| Association of Indians in America (AIA) A Gift of Love |
By Heidi M. Pascual
The Association of Indians in America (AIA)-Wisconsin Chapter,
led by Shyam Koppikar and the AIA Board Members and volunteers,
paid tribute to mothers during their annual Mother's Day event
held May 17, 2008 at Badger Ridge Middle School in Verona, Wis.
Authentic and delicious Indian food, although catered by a local
Indian Restaurant, was served by adult men (fathers and sons), and
most mothers and women attendees simply enjoyed the day
catching up with neighbors and friends whom they haven't seen in
a while. As always, the women were dressed in their traditional,
colorful Indian dress or sari, many with gold linings or hemlines and
beads or sequins. Many mothers, however, were busy preparing
their small kids for their performance numbers.
After a sumptuous dinner capped by the most mouth-watering
desserts — sweetened grated carrots and mango ice cream — the
cultural program started with the singing of the Indian National
Anthem by Surya Ganesan, the five-year old son of Arvind and
Meenakshi Ganesan! The little boy was well prepared for the
occasion. The dance numbers ranged from classical (Bharatnatyam
& Kathak) to modern (Bollywood); while songs ranged from
Carnatic to modern. A live orchestra accompanied Sunil Sunkara's
kathak performances, "Lukka Chupp," and "Mere Dholna." It was a
truly wonderful program!
Raffle drawings interspersed with the program, and several
winners from the audience received gifts in cash or in kind. The
major prize was a one-night stay at Best Western.
Judging from the huge turnout and the numbers in the program
that lasted until around 10 p.m. (the cultural program started at 7
p.m.), the 2008 AIA Mother's Day event was a success. Our thanks
and congratulations to the AIA officers, volunteers and members
who all made this year's Mother's Day an event to remember.
The Association of Indians in America (AIA)-Wisconsin Chapter,
led by Shyam Koppikar and the AIA Board Members and volunteers,
paid tribute to mothers during their annual Mother's Day event
held May 17, 2008 at Badger Ridge Middle School in Verona, Wis.
Authentic and delicious Indian food, although catered by a local
Indian Restaurant, was served by adult men (fathers and sons), and
most mothers and women attendees simply enjoyed the day
catching up with neighbors and friends whom they haven't seen in
a while. As always, the women were dressed in their traditional,
colorful Indian dress or sari, many with gold linings or hemlines and
beads or sequins. Many mothers, however, were busy preparing
their small kids for their performance numbers.
After a sumptuous dinner capped by the most mouth-watering
desserts — sweetened grated carrots and mango ice cream — the
cultural program started with the singing of the Indian National
Anthem by Surya Ganesan, the five-year old son of Arvind and
Meenakshi Ganesan! The little boy was well prepared for the
occasion. The dance numbers ranged from classical (Bharatnatyam
& Kathak) to modern (Bollywood); while songs ranged from
Carnatic to modern. A live orchestra accompanied Sunil Sunkara's
kathak performances, "Lukka Chupp," and "Mere Dholna." It was a
truly wonderful program!
Raffle drawings interspersed with the program, and several
winners from the audience received gifts in cash or in kind. The
major prize was a one-night stay at Best Western.
Judging from the huge turnout and the numbers in the program
that lasted until around 10 p.m. (the cultural program started at 7
p.m.), the 2008 AIA Mother's Day event was a success. Our thanks
and congratulations to the AIA officers, volunteers and members
who all made this year's Mother's Day an event to remember.
