India Association of Minnesota

November 2023 Newsletter

Celebrating 50 years 1973 - 2023

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IAM News & Events

Holiday Bazaar

India Association of Minnesota and SEWA-AIFW are hosting the first annual Small Business Holiday bazaar this year. Shop Local Indian business this Diwali and Holiday season and come away with unique gifts for everyone. Find the perfect gift while supporting your community in the process!

Date: Sunday, Nov 5, 2023

Time: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Where: SEWA -AIFW Building

6645 James Ave No, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430

Watch for more information on Facebook

Vendors

Srushti Fashions - USAWoman and Kids Clothing

Siri Financial Services - Financial Services

Aliya's Collection - Indian traditional fashion jewelry

Mokka Fashions - Indian attire

Nallamallis NVA Jewelers - 22ct Indian Gold Jewelery

Sscreations - Imitation jewelry

Asna's Collection - Fashion jewelry & accessories

Pratap Bhosale State Farm Agency - Insurance

LifeMAP Wealth Advisors, LLC - Financial Services

D&S Collections - Indian clothing & imitation jewelry

IndiaBazaar - Indian Grocery /Restaurant

Shakuntala Design Inc - Creative art services

Jiya Decors - Indian festive and home decor shop

Twin Cities Real Estate Group - Real Estate

Tays Secret Garden - Houseplants

Srushti Fashions USA LLC - Clothing for Woman & Children

Rangz Collection - Indian & Pakistani Clothing

Sugardust & Sprinkles - Artisan cakes & French macarons -

Inara Destinations - Hotel and resorts travel discounts service -

Shrisa's Collection - Indian immitation & Artificial Jewellery, Clothing -

Panache - Beverages. Better for You.Non-Alcoholic Infused juices -

Kaurz Collection - Custom made & ready to wear dresses & jewelry for women -

JUZT CLAZZY COLLECTION - We have a wide variety of Imitation jewelry & gift items

Samhiti Collections - Authentic traditional Brass, copper & decor items -

Rivaaj Clothing & Zari by ZeeRivaaj - Men & Women's clothing, specializing in Pakistani & Indian weddings

Precious Twenty-One Photography, LLC - Full-service portrait photography studio -

Teqnizan IncMusic Earrings - Like bluetooth earbuds but better

https://www.iamn.org/

IAM Annual General Body Meeting (GBM)

Sunday, November 19, 2023

India Association of Minnesota cordially invites all IAM members and community members interested in becoming IAM members and/or IAM Board members to the 2023 Annual General Body Meeting (GBM).

Date: Saturday, November 19, 2023

Time:  1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Where: Edina Library

5280 Grandview Square #101, Edina, MN 55346

IAM established in 1973 is a non-profit organization, chartered to

• Build a strong and cohesive community of Asian Indians
• Represent the Indian Diaspora to the society at large
• Serve as focal point of contact between various regional Indian groups

If you believe you can contribute, please read details at this link and submit your nomination to tac@iamn.org by Sunday, November 5, 2023. To apply to the Board, you must be an active member of IAM in good standing. If you are not an IAM member, learn more about us and join IAM.

Meeting Agenda

• Treasurer Report
• 2023 President Report
• Trustee Advisory Council Update
• Election for 2024 Officers & Officers

Dhanyawad 50th anniversary Holiday Event

Celebrate India Association of Minnesota's 50th anniversary this holiday season in style. Join us for an evening of fun with a live band, comedy and great food & beverages.

We are grateful for your continuing support.



Date: Friday, December 1, 2023

Where: Minnetonka Community Center

IAM looks forward to celebrating with you!

IAM Non-Violence Day

On Sunday, October 1, 2023, India Association of Minnesota hosted the annual Non-Violence Day event at the Minnesota History Center. While being serenaded by the Jazz ensemble, Jim Bend Tensel, the attendees enjoyed refreshments. A dance performance by the SAATH Troop was enjoyed by all in the Dr. Dash Foundation Rotunda at the Center.

The program in the 3M Auditorium started with IAM 2023 President Tanwi Prigge's opening remarks and welcoming those in attendance. Tanwi spoke about IAM celebrating it's 50th anniversary. She talked about Martin Luther King embracing the non-violence principles of Mahatma Gandhi. Representing the Minnesota History Center, Ram Gada thanked them for hosting Non-violence day and its past support of the community, including the Indian Oral History project started in 1994 and it's 2016 sponsorship of the Bollywood Exhibit. Dr. S K Dash was recognized and made a few remarks. A vocal tribute to Gandi, Vishnava Jana, was sung by Gorinka Srivastava. She was followed by IAM Intern, Anjali Nambudri, reading the Non-violence proclamation from Gov. Tim Walz and speaking about the good and bad in social media and it's affect on youth. It was followed by a video of Gandhi's life.

IAM Honorary Board member, Ram Gada talked about Gandhi and his legacy of peace through non-violence. Fr. Harry Bury and Karen Nelson from Twin Cities Non-violent were recognized and the TCNV video was shown. North Minneapolis activist, Michael Cheney received the 2023 Gandhi Award for his work in the community. Seema Pothini presented tools everyone can use to speak up about non-violence. The final speaker, Dr. Duane Cady talked about racism and sexism, prejudices built into America.

IAM Participating in the Community

Twin Cities R!SE

On Sunday, October 1, 2023, members of the IAM family attended the 30th Anniversary gala for Twin Cities Rise at the historic Depot in Minneapolis, The evening began with attendees mingling during a wine reception, followed by dinner. Musical guest, Ashley Dubose was the featured entertainment. CEO and Indian community member, Emma Corrie spoke about TCR and the positive impact it has had on Minnesota . She introduced the honorees, founders Steve & Marilyn Rothschild (pictured at right), who both gave inspiring speeches. Ebony Dillard's sucess story was highlighted. The emcees, Nicole Pillow Johnson and Niles (Chadwick) Phillips, kept the informative program moving. The crowd was generous during fund raising. Ashley Dubose brought the evening to a close in with another beautiful song.

Attending & supporting TCR from IAM: 2023 President Tanwi Prigge, past presidents Sreeni Checka and Ashoke Mandal. Honorary board members: Dr. SK Dash, Ram Gada and Dr. Bruce Corrie and Alice Northrup.

Twin Cities R!SE began in 1993 – the founder, Steve Rothschild, a former executive Vice President at General Mills, was motivated to find a solution to the poverty experienced by many people of color in the Twin Cities. Using a market-driven approach, he sought to assist individuals in finding stable and well-paying employment.

Twin Cities Rise assists individuals in poverty on the path to long-term and stable employment. TCR's work skills training prepares participants with the skills they’ll need on the job. And through internship opportunities, job search assistance, and employment placement services, TCR works with participants to find meaningful employment. To donate and learn more, click below.

https://twincitiesrise.org/

Upcoming IAM 2023 Calendar of Events

Event/Date/Venue

• Small Business Bazaar, Nov 5, 2023, SEWA-AIFW
• IAM General Body Meeting (GBM), Nov 19, 2023
• Dhanyawad, Dec 1, 2023, Minnetonka Community Center

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

Government Relations & Civic Engagement

Election Day - November 7, 2023

During each election cycle, India Association of Minnesota lets the community know about Indian Candidates running for office.

Paras Bhende is running for Wayzata School Board (a non-partisan seat). To learn more about Paras click on this link -https://parasbhendeforwsb.org/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095378029718

India Association of Minnesota is non-political. 

IAM will inform but does not endorse any candidates.

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).

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 QRcode.

Welcome to new IAM members

Youth Infomation

Spring Intern Application Open

Governor’s Office

Due Nov. 10 at 11:59 p.m.

The Governor’s Internship Program is an exciting and unique opportunity for Minnesota students interested in public service. Governor’s Office interns gain insight into the various paths within public service and learn valuable skills that prepare them for their future careers, all while seizing an opportunity to give back to the State of Minnesota.

Applications for Fall 2023 are due November 10. Positions are unpaid and part-time, with a minimum of 12 hours a week. To be considered, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Be currently enrolled in an undergraduate institution
• Have completed at least one semester of undergraduate education by the beginning of their internships

To apply, https://mn.gov/governor/connect/careers-internships/

IAM History

1932 - 2019

"For 87 years, the Festival of Nations inspired people throughout the region to discover more about our world and embrace the rich cultural diversity brought to us by immigrants from around the globe. In 2019, the Festival continued its legacy as the longest running multicultural festival in the Midwest and, once again, collaborated with more than 100 ethnic groups to create a truly unique experience - one that celebrated cultural heritage and provided our community’s immigrants with a platform to express their stories through world-class performances, exhibits, ethnic cuisine, and personal connections."

"On August 24, 2023, The International Institute of Minnesota and the Festival of Nations, the Midwest’s oldest and longest running multicultural festival, announced with sadness the conclusion of this beloved event."

Read article in the Pioneer Press

India Club/India Association of Minnesota (IAM)

Participation in Festival of Nations (FON)

For 40 years starting in 1979, Festival of Nations was always a highlight on the India Club/IAM calendar. In its early days, India Club held its monthly meetings at the International Institute, which is how India Club became aware of the festival and initially became involved. Originally a street festival, by the time India Club started participating in the annual three day event, it was being held at the Saint Paul Civic Center (it expanded to four days in 1991) and eventually moved into the ST. Paul Rivercenter. Babu Chimata (2015) wrote "The history of FON is very much intertwined with IAM and how it grew or shrank or moved onward."

Neena Gada (pictured at FON 1986) was the chairperson for 1979. Preeti Mathur remembers going on local TV shows with Neena to promote FON and invite the community to visit the Indian cultural booth and cafe.

Festival of Nations is mentioned in the early newsletters and the history articles written by the past presidents. IAM worked very closely with the School of India Languages and Culture (SILC). The shared pan-Indian ethos attracted many individuals to both organizations. The partnership best manifested itself at the Festival of Nations, a multi-day celebration of food, exhibits and entertainment that attracted thousands of Minnesotans. Families and friends gathered in homes to prepare vast quantities of food for sale at the India booth. Whether it is the unique camaraderie that comes from skinning chicken legs all night, or masala scents that lingered in one’s hair for weeks afterwards. Vijay Balakrishnan (1989) continues, "Originally, all the food was prepared by the India Club team and volunteers in their homes. Vijay and other early presidents all tell "It was an assembly line with one person skinning chicken, another one cutting it, someone making sauce as they made chicken curry" and the other Indian foods." And Stefan Peterson (1988) remarked that everything was cooked from scratch. Stefan was the FON chair for 1986 & 1987. Sudhansu Misra (1987) noted that by 1987 the food was being cooked from scratch but now on site. The India Club team was often the last to leave after the lights had been turned off. After tasting the very watery Mango Milkshake, he changed the recipe - it was a huge success. Gupthan Namboodiripad (1995) In previous years, frozen food (chicken curry) was ordered from some company in New York. We lost touch with the company (no google back then) and we were forced to order locally. Indian restaurants were just starting to enter the Twin Cities restaurant world. We wrote a contract with India Palace to provide chicken curry." Franklin Gummadi (1998) said he "never worked so hard in my life. I only got three hours of sleep over three days". restaurants.

Babu Chimata wrote "The cafe used to be always managed and operated by IAM. From about 2014 or 2015 we started outsourcing the operation to community partners. The first partners - MATA." The menu was tweeked through the years but remained essentially the same. The 1987 Menu: Chicken curry, pakora, rice pilaf, papadm and mango shakes." Ravi Sagi (2018) echoed what other past presidents said "he worked FON for four straight days".

Babu also wrote, "The Indian Cafe at FON was major revenue for IAM through out the year. While it was an activity of engagement for many IAM alumni, it was also a major source of revenue. Around 2010, IAM started outsourcing all the food from the local restaurants.

Vijay Balakrishnan (1989) said that from the beginning there was four parts to FON; "Indian Cafe, Entertainment, including scheduling with the International Institute and the Bazaar. "

From Babu, "FON was integral and one could see how the FON operation changed for us mirroring our trajectory of the growth since 2013. We always outsourced the Bazaar. Not much changed on that front over the years."

The cultural booth was originally done in partnership with (SILC). Godan Nambudiripad (1990)wrote "My first enclounter with IAM was when I started with SILC. I managed the Cultural Booth at FON. One memorable booth, themed imigration, was when we wrapped my wife's blue saree and put a big red dot on the forehead of a Statue of Liberty which Ranee Ramaswamy had created out of Styrofoam." From Babu, "The ehibits were always driven by SILC and one in 2015 or 2016 with story telling was impressive. Kites were always provided by Samir Penkar who is dressed up as Shivaji. A big splash was when a real wedding was done at the main area. It was a huge highlight." For many years there was a lot of exhibit stuff sitting in Raj Menon's basement. His basement was a workshop pretty much every year, to develop and build the exhibit. Raj Menon (2000) participated in FON every year from 1999 to 2019. He was the IAM representative at FON for many of those years and was on the FON managing committee during the the last couple of years. The cultural booth recieved the 2016 Excellence Award for outstanding cultural booth. IAM also received the top award for the cultural exhibit on weddings in 1990. The 1987 Indian cultural booth shared "the best booth" with two others.

There was always a theme for each year. Here are a few: Celebration (1987), Fables, Fairytales & Folklore (1991), Festivals Around the World (1993), Seasons of Life (2000), Costumes & Accessories (2001) and Global Homes & Gathering Places (2002),

There was a world stage. That was an area where we had a number of performances throughout the festival. For sometime SILC used to manage that and eventually IAM had to take responsibility to engage more community and partners. During the early years, the students from SILC performed.

Guptan Nambudiripad (the younger) - used to run the cafe and subject matter expert for many years. We accumulated a lot of kitchen equipment for the cafe. It used to sit in our garages for many years. As folks transitioned, they moved hands and garages. Babu said "I had in my garage for many years until when we finally moved stuff to storage." It is still in IAM storage.

Connections were made at FON and many were impactful for IAM. The help with connections, came through FON and other is green card voices and Irish Fest. one of them is steve.Some of the musicians - we got to know at FON and they performed for us at our first Connect Asia. We got to know Steve Heckler from FON when he was a director. We became friends after and it was that friendship that lead to grants, publicity when he introduced others. Eventually Steve Heckler ran IndiaFest(Steve retired in 2022). Because of FON, IAM made a connection with Steve who had a huge impact on IAM and its growth.

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Indian Association of Minnesota thanks every chairperson, Cafe and Cultural booth chair, performers, vendors and especially the volunteers who participated year after year, making the Indian experience at Festival of Nations special. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this article.

Mango Shake Recipe

Blend these ingredients in a blender. 

• A can of mango pulp.
• A gallon of grade A milk.
• 2 scoops of Vanilla ice cream. 

This makes about 8 tall cups of the milkshake.

Diwali

Sunday, November 12, 2023

The fesitval of lights, Diwali or Deepavali is a celebration of new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil. It is the time to gather with your family and friends and enjoy the rituals and traditions.

IAM wishes everyone a Happy and safe Diwali celebration!

Community Diwali Celebrations

The most awaited event of the year Diwali 2023 is almost here and the MAM committee is in full force planning and excited to celebrate DIWALI 2023 with everyone!!! Here are the Diwali program details:

Date : Saturday November 18th 2023

Time: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm

Venue : Park Center Senior High School

7300 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443

For tickets: https://www.mnmarathi.org/events/

Indian Music Society of Minnesota (IMSOM)

Kruchi Bhac

Date: Saturday, November 11, 2023

Time: 6:00 pm

Where: Nath Auditorium, Hindu Temple of Minnesota

For tickets https://www.imsom.org/

Katha Dance Theatre

Katha Dance Theatre is now enrolling for the fall session. To learn more about about performances, Katha news and class enrollment, click on the link below.



www.kathadance.org

Ragamala Dance Company

We are in constant creation mode, premiering a new evening-length work every 1-2 years. Our next piece, Children of Dharma, unlocks critical moments and metaphorically potent stories from the vastest epic in world literature, The Mahabharata. 

Guided by the Ramaswamys’ iconic synthesis of cultural context, lush visual imagery, physical rigor, and truthful emotion, this multidisciplinary experience mines the enduring nature of India’s ancient wisdom, perhaps its most important gift to the world.

Please join our Dharma Circle to commission Children of Dharma

Save the Date: the 15th annual Give to the MAX Day is on

Thursday, November 16!

The ‘Great MN Give Together’ is a chance to support your favorite organizations and their important work. This year,, your GTMD gift will go towards the creation of Children of Dharma and its extensive engagement components.

https://www.ragamaladance.org/audition

https://www.ragamaladance.org/

Miscellaneous

Thanksgiving

November 23, 2023

The holidays are upon us. On Thursday, November 23rd, America will once again continue the tradition of celebrating the abundance of opportunies in this country. At the first thanksgiving in 1621, the settlers and Indigenous peoples of America celebrated the abundant harvests.

IAM is grateful for our sponsors, partners, volunteers and the Indian community who support our events and programs. IAM wishes everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

DesiStoriesAshaUSA.com

Stories from, about and of South Asians.

The story features two inspiring foundations set up by families who have experienced tragedy, and created a meaningful difference from their grief. Coping with the loss of a loved one, is something no family should ever have to go through. As the Lotus flower symbolizes purity, overcoming adversity and rebirth, the Dixit’s and the Kathawalla’s have set up foundations that in different yet similar ways are celebrating their daughter’s lives, making a difference to the lives of others and helping them cope with their loss. - Ruby Anik -

Here is the story of ‘shreyadixit.org’ and ‘Zaharakathawalla.org’. Read entire story here

3 Twin Cities area dancers

show off their home dance studios

Rita Mustaphi, artistic director, choreograprapher dance of Katha Dance Theatre and her husband moved into their lakeshore property in Crystal 36 years ago. The contemporary home has multiple levels, a tropical greenhouse with key lime and pomegranate trees and a studio in the basement, which doubles as a dance and yoga retreat for Mustaphi and exercise room for her husband. It's also where she stores her dance costumes. At 20 by 20 feet, "it's not too small, but it's a nice size." Besides using it to develop her choreographic ideas, Mustaphi also utilizes the space as a recording studio for guest musicians working with the company from India.

To read StarTribune Article Click Here.

Missing Inventory, and Missing Answers

Suresh Krishna and Northern Tool are

using technolgy to better manage inventory

While an increasing number of major retailers, including Minneapolis-based Target, cite higher theft rates to explain tougher security measures or store closures, analysts question whether their losses are all due to crime.

Product losses, known as shrink in the industry, have almost become synonymous with theft, especially as they've increased in the U.S. in fiscal year 2022 to more than $112 billion, according to the National Retail Federation. But there are other factors the industry buzzword covers that are less about people stealing and more about how retailers need to better manage their inventory, experts said.

Northern Tool and Equipment is one of the retailers harnessing technology to better manage inventory. CEO Suresh Krishna said the shift was primarily to improve customer service, but with an added bonus of safeguarding against shrink.

To read StarTribune Article Click Here.

Stay Connected with IAM

Visit the IAM Website IAM Facebook Instagram @iamnorg

IAM is on 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.