INDIA DAY 2008-Madison
By Heidi M. Pascual
Association of Indians in America (AIA) President Shyam
Koppikar and his board worked very hard to make this year’s
India Day happen, and the weather cooperated with them on
Sept. 6. Thus, despite the construction going on at the University
of Wisconsin-Madison Library Mall, the annual gathering
proceeded with lots of cultural performances.
India Day is celebrated every year in Madison primarily to
celebrate India's Independence Day, but it is also widely known
as a cultural sharing through music, food, arts and crafts, with
the Madison-area community. Youth as young as three years old
performed dances and songs, and played musical instruments.
From traditional to modern, performers, including students of
Kalaanjali School of Dance, members of Indian Graduate
Students Association and Asian Pacific Dance Study Group,
awed their audience with wonderful numbers that showed their
deep connection to and love for, their Indian roots. Several
information booths, including Combat Blindness Foundation
headed by Dr. Suresh Chandra (UW Dept. of Opthalmology),
were present to inform attendees about their respective
organizations and what they do to support the needy in India and
in various third-world countries.
Indians and non-Indians visibly enjoyed the entertainment
and food, as well. India Day is one of Madison’s must-see event.
Association of Indians in America (AIA) President Shyam
Koppikar and his board worked very hard to make this year’s
India Day happen, and the weather cooperated with them on
Sept. 6. Thus, despite the construction going on at the University
of Wisconsin-Madison Library Mall, the annual gathering
proceeded with lots of cultural performances.
India Day is celebrated every year in Madison primarily to
celebrate India's Independence Day, but it is also widely known
as a cultural sharing through music, food, arts and crafts, with
the Madison-area community. Youth as young as three years old
performed dances and songs, and played musical instruments.
From traditional to modern, performers, including students of
Kalaanjali School of Dance, members of Indian Graduate
Students Association and Asian Pacific Dance Study Group,
awed their audience with wonderful numbers that showed their
deep connection to and love for, their Indian roots. Several
information booths, including Combat Blindness Foundation
headed by Dr. Suresh Chandra (UW Dept. of Opthalmology),
were present to inform attendees about their respective
organizations and what they do to support the needy in India and
in various third-world countries.
Indians and non-Indians visibly enjoyed the entertainment
and food, as well. India Day is one of Madison’s must-see event.
Some AIA Board
members (left), led by
Shyam Koppikar
(center) pose for Asian
Wisconzine
members (left), led by
Shyam Koppikar
(center) pose for Asian
Wisconzine