The Association of Indians in America
(AIA) celebrates Mother's Day with fun,
food, and lots of music!
(AIA) celebrates Mother's Day with fun,
food, and lots of music!
A video report 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.
