary film highlighting the untold stories of four Southeast Asian women whose courage and sacrifices led them through the war and onto the shores of the United States, building a home and legacy in Minnesota. The filming was followed by a live Q&A with the four storytellers. The program also included a self-guided exhibition and networking among the multiple organizations, foundations and communities in attendance. 

India Association of MInnesota was a sponsor at this community event in solidarity with other Asian community leaders, and was represented by Board members Shruti Joshi, Sanjay Terakanambi, Uma Venkat, Nithya Mathad, and Associate Board Member Manjula Raman. The evening was an affirmation of the unsung heroes among us and solidarity among various immigrant Asian ethnicities through times of political tension and division.

Indian Cultural Association of Minnesota (ICAM) Diwali Celebration

November 8th was declared Diwali Day by the mayor of Rochester at the Indian Cultural Association of Minnesota's Diwali Festival celebrations. It was a very well organized event, 36 performances by more than 190 people ( youngest was 4 years old), festive atmosphere, and great food. Fazel Haris and Gorinka Srivastava (who flew in from sunny California) entertained with wonderful musical performances.

IAM Board member Dr. Manjula Raman & her husband Dr. Natraj Raman represented IAM. She said "We had a wonderful time, met some old friends and made a few new ones."

Ragamala at Mia

On Saturday, November 8th, Ragamala performed Moving Bronzes in celebration of Mia's exhibition "Royal Bronzes: Cambodian art of the Divine". This groundbreaking exhibition in collaboration with the Guimet – National Museum of Asian Arts, France, and the National Museum of Cambodia will be seen in its totality only at Mia in the United States.

Virajita Singh, Mia Chief Diversity & Inclusion officer, welcomed the packed auditorium. Following the compelling performance by creators Ranee, Aparna and Ashwini Ramaswamy, Dr. Vasudha Narayanan, Distinguished Professor, Department of Religion, at the University of Florida link, gave a presentation of the history of the Cambodian bronzes and their connections to India. Led by Virajita Singh, a panel discussion took place. The event concluded with delicious Indian fusion appetizers catered by Raag on 50th.

Attending from IAM were 1994 IAM President Niru Misra & Brian Stenquist, past board members Preeti & Anoop Mathur, Honorary Board Member Ram Gada and Alice Northrup.

The Royal Bronzes exhibit ends January 18, 2026. For tickets Click Here

artsmia.org

Katha Dance Theatre (KDT)

Katha Dance Theatre had their annual recital on the weekend of Nov 8th and 9th, at the O'Shaughnessy Auditorium in St Paul. The show was titled "Prakritir Pratishodh", meaning Nature's Revenge. It was an impactful ballet by Rita Mustaphi and her team from Katha Dance Theatre. Beautifully choreographed, with an important message that stayed with the audience.

The storyline depicted everything from the time the 5 elements of nature existed in peace, before the humans became a part of the feature. Going on to show, how from initially enjoying these 5 elements, humans started getting overcome with greed and began exploiting the natural resources, until these 5 elements rebelled to show the importance of caring of mother nature. 

The artistic depiction of the storyline was heart warming and beautiful. Both the shows had full attendance from the community and received several great reviews.

Marathi Association of Minnesota (MAM) Diwali

Marathi Association of MN (MAM) had their annual Diwali event on Saturday, November 15th, at Wayzata Central Middle School. Held as an all-day event, it comprised of traditional breakfast in the morning, leading to several cultural performances by the MAM community members across all ages, followed by a scrumptious, authentic Marathi lunch.

The event ended with a hilarious and engaging Marathi Naatak (drama), performed by very talented members from the community. 

IAM President Srividya Vaidyanathan and VP Mangala Acharya were invited as special guests to the event by the MAM committee. IAM Associate Board of Director Aditi Velankar was also in attendance with her family, as a MAM member.

International Festival of Minnesota (IFest)

On Saturday, November 13th, IAM was proudly represented by IAM Vice President Mangala Acharya, General Secretary Sunitha Pillai, and 2009 IAM President Raj Menon at the exciting kickoff event for IFest-MN.

​Formerly known as the Festival of Nations, a Minnesota tradition since 1932, IFest-MN is making its return on April 10-11, 2026 at River Centre in downtown St Paul! This highly anticipated event offers an educational, hands-on experience. It is expected to welcome 73,000 attendees and feature over 70 nations showcasing their food, music, art, and traditions to promote deeper cultural understanding.

IFest is being brought back by Steve Heckler, who worked with IAM for many years producing IAM's signature event IndiaFest. Also pictured above are Lata and Aishwarya Menon

​For more details on this important community event, please visit www.ifestmn.org.

Celebrate India in Chaska

The City of Chaska, in partnership with the Human Rights Commission, hosted a special event dedicated to "Celebrate India" The event was organized through a community partnership. It showcased the vibrant traditions, music, and art of Indian residents, inviting the entire community to experience and appreciate the richness of Indian heritage. This collaborative event fostered cross-cultural understanding, brought neighbors together, and strengthened unity throughout Minnesota.

A special Indian Small Business Expo was part of the festivities, highlighting local entrepreneurs and vendors who sell genuine products, crafts, and services. This expo gave small business owners a chance to display their skills and connect with the community. Visitors discovered distinctive items and learned about how Indian businesses contribute to Chaska’s economy. The event was designed to boost local commerce and honor the entrepreneurial spirit within the Indian community.

Minnesota Vibha Youth Volunteers were responsible for planning and organizing the event, making sure it was authentic and engaging for everyone attending.

This well attended event including Chaska Mayor Taylor Hubbard was held at the Chaska Event Center on Saturday, November 14th.

Sakhi: Pause for Menopause

On Sunday, November 16, 2026, IAM President Srividya Viadyanathan, Secretary Sunitha Pillai, and Board members Shruti Joshi and Aditi Velankar attended an informative session about menopause at the SEWA-AIFW Community Center in Brooklyn Center. The event was co-hosted by the South Asian Women's Network (SAWN).

Menopause is a natural transition in every woman's life. A panel of experts, Dr. Asavari Manvikar (Ayurvedic Doctor), Dr. Reetu Syal (OB/Gyn), Kim Duffy (Registered Dietician) and Dr. Niloufer Merchant (Psychologist), discussed menopause, the misconceptions and how to celebrate the strength that comes with change. Dr. Sayali Amarpurkar moderated the discussion by a panel of experts.

IAM Government Relations & Community Engagement

2025 has been an unprecedented year of rapid changes in federal policies, numerous Executive Orders affecting immigrant communities and amplification of biased rhetoric towards the Asian Indian community.

Through all of these tumultuous months, the Government Relations Committee (GRC) of IAM, co-led by Board Members Shruti Joshi and Sanjay Terakanambi, had been busy working behind the scenes formulating ways to educate, inform and engage community members in matters affecting the diaspora, advocate on behalf of the community to elected officials at local, state and federal levels, and leverage collective power with our other Asian community partners to push for meaningful legislative actions that support our diaspora.

As early as January and February 2025, GRC launched a Know Your Rights campaign to disseminate information about constitutional rights and protections for our community regardless of their immigration status. Throughout the year, the GRC offered resource links, helpline information and public engagement opportunities to community members.

Round table discussions at Connect India 2025 were informed by the civic engagement work of the GRC and facilitated by its leaders and interns and centered on pressing community issues.

With hateful rhetoric rising against Asian Indians, escalated by the focus on H-1B visa recipients, GRC took the lead in addressing the matter with legislators, law enforcement agencies, city administrators, other non-profit organizations working in this space and with legal experts for guidance. Subsequently, IAM hosted public forums to inform, educate and engage the community on how to be safe and navigate some of the challenges.

In May, IAM hosted an Immigration Town Hall for Students in partnership with India Chamber of Commerce, bringing in an experienced immigration attorney to address concerns with SEVIS and student visas.

In June, IAM hosted a Safety Forum in collaboration with Edina Police Department, a town hall style public forum to educate and inform the Asian Indian community on tackling real life threatening situations and how law enforcement works to keep people safe.

Most significantly, GRC is actively working on drafting a bill against racially motivated hate targeted towards Asian Indians with the intent to introduce it in the 2026 legislative session. 

As is customary, in August, GRC hosted the flag-hoisting segment of IndiaFest, with former Dean of the Carlson School of Management at UMN, Sri Zaheer, as the Guest of Honor in 2025. The Governor’s Proclamation recognizing August 15 as India Day (as enacted by the India Day bill) is renewed each year as part of IndiaFest celebrations since 2021. The bill was passed in 2021 as a result of the then GRC team led by Shanti Shah.

Beyond its efforts to move the needle for Minnesota’s Asian Indian diaspora in representing our community's concerns and issues to legislative bodies, members of the GRC also participated in civil justice and peace marches in 2025 in partnership with Twin Cities Non Violent, commemorating International Peace Day and Women and Non-Violence in September, underscoring the importance of civic discourse and non-violent civic engagement in exercising constitutional rights. 

Continuing on with the work started in 2024 to amplify the voices and advocate on behalf of multiple families of Documented Dreamers in Minnesota, GRC continued to engage with legislators throughout 2025, to strengthen support for America’s Children Act which aims to permanently protect the children of long-term visa holders from “aging out” of the system and protect them from self-deportation when they reach age 21.

Throughout 2025, IAM’s GRC remained committed to its mission of increasing civic and community engagement, representing and amplifying the voices of our community, forging partnerships with other organizations working in similar spaces with BIPOC communities, and strengthening relationships with policymakers to ensure Minnesota’s Asian Indians are seen, heard and included. If you are inspired to make a difference too, join us in 2026!

IAM Outreach

A Message from the 2025 IAM Outreach Committee

The IAM Outreach Committee, led by Fazel Haris, is deeply grateful for the strong collaboration and partnership shown by our community organizations throughout the year. We began 2025 with enthusiastic participation from 35 official partners at the Connect India event. Since then, our partners have actively engaged in every major IAM initiative — including IndiaFest — and have stood united with us in community advocacy efforts on issues affecting the broader Indian community in Minnesota.

Our partners also demonstrated their commitment to serving those in need by supporting both the Health Awareness Fundraiser for the Children’s Cancer Research Fund and the Together for Every Table campaign, which helps Minnesotans experiencing food insecurity following reductions in SNAP benefits.

IAM was equally honored to attend many wonderful events organized by our partner organizations, each showcasing rich cultural heritage, artistic talent, and a strong sense of belonging within our community.

We look forward to carrying this momentum into the new year and building even stronger collaborations across IAM’s three pillars — Culture, Charity, and Connection.

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, TBD
• 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.

Community Events

Chance Foundation Annual Fundraiser

"Kahani – The Story of Storytelling”

Chance Foundations is thrilled to invite you to the Chance Foundation Annual Fundraiser

“Kahani: The Story of Storytelling”, is a delightful, family-friendly show that traces the journey of storytelling in India — from ancient visual arts and oral traditions to the modern digital age. Though the mediums have evolved, the stories remain timeless in capturing and celebrating the essence of the human experience.

Date: Friday, December 6th

Time: 4:00 PM

Location: Nielsen Performing Arts Center

1240 County Rd B2 West, Roseville, MN 55113

For tickets: Click Here

https://chanceforthem.com/

2025 BADMINTON TOURNAMENT


Bring your energy. Bring your game. Let’s rally! Spread the word among friends whom you want to challenge



Hosted by HSMN Athletics

Date: Saturday, December-06


Time: 8:00 AM Onwards


Venue: Jefferson Activity Center, Bloomington

Limited Spots — Secure Yours Today!

To Register Now: Click Here

RESET. REFRAME. RELAUNCH.

Considering a career shift or facing a recent job loss? In this tough job market, don't do it alone. Join SAWN for community support and expert strategies at Brunch & Fireside chat.

Open to all! Please share this vital resource with anyone in your network navigating change.

Take control of your career trajectory.

Limited seats, RSVP today  https://tinyurl.com/whxpab2f

South Asian Women’s Network (SAWN) is the premier organization for professional South Asian women in the Twin Cities. Founded in 2019, SAWN's mission is to cultivate a dynamic, empowered community through both personal and professional development. Whether you are a rising star, an emerging leader or a seasoned professional in your career, we appreciate the unique voice and experience each one of us brings to this collaborative platform. Join Us!



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Miscellaneous

Holidays

The holiday season is upon us and it's time to once again gather with family and friends. We live in a diverse community with celebrations of Diwali, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Years. Let's support & celebrate each other.

IAM wishes everyone a happy and safe Holiday Season

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.