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India Association of Minnesota

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Founded in 1973, IAM aims to build a cohesive community of over 55,000 Asian Indians in MN through its mission of Culture, Charity and Connections.

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Are you ready to be the change and shape the future of our vibrant community?

The India Association of Minnesota (IAM) is officially seeking passionate, dedicated leaders to join our 2027 Board of Directors!

Serving on the IAM Board is your chance to make a lasting impact, bring your unique perspectives, and turn your vision into action.

As an IAM Board member, you’ll have the opportunity to:
✨ Help build and strengthen the Indian-American community in Minnesota
🤝 Connect with community leaders, organizations, and elected officials
🎉 Shape signature events and programs, including IndiaFest
💡 Bring your ideas, talents, and professional experience to the table
❤️ Serve a vibrant and growing community while building lasting relationships

We are looking for visionaries who want to build connections, support our community's growth, and turn their passion into action.

Ready to help us build a stronger, more vibrant community and carry forward IAM's mission? Check out the 2027 IAM Board Application for details, scan the QR code on the flyer or link in the bio

#IAM #IndiaAssociationOfMinnesota #CommunityLeadership #MNIndians #IndiaFestMN #BeTheChange #MinnesotaCommunity by @iamnorg

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10 days ago

Last night at the Minnesota History Center, the India Association of Minnesota (IAM) proved that Ahimsa is far more than a history lesson—it is active, urgent, and alive.

While Governor Tim Walz officially proclaimed October 2nd as Nonviolence Day in Minnesota, the true spirit of the evening unfolded inside the 3M Auditorium. We were honored to host a deeply moving conversation on justice and human dignity with Nobel Peace Laureate Shri Kailash Satyarthi and Minnesota icon Justice Alan Page, brilliantly moderated by Fred de Sam Lazaro.

Beyond presenting the Gandhi Vision Awards, IAM took a bold stand to celebrate community solidarity, recognizing nine extraordinary grassroots organizations defending human rights across our state:
• COPAL (Comunidades Organizando el Poder y la Acción Latina)
• Unidos MN
• CAPI (Communities Advancing Prosperity for Immigrants)
• Iglesia Dios Habla Hoy (DHH Church)
• SAHARA (South Asian Allies)
• SAATH (South Asian Arts & Theater House)
• SEWA-AIFW (Asian Indian Family Wellness)
• Pangea World Theater
• Twin Cities Nonviolent (TCNV)

The evening was elevated by a captivating Kathak dance performance by Shilpi Chatterjee and the thoughtful "I Belong Here" art exhibit presented by Cultural Destinations, which invited attendees to reflect on belonging and cross-cultural unity. A special shoutout to our incredible food partner, Godavari, for catering a delicious dinner for our community!

We extend our deepest gratitude to our sponsor, Dr. Dash Foundation, for their steadfast support. A very special thank you to Ram Gada for always spearheading Non-Violence Day with unwavering commitment and vision.

Ahimsa isn't just a 1947 legacy—it’s how we protect our children, uplift our neighbors, and build a stronger Minnesota today.

A heartfelt thank you to the dedicated IAM Board members for your tireless work behind the scenes in planning and executing such an impactful evening!

@fdslazaro taken in Minnesota History Center by @iamnorg

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15 days ago

Today marks 25 years since September 11, 2001—a day that changed our world forever.🙏

We honor the 2,977 innocent lives lost and the families who carry their memory every single day.
We also look back on the darkest of mornings and remember the light that followed. 9/11 didn’t just show us tragedy; it revealed the extraordinary courage of ordinary people.

From the office workers who became heroes in the stairwells, to the passengers who fought back in the skies over Shanksville, to the first responders who ran toward danger without a second thought—they showed us the absolute best of humanity when we needed it most.

Today, we pause, we remember, and we stand together.

#NeverForget #September11 #HonorAndRemember #UnitedWeStand #Honor911 #25thAnniversary #Remembrance by @iamnorg

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a month ago

"Be the change you wish to see in the world." — Mahatma Gandhi

Join India Association of Minnesota (IAM) for our annual International Non-Violence Day Celebration! Honoring peace, advocacy, and community leadership, this special evening features distinguished guests, cultural performances, and the presentation of the Gandhi Vision Award.

Event Highlights:

Honorees & Speakers: Justice Alan Page (Former Associate Justice, Minnesota Supreme Court) and Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi (Child Rights Advocate)
Moderator: Fred de Sam Lazaro (Director, Under-Told Stories Project / PBS NewsHour)

Event Details:

Date: October 2, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM onwards
Location: Minnesota History Center | 345 Kellogg Blvd W, St Paul, MN 55102

Admission: FREE (Registration Required)
RSVP & Details:www.iamn.org/events

Come reflect, celebrate, and connect with our community! by @iamnorg

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a month ago

Behind every brilliant young leader is a community that believed in them first.

At IndiaFest on August 15, the India Association of Minnesota (IAM) was honored to recognize six exceptional high school students on the main stage with the 2026 Student Scholarship Awards:

🎓 Mahendran Madhan Kumar – Overall Accomplishments in High School
🎓 Rhythm Shah – Overall Accomplishments in High School
🎓 Anokhi Bhavin Shah – Outstanding Community Service
🎓 Advika Chaudhari – Outstanding Entrepreneurial Leadership
🎓 Jay Asrani – Outstanding Accomplishments in Arts & Sports
🎓 Sricharan Surya Kanajam – Judges Award for Overall Accomplishments in High School

These scholarships are more than financial support—they are a testament to what happens when a community invests in its future. Every time you attend, support, or volunteer at IndiaFest, you directly power youth programs and educational opportunities like these!

A special thank you to the Dr. Dash Foundation for sponsoring the Student Scholarship Awards, and to IAM past-presidents Nasreen Shaikh and Ravi Sagi for sponsoring additional award categories to expand these opportunities.

Drop your favorite piece of wisdom or a "Congratulations!" in the comments below! 👇

Learn more about IAM initiatives: www.iamn.org by @iamnorg

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a month ago

The votes, energy, and memories are in! Big congratulations to our IndiaFest Booth & Parade Winners!

IndiaFest on August 15 was an unforgettable celebration of culture, color, and community at the State Capitol Grounds! Every booth brought incredible passion, but these organizations truly set the bar:

👏 Best Participation in the Parade:Marathi Association of MN
👏 Best Culturally Relevant Booth: Bengali Association of MN
👏 Best Interactive Booth: Sangeeta Kannada Koota

Thank you to every volunteer, performance group, and visitor who made the festival vibrant, welcoming, and full of energy!

🏆 Note: Official awards will be formally presented during Connect India 2027! by @iamnorg

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a month ago

India Association of Minnesota proudly represented Minnesota’s diaspora in Chicago at a special address by Indian economist, current Finance Minister and Corporate Affairs Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman!

IAM Board Member Madhulika Gaur and Advisory Member Venkat Seemakurthy represented our community alongside Consul General Shri Somnath Ghosh, U.S. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, and former Union Minister Dr. Najma Heptulla.

Minister Sitharaman highlighted India's growth in AI, technology, and defense, emphasizing the essential role of the Indian-American diaspora in strengthening U.S.–India relations.

Thank you to the Consulate General of India, Chicago, for recognizing the energy and achievements of Minnesota’s diaspora!

@nsitharamanoffc
@reprajak
@rajaforcongress
@cgichicago

#IAMN #IAMN2026 #IndiaInUSA #CGIChicago by @iamnorg

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a month ago

When we say “Experience India in a Day,” it’s not just a theme—it’s a living reality built by the heart, soul, and pride of our regional partner organizations!

From the mesmerizing displays at the cultural booths to the vibrant energy, traditional attire, and beats during the IndiaFest Parade, you brought the spirit of India alive on the Minnesota State Capitol Grounds! traditional attire, and music truly reflected the magnificent tapestry of our community.

A heartfelt THANK YOU to our amazing partner regional organizations who showcased their rich heritage, fostered connection, and made IndiaFest 2026 an unforgettable experience for thousands of visitors:
✨ Bengali Association of Minnesota
✨ @skk_minnesota Sangeeta Kannada Koota
✨ @rajasthanassociation_midwest Rajasthan Association of Midwest
✨ @odisha_society_of_americas The Odisha Society of the Americas
✨ @marathiassociationofminnesota Marathi Association of Minnesota
✨ @tcta.mn TwinCities Tamil Association
✨ @mngujaratisamaj Gujarati Samaj of MN
✨ @minnesotamalayalees Minnesota Malayalee Association
✨ @teluguassociationofminnesota Telugu Association of Minnesota
✨ @sikhsociety Sikh Society of Minnesota
✨ Minnesota Punjabi Society
✨ @matatelagana Minnesota Area Telangana Association (MATA)
✨ @biharjharkhand Bihar & Jharkhand Association of Minnesota

Together, you represent the strength, diversity, and togetherness that define our Asian Indian community in Minnesota. Thank you for leading with pride and making this year’s IndiaFest a resounding success!

#IAMN #IAMN2026 #IndiaFest2026 #IndiaFest by @iamnorg

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2 months ago

A massive shoutout to @SanchiBags for partnering with IAM to craft these custom backpacks!

IndiaFest is all about celebrating our heritage, and having eco-friendly bags handcrafted by incredible artisans brings our mission full circle.

Thank you, Sanchi Bags, for backing IndiaFest and helping us carry our culture and community pride in style! 💙

#IAMN #IAMN2026 #IndiaFest #SanchiBags #CommunityFirst by @iamnorg

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2 months ago

India Association of Minnesota Stands in Solidarity with Nepal & Tibet

The India Association of Minnesota (IAM) extends our deepest sympathy and support to the people of Nepal and Tibet, and to our local Nepali neighbors, following the devastating flash floods.
Our hearts go out to all affected families, and we honor the frontline heroes working tirelessly on rescue efforts. The deep cultural and historical bonds between India, Nepal, and Tibet shine brightly in Minnesota, where our communities thrive side-by-side. Our thoughts are also with all travelers and pilgrims impacted during their journeys in the region.

Turn Compassion into Action by using the fundraiser link created by ANMN to make your donation—100% of proceeds go directly to the Prime Minister’s Natural Disaster Relief Fund for urgent aid.

Donate via ANMN's Fundraiser: https://www.gofundme.com/f/minnesota-nepalis-rally-for-nepals-recovery

Please consider contributing and reaching out to Nepali friends and colleagues during this time. IAM stands with you in grief, hope, and recovery.

In solidarity,
India Association of Minnesota (IAM) by @iamnorg

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2 months ago

India Knowledge Olympiad 2026 — Celebrating Our Young Leaders!

What a journey of curiosity, culture, and pride! A huge congratulations to all the brilliant participants and winners of IKO 2026.

A major highlight of IndiaFest 2026 was watching our young achievers receive their trophies on stage from Minnesota State Senators, followed by a special group photo with U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar!

Hosted by the India Association of Minnesota (IAM), IKO is more than a contest—it’s a launchpad connecting our youth to India’s rich history while building real confidence, leadership, and community pride.

A massive THANK YOU to our board, parents, volunteers, teachers, and sponsors who made IKO 2026 an unforgettable success!

#IKO2026 #IndiaKnowledgeOlympiad #IndiaFest2026 #iamn #iamn2026 by @iamnorg

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2 months ago

Heartfelt gratitude to the distinguished federal, state, and community leaders who joined us on August 15 at the Minnesota State Capitol Grounds for IndiaFest!

Your presence and meaningful participation in our flag hoisting ceremony, grand parade, and cultural assembly truly amplified our community’s spirit as we celebrated India’s rich heritage right in the heart of St. Paul. Together, we continue to build bridges, celebrate diversity, and strengthen community ties across Minnesota.

Thank you for standing with the India Association of Minnesota (IAM) and supporting our mission to connect, elevate, and serve!

Federal Leaders: @amyklobuchar | @kellyforhouse | @repthomasemmer

State Leaders: @keithellison
MN State Senate: @senatormarkkoran | @johnhoffmanmn | @jimabeler | @bonniewestlin | @amandahemmingsenjaeger | @stevecwodzinski | @mattkleinmn | @ericprattmn

MN House of Representatives: @danny.nadeau | @kristinrobbinsmn | @kristinbahner | @nedcarrollmn | @ginnyklevorn | @jimnashmn | @carliekotyzawitthuhn | @lizreyermn | @benbakeberg | @johnhuotmn | @estherabgaje

Community Representatives: Shwetha Vijayakumar (CAPM) | @Sia Her (CAPM) | Chen Zhou | Kevin Anderson (@hennepincounty)

#IAMN #IndiaFest2026 #IAMN2026 #MinnesotaStateCapitol by @iamnorg

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2 months ago