Celebrating India's Independence Day
India’s Rich Cultural Heritage
“India is incredibly diverse,” Chabra explained. “She compris-
es four major regions, north, south, east and west, each with
their own festivals. With this in mind, our all-volunteer board
includes people who trace their family roots to these regions.
We’d like to expand our program to celebrate festivals—be
they Hindu, Christian or Muslim—from all of India. Overall,
we identify culturally as South Asian Americans.
Traditional foods vary from region to region, based on
geographies. South India’s soil is ideal for rice. The North is
good for wheat – tortillas, beans, Mogul influence, creamy
food. The South is best-suited for rice and lentils. The Music
of India not only represents regional influences, but it is
generational, just like in the U.S. Performances reflect
this diversity.
Sponsors of IASC also help the organization support local
Indian businesses that historically lacked visibility.
“I can be a conduit for people to show them how to get
involved,” Chabra said. She immigrated to California in 1993
to be wedded to her U.S. born husband, earned a Master’s
degree in Chemistry, and worked as pharmaceutical industry
research chemist for seven years before transitioning into
event and program management.
“It was hard to leave India but easy to transition and adapt
to American ways,” Chabra said. “The realization that my
kids weren’t getting exposure to Indian culture inspired me
to join IASC.”
Vice President Monica Iyer has been with IASC for six
years, teaching Bollywood-style dancing. Raised in the
Middle East, she has always been culturally inclined.
“Organizing our cultural program has been an enjoyable
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GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
Holi, Festival of Colors
endeavor. My favorite part of celebrating is teaching the kids
to dance. Diwali has grown and evolved beyond a strictly
Hindu festival to a family-friendly cultural celebration.
To see five hundred people spellbound by the youth
performances really touches me.”
IASC Treasurer Malkeet Padda has called South County
his home since 2010. He got involved primarily so his
daughters could learn about their culture and history.
“During my undergrad years In India, I used to per-
form Bhangra folk dancing competitively. To pass it on, I
began choreographing dance for IASC youth groups. It’s not
always easy to be an immigrant, living in two worlds, trying
to make life better for the next generation while staying
connected to our past. We all need to remember this.”
In 2012, Manjeet Singh moved to Morgan Hill and fell
in love with the city. He volunteered with IASC and became
the Board Secretary two years ago.
“I grew up in Punjab, India, while my family settled in
America. I became an officer in the Indian army and lived all
over the country before emigrating to the U.S. in 2011 with
my wife, who is from Delhi. We want our children to learn
about our history and feel comfortable sharing it. I have
performed for four years with Thalaiva, a group focused
on choreographed Bollywood dance forms, music and
costumes. I also enjoy helping to organize the food served at
our events. We encourage the entire community to attend;
it’s a joy to share our culture with non-Indians.”
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In 2019, Morgan Hill’s Library, Culture and Arts
Commission (LCAC) helped incorporate cultural
performances by Indian/Indian-American performers at
the annual Art a la Carte event. Chabra, who serves on the
Commission, said that next year, LCAC plans to host an
International Fair with additional performances, booths
and foods.
“Another of our traditional celebrations is Holi, the
Festival of Colors, held each year in March,” Chabra said.
“Like Diwali and the Independence Day flag raising, the
emphasis is on cultural awareness. Ancient mythology,
communicated through skits acted out onstage, is the basis
for all of the celebrations.”
IASC has also participated for the past three years by
entering a float in Morgan Hill’s Fourth of July Parade.