Hemant Vakharia
MILWAUKEE: India Fest Milwaukee, launched by Spindle India in 2013, is bringing communities together beyond borders, boundaries, language, religion and region. It recently hosted a fest in Milwaukee that was widely attended by Indians and Americans as well.
“Wisconsin is proud to have India Fest Milwaukee, a collaborative and educational service that has been bringing communities together for five years beyond cultures, boundaries, languages, religions and regions. The Indian-Americans’ contribution to the culture, educational and economic fabric of the state of Wisconsin is tremendous”, said Governor of Wisconsin, Scott Walker. He declared August 15, 2018, as “India Day”, in the State of Wisconsin, honoring India.
Mayor of Milwaukee, Tom Barrett commended Spindle India and India Fest Milwaukee for its dedicated service and outstanding contributions to the community and proclaimed August 18 as the India Fest Milwaukee Day for City of Milwaukee.
This 6th annual India Fest Milwaukee 2018 was the most vibrant of “India”, aesthetically, visually, from sound bytes to taste buds that tingles all senses with 380+ cultural program participants, 10+ hours of non-stop cultural programs, henna, jewelry, clothing, authentic cuisine and special entertainment for children. There were three back to back concerts by internationally renowned artists, Rang-E-Ghazal (Ghazal & Raga) by Sandip Bhattacharjee and Susmita Chakraborty; Misty Trails (fusion of instruments) by Indrajit Banerjee (Sitar), Indradeep Ghosh (Violin), Gourisankar Karmakar (Tabla), Murthy (Mridangam) and Bollywood Hungama beats by Ali Pervez.
The Founder and President of Spindle India, Purnima Nath said that over the past five years, the focus has been entirely on India. “We are weaving happiness, as we bring people and organizations together for growth and collaboration. Our goal is to weave India’s colorful cultural threads into the rich multicultural tapestry of American culture. There is no better way to learn about Indian culture”, she remarked.
The “IFM Got Talent” segment was key for showcasing budding future artists and talents for dance, music, songs and instruments. Gurukul was a showcase of local art/music/dance schools that is continuing traditions of ancient India; and regional cultural representations by local talents that displayed diversity of different regions of India, from Bengal, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Punjab to Kerala. Bollywood dance stole many hearts of community members for its energy and fun. Many talented dancers surprised the audience with impromptu flash mobs too.
IFM2018 was supported by Air India, State Bank of Chilton, Trayix, Travel Wisconsin, Visit Milwaukee, Wisconsin Public Radio, Desi Market, India Garden and Wisdom Infotech. This year, “Nepal” was featured at IFM2018 prominently, through cultural representations and exhibition.
US Senator Tammy Baldwin said, “I commend India Fest organizers’ dedication to creating a culturally rich experience, which focuses on collaboration, community and culture”.
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele said, “India Fest is part of the great local tradition of celebrating and showcasing the diverse cultures and heritages that make up our community.”
Among the dignitaries coming to the Fest were Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, Brookfield Mayor Steve Ponto, Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm, Representative Jonathan Brostoff – District 19, Senator Chris Larson – District 7, Alderman Tony Zielinski, Milwaukee County Supervisor Jason Hass – District 14, Vanessa Lianas – representative of US Senator Tammy Baldwin, Banga Kollmansberger – representative of US Senator Ron Johnson
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