SURESH BODIWALA
MILWAUKEE: Governor of Wisconsin Tony Evers declared August 15, 2019, as ‘India Day’ in the state of Wisconsin, honoring India and recognizing the huge contribution that India is making globally and Indian community’s in Wisconsin’s development.
IndiaFest Milwaukee was launched by Spindle India in 2013. Former Governor Scott Walker had also recognized and declared August 15 as the ‘India Day’ in Wisconsin in 2018. This year, IndiaFest hosted the celebration August 17.
“IndiaFest Milwaukee provides a platform for collaboration, connection, education and growth by providing a space for cultural exchange and appreciation; and promotes diversity, inclusion, community, culture and education in Milwaukee by establishing a broad and collective appreciation of India Day, Indian culture and the Indian community”, observed Governor Tony Evers.
Mayor of Milwaukee Tom Barrett commended Spindle India,and IndiaFest Milwaukee for dedicated service and leadership, recognized its outstanding contributions to the community and proclaimed August 15, 2019, as the India Day throughout the city of Milwaukee.
US Senator Ron Johnson issued a certificate of Senatorial recognition, in recognition of 7th Annual IndiaFest Milwaukee saying, “Thank you for your continued dedication and efforts to bring visibility to the Indian community of Milwaukee.”
Chairwoman, and president of Spindle India Purnima Nath said on the occasion: “We are weaving happiness, as we bring people and organizations together. Our goal is to weave India’s colorful cultural threads into the rich multicultural tapestry of American culture.”
She said that each state and union territory of India has a unique combination of languages, traditions, religions, clothing, and history, comparable to countries in Europe.
“This myriad of diversity comes together in our celebration,” Nath said. “Diversity is the blood of globalism. Inclusiveness is the mantra of acceptance.”
Mayor of Brookfield, Steve Ponto said: “In Brookfield, we have a growing population of people with Indian heritage and I personally greatly appreciate the emphasis, which that heritage places on education. Many students of Indian background do exceptionally well in both our public and private schools. I believe this is because of the strong emphasis, which the Indian culture places, on education and parental involvement in the learning process.”
The national anthem of India, sung by Children of Hindi School of Wisconsin, touched the hearts of all. Joseph Scala, an Appleton resident, sung the American national anthem. Patriotic songs and dance by young children honoring India made the event extra special.
A classical concert was performed by by santoor maestro Nanda Kishore Muley who was accompanied by Indrajit Banerjee on sitar and Gouri Sankar Karmakar on tabla.
There was also a fusion of eastern and western instruments by Wahh Fusion Band with Shankh Lahiri (tabla), Peter Mongaya (guitar), Jason McKenzie (drums), Seth Lynn (bass), and Indrajit Banerjee (sitar). Bollywood Hungama beats was performed by celebrity DJ Dharak. In
Consul General of India in Chicago Sudhakar Dalela congratulated the organizers for working with the vibrant Indian American community of Milwaukee to organize IndiaFest every year to showcase India and its rich cultural heritage, traditions and values.
