ST LOUIS: India Association of St Louis (IASTL) strives to bring all the Indian community together to celebrate India’s cultural heritage and promote better relationship among the communities. Recently it organized two events – Consul General’s visit & ‘Spring Festival -2018’ and both were a grand success.
The Association celebrated ‘Spring Festival-2018’ colorfully on April 1 at local Mahatma Gandhi Cultural Center (MGC). Close to 400 members and guests made the function one of the most colorful ones. President Krishna Rao Moharir welcomed all followed by a dazzling cultural program, performed by more than 175 participants that mesmerized the audience. Most of the participants were children ranging from 3 to 14 years of age. The masters of ceremonies were Anika Pulumati and Siri Ragala.
In the end, certificates were distributed to the participants and the vote of thanks was delivered by Secretary Sharath Rao. Professional photography was done by Mike Oransky, a well-known event photographer in St. Louis.
In addition to dance and music, there were Rangoli competitions and exhibition by various local vendors. These stalls included costumes, jewelry and food. The popular stalls were visited not only by the people of Indian origin but also a good number of other ethnic groups in St Louis.
Earlier the Association hosted the Indian CG Ms. Neeta Bhushan and her husband Anurag Bhushan, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, at Mahatma Gandhi center recently. In her speech, Mrs. Neeta Bhushan updated the current regulations and commercial relations between India and United States of America and detailed the opportunities of the NRIs to visit and have business relations. She also cordially invited members of Indian community of St. Louis to attend the functions in Chicago and promised that the consulate will be open for communication.
Ms. Neeta Bhushan answered various questions asked by the community members. The India Association is planning to host the consular services on May 13 with Mahatma Gandhi Cultural Center.
India Association Board is made up of nine members. Krishna Rao Moharir-President; Sanjiva Rao Chintakunta-President Elect; Sharath Rao-Secretary; Mrs Vijaya Lakshmi- Treasurer; Haridas Kartha-Cultural; Mrs. Meera Jain, Sendil Rathina Sabhapati ,Vijay Bhutoria and Venkat Pulamati Board members.
Ashwin Patel
