Tag: cultural association

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### 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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