### Celebrating South Asian Heritage in Spokane
Sreedharani Nandagopal, the president of the South Asia Cultural Association, observed a growing interest among Spokane residents in her cultural background. After relocating to the area nearly five decades ago, she was employed at Spokane Community College while her husband took on an engineering position with the city.
“When we arrived here 48 years ago, most people were‍ unaware of India,” Nandagopal recalled. “The individuals who come to this country are typically well-educated. My children have attended schools within‌ the Mead School District and often faced questions like, ‘Why is your skin brown? Why don’t you eat meat?’ – as our family follows a strict vegetarian diet. Rather than responding with anger, I felt that educating others would foster respect and understanding, which has guided our efforts ever since.”
In 1989, she founded the South Asia Cultural Association to enrich Spokane’s cultural ‍landscape with Indian programming. In the upcoming weeks, she has organized three notable events: “Jagalbandhi,” featuring North Indian classical music and Odissi dance this Saturday; a related workshop showcasing these musicians on Friday evening; and “Devi: Goddess Within Me,” a Bharatanatyam-inspired dance drama scheduled for October 26th. Thanks to generous grants received by their nonprofit organization, all these events will be free for public attendance. Key sponsors include AHANA, Clearwater Paper Company, McCampbell Insurance Agency, Avista Foundation, Spokane City Credit Union as well as Spokane United We Stand.
For this Saturday’s gathering performances will feature artists from India who arrived in September for their U.S. tour.
“As November chill sets in later this year they’ll return home,” Nandagopal explained about these talented performers known worldwide for their craft.
While many locals might recognize Anjan Saha playing sitar during performances at community events or celebrations they may be less familiar with traditional instruments such as sarangi or tabla—exotic sounds that will be highlighted during Friday’s workshop taking place at Shadle Public Library.
“This session offers an interactive experience where attendees can engage with instruments firsthand by learning how they function,” expressed Nandagopal excitedly about prior workshops’ successes drawing intrigued audiences eager to learn more.
Friday’s exploration zeros in on elements of North Indian heritage while on October 26th an emphasis shifts towards South Indian culture brought into focus through impressive dance artistry led by a principal dancer traveling from Portland alongside performers arriving directly from India itself.
“In Hinduism there is profound reverence shown toward Mother Goddess,” stated Nandagopal noting dance’s historical evolution over thousands of years rather than mere centuries indicating strength within its age-old traditions embodying life force inherent throughout every living being ultimately intertwined with a supreme essence signifying her message “the mother goddess dwells within me” resonated beautifully through movement encapsulating generations of profound spirituality passed down through time.”
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