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India Association of Minnesota
October 2024 Newsletter
51 Years Supporting the Indian Community
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To our Newsletter Readers: If you do not see our sponsor 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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IAM 2025 Board Member Applications Open
The Nomination Committee for India Association of Minnesota invites interested community members to apply to join the 2025 IAM Board and help advance the mission of the organization.
If you believe you can contribute, please read details at this link and submit your application to sreeni.checka@iamn.org by Tuesday, October 8th. To apply to the Board, you must be an active member of IAM in good standing. If you are not currently an IAM member, click here to learn more about membership options and join IAM.
IAM has been experiencing some technical difficulties with our website. Our apologies for any inconvenience it may have caused. If you are still unable to use the above links and want to join the IAM 2025 Board, please send an email to Sreeni Checka at the email above.
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IAM Annual General Body Meeting
Save the Date
The annual GBM will be held on Sunday, November 10, 2024 from 2:00 - 5:00 pm. All IAM members are encouraged to participate in this meeting when the 2025 IAM board will be voted on. IAM encourages community members to join the organization ( see link above). Watch for more information on the GBM in the IAM November newsletter.
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Non-Violence Day Event is Saturday, October 5, 2024
The day honors the 155th birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. His philosphy of peace through non-violence is especially relevant in the today's world.
Registration starts at 12:30 pm. During the reception our guests will enjoy lunch while being serenaded by music performed on trombone. The formal program will begin at 1:30 pm with a Gandhi video. There will be a musical tribute, a cultural performance and speakers, including a youth representative and keynote speaker, author Caren Stelson. The program will end with Father Harry Bury showing a TCNV video.
This Free Event is open to all and is hosted by India Association of Minnesota with sponsorship from the Dr. Dash Foundation and Twin Cities Non-violent.
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2nd Annual SEWA-AIFW & IAM Bazaar
India Association of Minnesota and SEWA -AIFW
are hosting the second annual Small Business Holiday bazaar.
Date: Saturday, October 13, 2024
Time: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Where: SEWA Building
6645 James Ave No, Brooklyn Center, MN. 55430
Shop Local this Diwali and Holiday season and come away with unique gifts for everyone. Find the perfect gift while supporting your community in the process!
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India Association of Minnesota & Sur Aur Taal
You are invited for an enjoyable evening of music. IAM invites you to a fundraising concert for cancer awareness and care. Your support can make a real difference in the lives of the impacted families and caregivers.
Date: Saturday, October 26, 2024
Time: 4:00 - 7:00 pm
Where: Olson Middle School Auditorium
4551 W 102nd St., Bloomington, MN 55437
For tickets, click on the QRcode above.
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11th Annual IAM Golf Tournament
On Sunday, September 8, 2024, sixty-eight golfers enjoyed a beautiful afternoon while they played a round of golf at Baker National Golf Course. An additional six beginning golfers played the executive course. The ladies Putt & Chip competition took place in the early evening amid laughter and many groans.
As the golfers finished their rounds, they enjoyed an Indian buffet from India Bazaar.
For the eleventh year, IAM Board member, Sandeep Methi organized and led the annual golf tournament. It's always a family project with wife Nidhi and sons Krish & Dhruv helping out.
Sandeep welcomed everyone. IAM President Meena Bharti and IAM TAC Chair Sreeni Checka addressed the golfers and evening guests. IAM Honorary Board member Ram Gada was recognized for his years of participation starting with the first year of the tournament. Awards were then presented. Congratulations to the winners!
First Place Team Dhruv & Krish Methi
Second Place Team Karthick Padmanabhan & Deepak Patel
Third place Team Gowishankar Raman & Nikhil Gudi
Ladies Winner Kirti Deskmukh
Ladies Runner Up Geetu Sharma
IAM thanks our sponsors. Renewal by Andersen; tent on the first hole with giveaways and beverages. AlphasFuture, Talent Software Systems
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IAM Participating in the Community | |
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Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA)
On Saturday evening, September 14, 2024, IAM board members were honored to be guests at the opening of the Tibetan Shrine Room. Dr. Alice S. Kendall gifted 200 objects from her collection of Tibetan artifacts to MIA for its permanent collection.
During the reception, Tibetan dances were performed and the guests listened to Buddhist monks chant while they enjoyed Tibetan hors d'oeuvres.
Indian community member and MIA Chief Diversity & Inclusion officer Virajita Singh is pictured above with IAM President Meena Bharti and Shruti Joshi. Others from IAM were Sanjay Terakanambi, Ram Gada and Alice Northrup.
IAM encourages all community members to visit the world renowned Minneapolis Institute of Art artsmia.org
To learn more about the Tibetan Shrine Room Read StarTribune article here
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Minnesota Mayayalee Association (MMA)
Onam is an annual harvest and Hindu cultural festival celebrated mostly by the people of Kerala. A major annual event for Keralites, it is the official festival of the state, celebrated across all religions, and includes a spectrum of cultural events.
The event included serving the traditional Onasadya (an array of all vegetarian dishes, served on large plantain leaves) followed by a variety of cultural performances by the MMA community members.
The MMA event was held at the Kennedy High School on Saturday, September 14, 2024
IAM guests were President Meena Bharti and Vice President Srividya Vaidyanathan. MMA community members andIAM board members in attendance were Sunitha Pillai, Uma Venkat, Hetal Patel, Fazel Haris and Pradeep Sukhani.
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AshaUSA 10th Anniversary
On Saturday, September 21, 2024, AshaUSA celebrated 10 years supporting the Indian community at Eisenhower Community Center in Hopkins, MN. The AshaUSA board opened the program with a Diya Lighting. Emcee for the event was Ruby Anik. Founder, Kamala Puram welcomed the audience, followed by Sayali Amarapurkar speaking about the accomplishments and how the organization has served the community. Ekta Prakash gave an inspiring Keynote address. A poem in Hindi was read. A lively dance was performed by SAATH. Shanti Shah thanked everyone for attending and invited everyone to the reception.
IAM was well represented by TAC Chair Sreeni Checka and wife Jyoti, IAM Past Presidents Stefan Peterson & Shanti Shah, Shruti Joshi, Alice Northrup and 2020-21 intern Jeevan Venkatesan.
https://www.ashausa.org/
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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.
The benefits are many, including participation in the annual election of IAM officers and board members, running for a seat on the board or becoming a part of the IAM committees (Government Relations, Cultural, History and SAARI).
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For more information send an email to contact@iamn.org and an IAM board member will contact you. To become an IAM member Click Here or click on the QR code.
Welcome to new IAM members
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Government Relations & Civic Engagement | |
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GENERAL ELECTION DAY NOVEMBER 5
Register to Vote!
October 15, 2024 is the deadline to register in advance of the November 5 election. Eligible Minnesotans can register to vote online at mnvotes.gov until 11:59 p.m. on October 15 or return a paper voter registration application to the Office of the Secretary of State or their local elections office by 5 p.m. Minnesotans can still register to vote at their polling place on Election Day, if needed.
Don’t wait to be stuck in line! Register now from the comfort of your home https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/register-to-vote/
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Early Voting is happening now! (September 20 - November 4)
Absentee Voting and Voting Early In Person
Did you know?
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Early voting is an option for every eligible Minnesota voter. Anyone can apply for an absentee ballot and vote from the comfort of their home. Election judges will verify the returned ballots meet all legal requirements to be accepted and that no voter has cast more than one ballot. Apply here https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting
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Absentee ballot applications – which can be submitted anytime – can be completed online, on paper and returned by mail, or in person at your local election office. The paper application is available in 11 languages.
- As of June of 2024, you can request to get on the permanent absentee ballot list and have a ballot mailed to you for every election.
Vote by Mail: The absentee ballot form – which also allows you to register, if needed – is sent directly to you and can be returned by mail. Recommended mail-in by October 5.
Vote in Person: Starting September 20 through November 4 you can vote in person using the absentee ballot at designated early voting locations. Every county is required to have at least one early voting location, and many have multiple locations. They are open during all regular business hours plus the last Saturday before Election Day from at least 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. and the day before Election Day until at least 5 p.m. Many locations have expanded hours especially during the week before Election Day. Find yours here https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/other-ways-to-vote/voting-locations-before-election-day/
- Direct Balloting begins October 18. With direct balloting, you fill in a regular ballot – not an absentee ballot – and place it directly into the vote tabulator. Early voting locations will have this option during the last week before Election Day.
To see what’s on your ballot, click here https://www.sos.mn.gov/elections-voting/whats-on-my-ballot/
To find your polling place https://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/
Have Your Voice Heard! Vote!
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CAAL - When We Vote
On September 24, Coalition of Asian American Leaders (CAAL) hosted the second in the series of 2024 PowerTalk: Our Voice, Our Vote. The event included a panel discussion featuring Linda Her of AAOP, Tambryanna Williams of CAPI, Linda Calbone of FairVoteMN, Ramsey County Commissioner Mai Chong Xiong and Hennepin County Commissioner Irene Fernando to talk about the importance and challenges of voting as well as ways to get involved in civic engagement.
IAM representative and Co-chair Government Relations Committee, Shruti Joshi, attended on behalf of the interests of the Asian Indian community and engaged in productive conversations with the panelists and other community leaders at the event.
IAM and partner API organizations are focused on empowering Asian Minnesotans to grow influence on the political landscape. Such cross-cultural mutual support and collaboration is aimed at harnessing our collective power as the fastest emerging electorate across the country and in the state. Asian American voters are now 5.02% of the Minnesota electorate!
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Indian American Candidates
India Association of Minnesota is non-political.
IAM will inform but does not endorse any candidates.
PG Narayanan running for re-election to the Eden Prairie City Council. PG has served the residents of the community over the past six years. He says it has been both an honor and a priilege.
Visit www.PGforEP.com
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Maj Dr Shine Mahi MD running for City Council Ward 1 Plymouth.
She has lived in the community for 18 years. She has witnessed the city grow and change. Mahi is a first time candidate. Visit letplymouthhshine.com
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Kavya Nair
Young Women's Initiative of Minnesota
Kavya Nair, a second-year political science student at the University of Minnesota, has been appointed as a Member of the Young Women’s Initiative of Minnesota (YWI MN). This prestigious program, launched by the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota and the Governor’s Office in 2016, aims to eliminate barriers and achieve equity in opportunities for young women and gender-expansive people aged 12–24.
Kavya’s appointment is a significant achievement and a proud moment for the Indian community.
IAM congratulates Kavya and encourages other young adults to get involved - make a difference.
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Indian Music Society of Minnesota (IMSOM)
IMSOM presents musicians Shubhendra Rao & Saskia Rao.
Date: Saturday, October 5, 2024
Time: 7:00 pm
Where: Lorenz Auditorium, Normandale Community College
9700 France Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55431
Tickets: Click Here
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IMSOM presents Abhishek Borkar with Yashwant Vaishnav
Date: Sunday, October 27, 2024
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Recital Hall, St. Catherine University
2004 Randolph Ave, St. Paul, MN. 55105
Tickets: Click Here
https://www.imsom.org/
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Katha Dance Theatre (KDT)
Panchatantra - The Dancing Tales of Wisdom
Choreographed by Rita Mustaphi
This dance/theater work is an enactment of the ancient animal fables of the same name, portrayed through Kathak's intricate footwork, lyrical movements, spinning pirouettes and gestural storytelling and set to music recorded by the great J.D. Steele and co-composer Jayanta Banerjee. With its cast of 44 dancers and featuring gorgeous handmade costumes and animal masks, Panchatantra will be a visual spectacle with a strong foundation in social justice, ethics and cross-cultural wisdom. Featuring guest artist Souvik Chakraborty.
November 9 at 7:30 pm and November 10 at 2 pm (ASL-interpreted)
The O'Shaughnessy, St. Catherine University
For tickets Click Here
Katha Dance Theatre
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Kerala Day Volleyball Tournament (KDVT)
You are invited to watch an exciting day of volleyball action!
Date: Saturday, October 26, 2024
Start Time: 8:00 am
Where: Jefferson Activity Center, Bloomington, MN
Team registration is open until October 20, 2024.
Reminder: The event is free to watch for all spectators!
Register your team here: https://mnmalayalee.org/mma/?p=5758
For more info, reach out to: iinfo@mnmalayalee.org
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MacPhail Center for Music
Hosts Ragas of India:
Minneapolis—MacPhail Center for Music will host “Ragas of India,” featuring internationally renowned vocalist Samarth Nagarkar and his Khayal music ensemble in concert.
Date: Saturday, October 12, 2024
Time: 8:00 pm
Where: Antonello Hall
501 South 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN
Choose-What-You-Pay ticketing gives the power to everyone who wants to see the performance to decide how much to spend on their ticket (minimum $5).
Khayal, the foremost form of North Indian classical music, is renowned for its intricate blend of melodic (ragas) and rhythmic (talas) improvisation. It offers listeners a deeply immersive and transformative experience. From serene, introspective moments to thrilling, ecstatic peaks, Khayal concerts traverse a vast emotional spectrum, captivating audiences with virtuosity and emotion.
Vocalist Samarth Nagarkar is an artist whose mastery distinguishes him as a true custodian of this ancient tradition. His profound command of Khayal—a genre celebrated for emphasizing creativity and spontaneity—sets him apart. Yet, his vision transcends classical boundaries. With a passion for exploring intersections between Khayal and other forms, such as jazz, Nagarkar embodies a rare blend of tradition and modernity, honoring the roots of Indian classical music while fearlessly pushing its boundaries.
The MacPhail concert’s visual projections, created by MacPhail faculty member Isaac Rohr, are presented in collaboration with the Goldstein Museum at the University of Minnesota’s College of Design. These projections complement the museum’s exhibition, Narrative Threads: Embroidered Textiles from Donald Clay Johnson Collection.
This exhibition delves into the history of embroidery and the transformation of textiles into cherished familial and community assets through the artful addition of hand-sewn threads. The geographical focus includes northern and western India and present-day Pakistan—regions central to Dr. Johnson’s collection and renowned for their diverse and intricate embroidery techniques. The exhibition runs through December 21, 2024.
More information about the concert and tickets.
More about Samarth Nagarkar.
More about Narrative Threads exhibit.
About MacPhail Center for Music
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South Asian Arts & Theater House (SAATH)
LOG KYA KAHENGE
Sofia Khan has been given the recipe for a perfect life: take one perfect job at a prestigious hospital, add in a perfect fiancé, stir in one high-end condo, and top it all off with an upcoming epic Indian wedding of mega proportions. This list of ingredients should surely guarantee happiness. But beneath the layers lies a painful truth that no one wants to talk about—a truth that keeps rising to the top, threatening to ruin the perfect mix for Sofia.
Dates: Friday, October 18 - November 3, 2024
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Lyric Arts
420 E Main Street, Anoka, MN
When asked about the cast director Suzy Messerole said, “The South Asian acting community in the Twin Cities metro area is exploding with talent. I am so thrilled to be working with such a talented cast - most of whom are making their Lyric Arts debut.
This cast is fire!”
For tickets and learn more about this incredible group of artists: Click Here
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School of India for Language & Culture (SILC)
The School of India for Languages and Culture, established in 1979, aims to promote community for those whose family or culture includes India and a deeper understanding of its rich diversity through classes on history, culture, languages, natural resources, festivals, games, food, art, dance, music and more! SILC strives to develop well-informed individuals in a secular setting.
To enrol your students in SILC classes, click on the QRcode or this link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1tGkPoMjpQkKlxIid5iH4bhRNfsohHrifi2el8YeUIX8/viewform?ts=66bab558&edit_requested=true
silcmn.com
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SEWA-AIFW
SEWA-AIFW is turning 20! Join us in celebrating two decades of dedication to our community. Over the past twenty years, we have learned invaluable lessons, faced challenges head-on, and emerged stronger than ever as a community. Our journey has been one of transformation, and we are excited to share our story with you.
Let's come together to reflect on "Yesterday's Lessons, Tomorrow's Triumph: 20 Years of Transformation" and celebrate the incredible impact we've made together. Mark your calendars for October 5th, 2024, as we embark on this momentous occasion. Reserve your tickets while they are still available, a limited quantity of VIP seating is available! Tickets can be purchased at SEWA20.eventbrite.com. Full tables can be purchased through event sponsorship, email ramesh@sewa-aifw.org for more information .
Date: Saturday October 5 2024
Time: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Doors open at 5:00 PM, Program begins at 6:00 PM
Location: Heritage Center 6155 Earle Brown Dr | Brooklyn Center
Cost: $25-$125, a full dinner is included with your ticket
Parking: Free parking is available on-site
https://www.sewa-aifw.org/
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LMT Seva
Minneapolis be ready to witness one of the iconic concert of the year.
Shankar Mahadevan, Ehsaan and Loy performing Live
Date: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Where: Minneapolis Convention Center
1301 2nd Ave So, Minneapolis, MN
For more details call Shashi Tiwari at 612 978 3040.
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Community Celebrations: Diwali - Dandiya - Navratri | |
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BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
Cordially invites you, your family & friends to Kids Diwali Celebration.
Kids Diwali is a special celebration designed for children (Age 3-14) to enjoy the festivities of Diwali.
It often includes fun activities like: Crafts, Games, Storytelling (Listening to stories about Diwali, Ramayana, and other Hindu mythology), Performing traditional dances, Foods, and many more.
Here is Registration - https://tinyurl.com/MNKDC2024
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
Cordially invites you, your family and friends to Diwali & New Year Celebration.
Diwali is one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar will be celebrated with great devotion and splendor.
The day following Diwali is traditionally celebrated with the Annakut – literally meaning, a mountain of food.
Every year thousands of vegetarian delicacies are offered in devotional gratitude for the past year and to seek blessings for the year ahead.
We cordially invite you for Diwali & darshan of the Annakut with family & friends.
Mahaprasad will be served
baps.org/minneapolis
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Gujarati Samaj of Minnesota (GSMN)
The Biggest and Original Navaratri Dandiya - Garba Nights in the Twin Cities. Celebrate with GSMN at the most vibrant and exciting Navaratri event in the city! Enjoy traditional Garba, amazing music, and a festival atmosphere like no other!
New This Year:
Introducing a Garba Workshop for all dance enthusiasts to learn Garba!
Event Schedule
Bloomington Location:
Date: October 11 & 12, 2024
Time: 7:00 - 11:30 pm
Where: 150 E 98th St, Bloomington, MN 55420
Woodbury Location:
Date: October 18 & 19, 2024
Time: 7:00 - 11:30 pm
Where: Health East Sports Center, 4125 Radio Dr, Woodbury, MN 55129
For details, scan the QRcode or https://sites.google.com/view/gsmn-navaratri-2024/
http://mngujaratisamaj.org/
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Hindu Society of Minnesota (HSMN)
The Diwali Cultural program is on 19 October this year at Ames Center.
HSMN Facebook | HSMN Instagram
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Indian Cultural Association of Minnesota (ICAM)
Garba and Dandiya 2024
Date: Friday, October 4, 2024
Time: 7:00 - 10:30 pm
Where: Mayo Civic Center
30 Civic Center Dr SE
Rochester, MN
For tickets: http://icamn.org
For the First Time in Rochester, MN, 8 Person Music Band group from Gujarat, India visiting, lead by Binal Chauhan, who is a rising star in the Indian music industry, especially known for her captivating Garba music and contributions to Bollywood over the past five years.
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Diwali
Date: Saturday, October 26th, 2024
Time: 4:30-9:30 pm
Where: Mayo Civic Center
30 Civic Center Dr SE
Rochester, MN
For tickets: http://icamn.org
Enjoy a showcase of talents from Rochester in music and dance. ICAM is also excited to feature Arnab Chakraborty, a renowned vocalist and performer, at this event. Arnab has been nominated for Best Singer at the Zee Cine and Stardust Awards and has collaborated with iconic musicians. His voice has been featured in numerous Bollywood films and commercial jingles. Arnab has also performed live concerts across the globe.
icamn.org
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Marathi Association of Minnesota (MAM)
Get ready for a vibrant Navratri celebration! Just like last year, MAM will be blending Marathi tradition of Bhondla with a lively Dandiya night. So, put on your most colorful outfits, grab your dancing shoes, and join for an unforgettable evening of dance and festivities!
And to add to the festival season, MAM is bringing you another comedy natak(Play): LAGNABAMBAAL! Get ready for an evening full of entertainment and excitement! लग्नबंबाळ- शिकागोच्या कलाकारांनी साकारलेली सुंदर कलाकृतीती.
Dandiya Night
Date: Saturday, October 5th, 2024
Time: 6:00 - 10:30 pm
Venue: Osseo Senior High School
317 2nd Ave NW, Osseo, MN 55369
To purchase Dandiya and Natak tickets - Click Here
The ticket price includes event entry fee, dinner and pizza for kids.
Marathi Natak “Lagnabambaal” event
Date: Sunday, October 13th, 2024
Time: 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Venue: Eisenhower Community Center
1001 MN-7, Hopkins, MN 55305
The ticket price includes event entry fee, light snacks, tea & coffee
Please visit the MAM website for event details. https://www.mnmarathi.org/events/
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Minnesota Hindu Milan Mandir
Join Minnesota Hindu Milan Mandir to celebrate Navratri Garba & Dandiya Raas Night.
Date: Saturday, October 12, 2024
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Where: Milan Mandir Auditorium
501 Walnut St., Farmington, MN.
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Under the Banyan Tree
South Asian Stories of Hope and Resilience
Ruby Anik, another author from IAM's Inaugaral Literary Event, has published her first book. Ms. Anik previously wrote a blog and now has compiled those Indian stories into this book.
Over the centuries, the banyan tree has taken on significance as a symbol of fertility, life and resurrection. It is a fitting symbol, presenting the stories of South Asians who have wandered far and wide from their ancestral homes, traversing new frontiers and setting down roots and networks in the US. Our goal is to connect and establish closer ties within the diasporas of the South Asian populace, and the community at large. Showcased are stories of achievement and success, resilience and hope.
Available on Amazon
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Dasharath Yata
On September 20, 2024, Minnesota Indian Community member, Dasharth Yata received the "Outstanding Community Service Award" from the Asian American Unity Coalition (AAUC). The event was held at the Rayburn House National Capital Building in Washington, DC.
This prestigious recognition is a testament to the SEWA-AIFW Team's tireless efforts in supporting and enhancing family wellness for the Indian and South Asian community.
The AAUC is a national organization dedicated to fostering unity among diverse Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities through their annual Unity Summit, which brings together leaders, experts, and stakeholders to address key national issues.
IAM congratulates Dasharth Yata.
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Diwali
Thursday, October 31, 2024
Diwali is celebrated throughout India by all religions. For each faith it marks different historical events and stories. For all it is the symbolic victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and good over evil.
India Association of Minnesota wishes everyone a happy Diwali.
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Halloween
Thursday, October 31, 2024
It's that time of the year. Trees awe us with their vibrant oranges, reds and burgandies. And soon the ghosts & goblins will be knocking on our doors. IAM wishes the young and young at heart a Happy Halloween. Please be safe, careful and aware of the kids trick or treating.
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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.
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Submissions for the IAM Facebook page or future newsletters, please email us at marketing@iamn.org
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