TERRE HAUTE —
Colored tapestries hung throughout Hulman Center on Saturday evening as a local charity received a record gift from the east.
The India Association of Terre Haute’s Taste of India 2012 brought nearly 800 supporters to Hulman Center in a celebration benefiting the United Way of the Wabash Valley. Troy Fears, executive director of the United Way, said the fundraiser generated “an unbelievable $60,000.”
“We’re very blessed, and it’s very humbling to get a gift like this,” he said, noting that amount represents the largest single donation made by a group in recent history. The Vigo County School Corp. donated a total of $50,000 in May, he said.
The United Way will pair this gift with a matching grant from the Indiana Association of United Way.
“So it’ll actually be a $120,000 gift on behalf of the India Association of Terre Haute,” he explained, noting this year’s goal is $1.86 million.
Before the dinner, the India Association’s president Jayaprada Konijeti said the gift is made in the spirit of love and caring.
“It is our showcase event for the Indian culture and cuisine,” she said. “And it is like a thank you to Terre Haute.”
Participants wore traditional Indian clothing while dining on the cuisine catered by local restaurants. Tandoori chicken, saag paneer, vegetable koorma and papad filled out some of the entrées which were followed by desserts which included kala jamun and carrot halva.
Chanbra Reddy wore a suit of deep red that evening.
“This is usually seen in northern India,” he said, explaining the nation is comprised of 26 states, each using one of 16 languages and hundreds of regional dialects. The cultural diversity of the nation is rich, with significant differences in styles from one end of the country to the other, he said.
Meanwhile, the lobby was full of Indian clothing for sale, surrounded by tapestries of all styles and colors.
Priya Abhyankar and Jasmine Singh were preparing to perform the Bharat Natyam, one of many dances that evening.
“I’ve been learning this dance for the last 10 years,” said Abhyankar, who wore the traditional “sari,” or dress, for the occasion, as well as a “bindi,” or religious symbol painted on her forehead.
Abhyankar, now a freshman at Indiana State University, said her parents immigrated to America more than three decades ago. Celebrating her heritage through dance, she said, has many benefits.
“It’s fun and it helps keep me in shape,” she said.
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Taste of India leads to record gift for United Way
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