Letter: Envelop yourself in the sights and sounds of India
To the Editor:
Envelope yourself in the sights and sounds of India in America in the most fun-filled festive environment filled with friends from around the world. Many people from our community statewide have experienced the life changing influence of SHAMA, Inc. and the Festival of India, establishing life-long values, friends and goals.
The main event is a nine course Indian dinner, including Tandoori Chicken Tikka, Channa Masala (Chick peas), Nav Korma (Mixed Vegetables), Aloo Sabzi (Potato Curry), Turmeric Basmati Rice, Naan (Flat Bread), Raita (yogurt salad), Chutney and Achar, Mango Ice Cream and Beverages. There will be a snack table during the festivities as well. Secondly there is a free stage show with a team of Classical dancers from Madison, the India Association of North East Wisconsin and SHAMA, Inc. Bollywood and Classical Dancers of Stevens Point. There is a fun-filled Bazaar and henna-painting and lots of workshops free to the public.
There will be a presence of local and state-wide politicians, nonprofit and religious leaders welcoming our audience, fostering friendship and encouraging positive change and community involvement in charitable activities around the world.
SHAMA, Inc. together with India Association of North East Wisconsin, INDUS of Fox Valley, UWSP South Asia Society, and UWSP Student Affairs have brought the Wisconsin community 31 years of the Festival of India and is a cornerstone and driving force in our town, being the oldest and longest standing cultural event in the area. It was started by UWSP Women in Higher Education, South Asia Society and Multicultural Affairs through Professors Jyotsna and Jagdish Chander, with their widespread community connections.
SHAMA, Inc. sponsors Local Enrichment and Diversity Activities (LEAD) year-round locally and fosters critical awareness raising among the community and UWSP students and faculty. They do this primarily through fostering joyful experiences of India through community building with recent and older immigrant communities and local community members.
Fundraising activities center on reaching and empowering poor and needy women and children in poor sections of the population in India through micro-loans, sponsor-a-child’s needs and education program, scholarships and leadership training to needy girls and women in a tuition-free school and college in poor area of Mumbai, and developing a solar village in Eastern India.
SHAMA, Inc. is always looking for people to get involved and volunteer, so feel free to contact them at 715-341-1538 or [email protected]. Tickets for the 31st Annual Festival of Indiaare available by paypal at www.shamainc.org and JR Liquor, Stevens Point Area Co-op, AmericInn, Kindred Spirit bookstore, Days Inn in Wausau. The event is held on Saturday, Sept. 29, at Stevens Point Area Senior High School, 1201 Northpoint Drive, Stevens Point, from 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm.
Jigyasa Richa Chander
Stevens Point