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India Association of Minnesota
May 2025 Newsletter
52 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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IAM - MTBC Cricket Utsav
Let’s come together for a fun-filled, family friendly celebration of cricket, culture and community on May 24, 2025 at Bryn Mawr Meadows Park cricket field in Minneapolis! Please join IAM - MTBC expand the reach of cricket to everyone in Minnesota.
Match Format & Key Highlights
- Fast-paced 7-over-per-side matches for high-energy, thrilling cricket action
- Emphasis on fun, participation, and community engagement, while maintaining a competitive spirit
- Live telecast and audience interaction for a full 360° cricket experience
- Raffles & giveaways throughout the day
- Food trucks with delicious local eats
- Family-friendly games, music, entertainment and activities for all ages
Submit up to 3 player nominations from your organization for IAM Team 1 & 2!
🔹 Players should preferably have tennis ball cricket experience
🔹 Must be available for 2–3 practice sessions in May
🔹 To submit names by May 3, 2025 Click Here
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Celebrating the Artist in Every Child
For over 20 years, the Flint Hills Family Festival has brought communities together through the power of the arts, welcoming over a million students, teachers, and families since its conception in 2001. Join us to kick off each summer with thrilling performances, student matinees, art-making activities, and more.
During the Festival, kid-friendly activities spark creativity, exciting outdoor performances are free to attend, and inspiring, low-cost indoor performances are fun for the whole family! Stop by at the IAM booth!
Saturday, May 31, 2025
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
https://ordway.org/festival/
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Asian Fair
The Twin Cities West Metro Asian Fair is an annual event that celebrates the rich and diverse Asian cultures in the local community with all residents. The Fair aims to promote and celebrate the richness and diversity of Asian culture by providing a platform for Asian art performances, food tasting, culture display, and other related activities. The goal is to bring together people of all backgrounds and ages to learn, appreciate and celebrate the beauty of Asian culture.
Stop by the IAM booth during the Asian Fair.
www.tcasianfair.org
| | Recent Events Sponsored by IAM | | |
Connect India 2025
India Association of Minnesota's annual Connect India 2025 was held on Sunday evening, March,30th at the Chaska Event Center. Although cold and snowing outside, the atmosphere inside was full of anticipation. The 2025 IAM team sincerely thanks Dr. SK Dash for sponsoring Connect India 2025,
| | Upon entering the Chaska Event Center, guests were greeted by IAM team members, Uma Venkat, Shivangi Pandey, Analabha Dutta and Alice Northrup. After registering, attendees networked and caught up with friends while enjoying appetizers and beverages. Fazil Haris and IAM interns greeted legislators and dignitaries. | | |
Emcee for the evening, IAM Board member Rashmi Jindani welcomed IAM's partners and guests. She introduced 2024 President, Srividya Vaidyanthan who spoke about the evolution of the event since its inception 13 years ago. She thanked all the guests in attendence fot their support and called out on the 2024 President Meena Bharti for her impactful leadership.
IAM was honored to have Consul General Somnash Ghosh from the Chicago Consulate as chief guest. The Consul General spoke on a variety of issues and programs for the Indian community.
Bhargava Shrikantha from MTBC addressed the assembled guests about the upcoming cricket tournament being co-sponsored by IAM. A slide about the upcoming MSP International Film Festival was also shown. IAM, Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) and ICAM partnered with MSPFS to highlight 8 Indian films in the annual event.
Fazel Harris then recognized IAM's partners. Presentation decks from the partners were shown during the event.
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Consul General Somnash Ghosh presented the awards given during Connect India.
Indu Eati received the IAM Lifetime Achievement Award for her work with Autism Sibs. IAM Person of the Year was Cheryllyne Vaz, recognized for her advocacy work.
Honorary Board members, Ram Gada and Dr. Bruce Corrie presented the IAM Honorary Awards to Kristin Vonnegut, founder of Camp Masala, Surya Iyer for his work as Chair of the Governor's Workforce Development Board and Sivanuja Balaji in recognition of her dedication to Bharathanathyam education and community enrichment.
2024 IAM President Meena Bharti was recognized for her leadership, service and dedication leading the organization which for a very productive and successful year.
Winners received awards for IndiaFest 2024:
- Marathi Association of Minnesota - Best Parade Team
- Gujarati Samaj of Minnesota - Best Exhibit Booth
- Sikh Society of Minnesota & Punjabi Society - Best Interactive Booth
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1992 IAM President Shanti Shah introduced dignitaries attending Connect India. They were Chaska Mayor Taylor Hubbard, Eden Prairie City Councilman PG Narayanan, Rep Mary Francis Clardy, Regional Trade Specialist Aeli Rosin, Rep Alex Falconer, Rep Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger, and Governor's Office Mary Xiong.
US Senator Amy Klobuchar addressed the audience via video.
The Government Relations Committee facilitated round table discussions around three questions. The topics were presented for discussion by Government Relations Committee Co-lead Sanjay Terakanambi and IAM interns Anuraa Venkat and Shaunya Kumar.
| | IAM's past presidents continue to participate and support not only the organization but the community. Pictured are Srividya Vaidyanthan (2025), Meena Bharti (2024), Kiran Bandi (2021), Sreeni Checka (2020), Ram Gada, Nasreen Shaikh (2019), Sreekanth Kamojjala (2017),Alice Northrup, Babu Chimata (2015), Ramesh Muniswamy (2006), Ashoke Mandal (2002), Shanti Shah (1992), Godan Nambudiripad (1990) and Stefan Peterson (1988). Also attending Connect India were Suyash Jain (2022), PG C (2010) and Surat Mahapatra (1997). | | |
Cultural performances are always in integral element of IAM events. This year, Deepanjali Kar and her students from Utkala Odissi Dance Center USA LLC performed two traditional dances for the enjoyment of the audience.
No Indian event is complete without delicious Indian cuisine. IAM Board member Anurag Saurabh worked with India Palace for a beautiful buffet that was enjoyed by all.
Tables in the reception hall had displays from various regions of India.
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Financial Literacy Event
IAM hosted a virtual event on Financial Literacy on April 18, 2025. Rajesh Sharma, an engineer for 30 years, changed careers becoming a licensed Financial planner, specializing in getting the message out to the Indian community about the need to have a Safe Nest Financially.
Mr. Sharma spoke about everyone having unique financial needs and how a professional financial advisor can help develop a plan. It is important for everyone to follow the "law of the land" both US and state, regardless of their residential or financial status. He explained the reasons for having an estate plan that includes both a will and a revocable trust to protect loved ones and ensure how your assets are distributed. He also explained that a separate will must be done in India for assets there.
Wealth building is another part of the financial puzzle. A financial planner can help you build wealth and plan for the future and retirement.
Safe Nest Financials LLC: rmsharma77@gmail.com 651-353-7965.
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44th Annual Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival
India Association of Minnesota (IAM), Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) and ICAM in Rochester partnered with the Minneapolis St. Paul Film Society (MSPFS), presenter of the annual Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival (MSPIFF), to promote Indian films during this year's annual film festival.
Eight films were shown at the Main Cinema, The Edina Theater and a free screening of Pather Panchali was shown at the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia).
IAM was represented by Ram Gada, Shanti Shah & Stefan Peterson, Niru Misra & Brian Stenquist, Anoop & Preeti Mathur and Mia Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Virajita Singh. Also pictured Divya Karan from SILC and Dr. Ameeta Jaiswal.
| | IAM Participating the Community | | |
Nepali New Year
The Association of Nepalis in Minnesota (ANMN) and the Nepalese Student Association (UoM) hosted their 2082 New Year Event on Saturday, April 12, 2025. The event highlighted Nepalese culture, food and spiritual heritage as the community celebrated the Nepalese New Year, which is based on the Bikram Sambat calendar. Facilitated by the Council of Asian Pacific Minnesotans (CAPM), community leaders from various Asian organizations attended and shared in the joyous celebrations. India Association of Minnesota (IAM) was represented by President Srividya Vaidyanathan and Board members Shruti Joshi and Fazel Harris. Indian community member and Mia Chief Diversity & Inclusion officer, Virajita Singh also attended.
The Nepalese New Year event opened with a welcome message from ANMN President Gopu Shrestha, introductions of board members, a reading of the Proclamation of Nepalese New Year from the Governor’s Office, followed by a vibrant cultural program and a live band.
IAM is committed to strengthening our bonds of friendship and cooperation with our Asian counterparts in Minnesota. We thank our Nepalese partners for their warm hospitality. Happy Nepalese New Year 2082!
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BAPS
BAPS, Minneapolis recently hosted a vibrant Mahila Celebration for Shri Swaminarayan Jayanti and Shri Ram Navami on Sunday, April 13th. This special event, organized by Women for Women, brought together the community for an afternoon of cultural enrichment.
The celebration was graced by the presence of the chief guest, IAM President Srividya Vaidyanathan, and was attended by IAM Board members - Sunitha Pillai, Rashmi Jindani, Reena Raichur, and Madhulika Gaur.
Attendees enjoyed captivating cultural programs with enthusiastic participation from women, children, and teenagers. The event concluded with a delicious dinner prepared by the community's men, fostering a sense of togetherness.
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Jain Center of Minnesota (JCM)
On Saturday, April 19, 2025, IAM President Srividya Vaidyanathan was honored to be the keynote speaker at the Mahavir Jayanti event. Srividya spoke about Ahimsa (non-violence) and Unity in Diversity.
Anokhi Shah, an IAM intern and Jain community member, co-emceed the event held at the Nath Auditorium.
Honorary IAM Board member Ram Gada and 1992 IAM Past President Shanti Shah were also in attendance.
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CrossBat Arena
On April 25th, IAM was invited to the grand opening of CrossBat, Midwest’s largest indoor Cricket facility in Burnsville, MN. This state-of-the-art arena is designed to deliver an exceptional cricketing experience and has 9 batting lanes. It additionally provides other services like a fitness center, event spaces/lounges rental, on-site cricket store, sports camps, box cricket leagues and elite coaching by MVP Cricket Academy.
This facility proudly spotlights Minnesota on the cricketing map in the Midwest.
For more information, visit www.crossbat.com.
IAM President Srividya Vaidyanathan is pictured with the chief guest, West Indies cricket legend, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and her husband Guhan. Srividya had the opportunity to address the gathering, with Arun Vinayan from MTBC and talk about the upcoming Cricket Utsav.
| | Join India Association of Minnesota | | Exclusive membership benefits from our local businesses and banks for IAM Members! Offers are valid only in May and June. Hurry up and sign up with IAM for your membership! Visit: https://iamn.org/memberships/ | | |
Upcoming IAM Calendar of Events
Event/Date/Venue
- Know Your Rights - Student Town Hall, TBD (Between May 12th-15th)
- IAM - MTBC Cricket Utsav - May 24th, Bryn Mawr Meadows Park
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Flint Hills Family Festival - May 31st, Rice Park, St Paul
- Asian Fair - May 31st, Hilde Performance Center
- Consular Camp - June 14, Normandale Lutheran Church
- International Yoga Day - June 21st
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Indiafest - August 16th, Minnesota State Capitol Grounds
- Non-Violence Day - October 4th, TBD
- Cancer Awareness Event - October/November TBD
- Dhanyawaad - December 6th
Watch for coming events in future newsletters, on Facebook and the IAM website www.iamn.org.
| | Government Relations & Community Engagement | | Updated info to be made available soon on our website, under the Events section. | | |
Asian Minnesota Day at the Capitol
"On April 30, we gather at the Capitol to meet with legislators, raise our collective voice, and ensure that Asian American communities are included in the policies shaping Minnesota’s future. We are honored to have both Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan join our program—underscoring the importance of this moment and the leadership of our communities. This is not just a day of advocacy—it’s a demonstration of the power, resilience, and future of Asian American Minnesotans. We hope you’ll stand with us."
Representing IAM were President Srividya Vaidyanathan, Honory Board member Dr. Bruce Corrie, IAM 2002 President Ashoke Mandal and IAM Board members Shruti Joshi, Rashmi Jindani, Mandulika Gaur.
Also attending from SEWA-Aifw were Anjuli Misra Cameron and Dasharath Yata.
Srividya Vaidyanathan was invited to give the concluding address to the gathered AAPI community leaders and members. She concluded the event on a positive note on the importance of diversity in any state or country and it's contribution to the growth of that country.
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AAPI Month
The Twin Cities offer a variety of cultural activities to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, including events at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, Hmongtown Marketplace, Midtown Global Market, and Minneapolis Institute of Art. Additionally, various cultural organizations and venues host events such as the Asian Phoenix Festival, CAAM Chinese Dance Theater, and Center for Hmong Arts and Talent.
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Twin Cities West Metro Asian Fair: This fair features Asian culture, food, and entertainment.
- Como Park Zoo & Conservatory: Visit the Ordway Gardens to see Minnesota's only top-curated Japanese plant collection.
- Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia): Explore their diverse collection, which often includes Asian art.
- AAPI Restaurant Week: Enjoy a variety of AAPI cuisines at participating restaurants.
- Asian Games and Sports: Participate in or watch various Asian sports and games.
- Language Lessons: Learn more about AAPI languages through workshops or classes.
For more information Click Here
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Dashboard to Track
Federal Funding Cuts Impacting Minnesota
Minnesota announced a new dashboard Minnesotans can use to track disruptions and cancellations of federal funding and their impact on services available to people in Minnesota. Federal disruptions and cuts so far include grants to track measles and avian influenza, provide heating assistance, and mitigate flooding. Despite court orders prohibiting the federal government from freezing many funding streams, disruptions to federal funds have continued. Some disruptions are short-lived. Other grants and awards are abruptly canceled altogether, resulting in layoffs and fewer services for Minnesotans.
Minnesota state agencies report federal funding disruptions or cancellations to Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB), which tracks the ever-changing data and will post information about impacted funds to the new MMB Federal Funding Disruptions webpage every weekday.
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Congratulations to Sandhya Gupta
Ford Global Fellowship 2025.
“I see a world where every child—regardless of gender, class, or community—believes they can learn and grow in the STEM field and in life.”
IAM 2007 President, Sandhya Gupta was one of 30 individuals worldwide to be a part of the 2025 Ford Global Fellowship.
Sandhya Gupta is a STEM education advocate and the founder of Aavishkaar, an organization dedicated to delivering high-quality STEM education to underserved communities throughout India and beyond and empowering educators to build communities of possibility and equality.
With Aavishkaar, Sandhya aims to close gaps in academic achievement and help all children, especially girls, gain the skills and confidence they need to enjoy and pursue stable careers in STEM fields. Aavishkaar collaborates with state governments and civil society to reach communities that need assistance creating engaging and equitable STEM curriculum and classrooms. Aavishkaar trains educators to nurture these skills in their classrooms and become broader catalysts for positive community developments.
She previously worked as the executive director of Sambhavana Institute, India, and principal engineer at Polar Semiconductor, USA. Her degrees conferred include a master’s in public affairs from the Humphrey Institute at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, and a doctorate in electrical engineering from Iowa State University.
Sandhya sees STEM education as an essential component to escaping the cycle of poverty for many rural and low-income communities. By working with science and math teachers to imagine new ways of developing these skills, we can create new generations of passionate advocates for equality and justice.
To read about the 2025 Fellows https://www.fordfoundation.org/fellows
https://aavishkaarcenter.org/
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KATHA DANCE THEATRE'S
RITA MUSTAPHI
WINS PRESTIGIOUS ERNIE AWARD
Katha Dance Theatre (KDT) is excited to announce that Founder and Artistic Director Rita Mustaphi has been named the 2025 winner of Dance/USA's prestigious Ernie Award.
As they put it, "The ‘Ernie’ Award is given to an individual working 'behind the scenes' within the infrastructure of the national dance community, who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership, outstanding value in the ecosystem, and whose achievements have influenced and significantly advanced the work of artists and supported their creativity."
Rita joins a small group of winners for the organization's 2025 awards, which "have been given to extraordinary leaders in the dance ecosystem, both artists and administrators, over the past thirty years." The awards will be formally presented at Dance/USA's national conference on June 17 in Chicago.
Please join us in congratulating Rita Mustaphi on this monumental achievement!
Rita Mustaphi was born and raised in Kolkata, India. She is a choreographer, dancer and an educator in the Kathak style of Indian classical dance. In 1987, she co-founded Katha Dance Theatre, a professional Kathak dance company and school. She has served as KDT's artistic director for the past 38 years. Rita graduated from the University of Calcutta with a degree in Physiology and from Rabindra Bharati University with a major in Dance. Later, Rita had the privilege of learning Kathak dance from the legendary Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj, her guru in Delhi, India.
Rita is known for her visionary approach and innovations in Kathak dance; her multi-disciplinary productions incorporating spoken word, live and commissioned music; and her utilization of multimedia production elements.
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She is a recipient of four McKnight Fellowships (2023, 1998, 1992, 1988) for choreography. Apart from her 2025 Ernie Award, she has received a Leadership award from the Council of Asian Pacific Minnesotans (CAPM), Nari Shakti Award by Government of of India for her work in empowering women, a Lifetime Achievement award from the India Association of Minnesota (IAM) and an Education award from the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in the category of Excellence in Vision.
https://www.kathadance.org/
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Pooja Goswami Pavan
Awarded the 2025 McKnight
Artist Fellowship for Culture Bearers
Pooja Goswami Pavan has been awarded the prestigious McKnight Culture Bearer Fellowship for 2025. This is her second McKnight Fellowship - previously she received the McKnight Fellowship for Musicians in 2016, making her the first Indian musician to receive two McKnight Fellowships. Heartiest congratulations to her and also to her co-awardees: Florencia Pierre, Louis Alemayehu and Maria Morin McCoy.
The McKnight Culture Bearers Fellowship supports four Culture Bearers who practice sacred and healing lifeways and share cultural art practices across generations. Fellows receive public recognition and a $25,000 unrestricted award in support of their cultural practice. Additionally, fellows receive access to Indigenous Roots facilities, resources and partner organizations.
Culture Bearers are critical to the preservation and continuance of ancestral and cultural knowledge. The practice of being a Culture Bearer is distinct from other individual art practices because the practice is a full life tradition and includes the inter-generational transmission of learning. The role of culture bearer is particularly important within ancestral cultures undergoing transition or experiencing threats from external or dominant cultures.
Dr. Pooja Goswami Pavan is a Hindustani (North Indian classical) vocalist, composer, teacher and scholar. Her silky yet strong voice has the capability to move in three octaves effortlessly. Her intensive training in the Hindustani classical idiom allows her to sing in a variety of genres with ease. Growing up in an environment of music and theater, she developed a deep interest in composing music to verses in Hindi and Urdu. Pooja was trained by her father Pandit Surendra Goswami and Prof. Ajit Singh Paintal and continues her advanced training in Khayal with her brother Prof. Shailendra Goswami. She was also trained in semi-classical music by the renowned Vidushi Shanti Hiranand. Pooja received a Ph.D. in Indian Classical Music from the University of Delhi.
Her practice as a culture bearer is to present, educate, share and promote the traditional classical and folk music of North India, to preserve her cultural heritage, to spread a message of love and harmony and to evoke beauty and awareness of the world around us. She is an ambassador for the art and culture of India, promoting and helping grow an appreciation of the depth and beauty of Indian music and culture throughout the United States. She strives to bring communities together in a common celebration of one of the world’s most ancient and sophisticated musical traditions. Most importantly, her authentic cultural advocacy helps root young people of color (Indian Americans) to their cultural specificity while negotiating the challenging environment they grow up in.
https://iroots-mcknight-culturebearers.org/
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ASU Inclusive Community Tour!
Autism Sibs Universe warmly invites Asian Indian families to an afternoon of connection, creativity, and community support. Come explore our programs, meet the ASU team, and experience a sensory‑friendly RV ride!
ASU believes in no isolation—only belonging. Whether you’re exploring independent living options, wellness programs, microboards, or simply want to connect with other families, this tour is for you.
Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: 3335 Minnesota Lane N, Plymouth, MN 55447
Event Highlights
• Delicious Indian‑inspired snacks & refreshments
• Arts & crafts station for all ages
• Sensory‑friendly RV experience
• Guided tour of ASU’s inclusive living community
• Meet neurodivergent leaders & learn about our 24/7 support services
For more information and RSVP Email: iinfo@asu‑living.org or call: 612‑440‑9133
www.asu‑living.org
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Bengali Storytime
Join community member Rima as she shares children's stories celebrating Indian culture. This event will be presented in Bengali and English along with crafts and performances. The Indian language featured will be primarily Bengali.
For youth ages 2–6.
Wescott Library 1340 Wescott Rd, Eagan, MN 55123
Saturday, May 3, 10–11 a.m.
For more information https://www.facebook.com/share/1BhF5kHoQm/
Wescott Library Click Here
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Indus Music and Arts
Join Indus Music and Arts - a non-profit organization with its mission to promote contemporary music rooted in the Indian Subcontinent while giving back to the community - for an electrifying live music concert as they celebrate the warmth and beauty of spring. The evening will begin with an intimate, baithak-style experience, filled with soulful melodies and poetic expressions through geets and ghazals. As the night unfolds, the energy builds and you will find yourself tapping your feet to high energy Bollywood numbers and bhangra hits! Jashn-e-Bahaar is a celebration of music in all its moods—from the heartfelt to the scintillating.
Tickets: Click Here
Indus Music and Arts will be donating a portion of the ticketing revenue to a Minnesota charitable organization of your choice. Please select an organization you would like to support when you make the ticket purchase.
Facebook event page with more details: https://tinyurl.com/j2025fb
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Minnesota Hindu Milan Mandir
You and your family are cordially invited to attend a grand evening of Hindustani Music, Classical Dance and Bollywood Songs, and Dinner for all Mothers and their families - a treat for all Mothers!
Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Venue: Milan Mandir Auditorium
501 Walnut St, Farmington, MN> 55024
You are welcome to reserve a dinner table for you and your family today -- The most economical way to treat your mom and spend Mother's day with your family. Please come sit and watch a vibrant cultural show while you enjoy a tasty dinner from Milan East Indian Cuisine.
Please help us share flyer with your friends and associates. If you have questions, contact us at 651-500-0208. PS: This is a fundraising event and 100% of all proceeds go to Milan Mandir.
https://www.facebook.com/minnesotahindu.milanmandir
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Kala Vandanam
May 9-10 - Kala Vandanam in Minnesota Dance Festival
Kala Vandanam's youth ensemble performs as guest artists in Ballet Minnesota's Minnesota Dance Festival on Friday-Saturday 5/9-10 in the 7pm shows.
For tickets and information - balletminnesota.org/minnesota-dance-festival
May 17 - Dance Informance with Kala Vandanam at Kaposia Library
Does the thought of Indian dance excite you? Intimidate you? Bore you?
Are you curious, but just don’t know where to start? No idea on how to watch and enjoy it?
Join Kala Vandanam at Dakota County’s Kaposia Library for a Dance Informance – an informal, informational performance where Bharatanatyam, the oldest and most widely performed classical dance tradition of India, will be de-mystified. Watch some demonstration and performance, then try your hands, eyes and feet at some movements, and your voices at some vocal percussion! ALL ARE WELCOME and FREE ADMISSION. https://kalavandanam.com/event/informance-20250517/
www.kalavandanam.com
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Akshaya Patra
Vintage Bollywood Concert
Minnesota Chapter of Akshaya Patra is thrilled to invite you and your team to a very special Charity Musical Concert on Saturday, May 10th at 4:00 PM, hosted at John F. Kennedy High School.
Chai, Samosa and dinner is included. BOGO, buy 1 ticket, get one ticket for free promo going on. Use QR code, click on link to reserve your tickets at this link https://give.apusa.org/event/e680821
This year's concert is a Mother’s Day Vintage Bollywood Tribute, featuring timeless melodies, community spirit, and a shared purpose — to help end childhood hunger.
Akshaya Patra is incredibly grateful for your support in spreading the word by sharing the event flyer with your friends and family. Your voice can help amplify the mission and reach more hearts.
Why Does It Matter?
A $20 donation will feed a child during the whole school year. Akshaya Patra runs the world’s largest midday meal program, nourishing 2.5 million children every day. In the U.S, the foundation works with passionate volunteers, donors, and ambassadors to fuel this life-changing mission.
Join for a meaningful evening that blends culture, community, and compassion.
For more information
Contact Ishita Gawde (952 201 1022) or Mona Laghuvaram (952 297 2678)
https://apusa.org/minnesota-chapter-2/
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Jain Center of Minnesota (JCM)
JCM sports team is organizing an Indoor Pickleball event.
Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025
JCM encourages friends and family of IAM teams to join and participate in this fun event to increase social bonding and community outreach.
RSVP sign up form: https://forms.office.com/r/1LN3zFLCEc
For information call Palak Gandhi (763 607 8070) or Sheetal Jain (575-650-7347) www.jaincentermn.org
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Indian Music Society of Minnesota (IMSOM)
Up next in IMSOM's 2025 Spring season, is a captivating evening of Hindustani classical music featuring an instrumental Sarod recital by Tejendra Majumdar, one of the foremost Sarod maestros of our time. He will be accompanied by renowned percussion maestro Tanmoy Bose on Tabla.
Date & Time: Saturday, May 10 2025, 7PM
Venue: Recital Hall, St. Catherine University
2004, Randolph Ave, St. Paul, 55105
Tickets: https://www.imsom.org/upcoming-event/391
IMSOM will feature a second spectacular event in May featuring Ramana Balachandhran with Patri Satish Kumar.
Date & Time: Friday, May 30th, 2025, 7:30 pm
Venue: Cowles Auditiorium, UofM Humphrey Center
301 19th Ave S., Minneapolis, MN.
Tickets: https://www.imsom.org/upcoming-event/392
Please become an IMSOM member in 2025 or renew your membership here. https://www.imsom.org/memberships . Contact Vineet Sinha: 612-384-6940 for questions about IMSOM membership.
https://www.imsom.org/
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Minnesota Malayalee Association (MMA)
MMA is excited to announce the upcoming Arts & Science Fair, open to all Indian community.
Celebrate the creativity, curiosity, and talent of the community at MMA’s Arts & Science Fair! The event will feature a variety of art displays, science experiments, and interactive exhibits presented by individuals from the Indian community. It’s a day to encourage imagination, innovation, and expression in a fun and educational environment.
Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
Time: 11 AM – 5 PM
Location: Eden Prairie High School
17185 Valley View Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55346
https://mnmalayalee.org/mma/
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Celebrate and support Ragamala's 33rd season at
Ragamala Rooted: A Gala Celebration
Ragamala Dance Company took root 33 years ago with Ranee and Aparna Ramaswamy's belief in Bharatanatyam's ability to uplift and inspire audiences. Ragamala is now recognized worldwide for transcending boundaries with stage performances and community engagement that ignite the imagination and mine the spirituality and philosophy of Indian art forms to move and unite audiences worldwide. Celebrate and support Ragamala's work while enjoying great food, performance, and conversation!
Saturday, May 17, 5:30 - 9:30pm
Center for Performing Arts, Minneapolis
Tickets
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Ragamala Training Center
Registration is almost open for all levels of Bharatanatyam
Led by highly-skilled company members, Ragamala Training Center classes are enriching, fun, and foster cultural awareness. At the Ragamala Training Center, students receive classical training in the style of Bharatanatyam carefully created by the internationally renowned Padma Bhushan Smt. Alarmél Valli. Co-Artistic Director Ranee Ramaswamy and Executive Artistic Director Aparna Ramaswamy are dedicated to preserving and carrying on their guru’s tradition and passing it on to the next generation of dancers. Ragamala Training Center’s unique program stresses artistic excellence and a professional level of training while fostering cultural awareness.
Ragamala Training Center offers classes for beginners ages 7 through adult, as well as experienced dancers.
For questions or more information, please email jothika@ragamaladance.org
https://www.ragamaladance.org/training-center
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SAWN
Empower yourself with recruiting know-how!
SAWN's upcoming workshop provides an insightful exploration led by seasoned professionals on navigating the recruiting landscape and leveraging external agencies.
For hiring managers, job seekers, and career changers. To RSVP Click Here
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!
Follow us on social media: LinkedIn and Facebook
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LMT SEVA and Pro Dental
Proudly Presents in Association with Raj Bahl from Remax
Kumar Sanu & Sadhana Sargam Live in Concert
Date & Time: June 14th @ 7:00 pm
Venue: Minneapolis Convention Center
To buy tickets https://lmtseva.eventbrite.com or click on the QRcode in flyer.
For more details please reach out to Shashi Tiwari at 612-978-3040 or send an email to lmtseva@gmail.com
https://lmtseva.com/
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Ananya Dance Theatre
Our Shawngrām Institute for Performance & Social Justice is our gathering place, where we practice (train) together, rehearse, lead workshops and community events, and teach weekly classes and our Summer Intensive.
For tickets Click Here
https://www.ananyadancetheatre.org/
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Community Support in Action: Meet Our Silver Sponsor
Old National Bank (ONB)
Technology has made banking easier, faster, and more convenient. But there remains value in personal relationships, individualized service, and a long-standing history of serving families and business – that’s Old National Bank. A community bank that specializes in commercial, wealth management and personal banking services, Old National has over 30 locations in Minnesota. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
https://www.oldnational.com/
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Like a Good Neighbor, State Farm Pratap Bhosale
Joins IAM as a Silver Sponsor
For over 30 years, the Pratap Bhosale StateFarm agency has been a trusted pillar in our community, dedicated to helping individuals and families build and protect their wealth. With a deep understanding of local needs, Pratap Bhosale and his team provide tailored insurance solutions and financial guidance, ensuring that clients feel valued and secure in their decisions. We offer Home, Auto, Life and Business Insurance products.
Beyond their professional expertise, the agency actively engages in community initiatives, supporting local events and charities that uplift residents. Their commitment to service and community well-being has solidified their reputation as a reliable partner in financial security, making a lasting impact on the lives of many.
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Mother's Day
Sunday, May 11, 2025
Celebrating the amazing women who nurture, inspire and lead by example everyday. Mother's Day is our opportunity to express our gratitude for all of the love you have given to us.
Remembering with love and appreciation the mothers who are no longer with us.
IAM wishes the wonderful women in or lives a HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!
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Memorial Day
Monday, May 26, 2025
Let us not forget the brave men and women who fought and sacrificed for democracy and our freedom to be who we want to be.
As we gather with family and friends, let's commit to carrying forward the legacy of those we have lost, ensuring their sacrifices are not lost or forgotten.
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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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