Diwali
Celebration…
Festival of
Lights
Celebrating Diwali – the Festival of Lights Cultural Identity for Indian-American Youth
In 1994, IASC founding members hosted their first
celebration of Diwali—one of India’s most important national
festivals—at a Morgan Hill neighborhood clubhouse. Over
the years this local event has grown impressively in terms of
its scope and attendance.
IASC’s 25th Annual Diwali Celebration last fall was a
time for recognition of its members, and the welcoming
of Morgan Hill’s city staff and city council as well as State
Assemblyman Robert Rivas. Festivities were held at Ann
Sobrato High School, with nearly 500 attendees entertained
by more than 100 performers.
“Looking ahead, we hope to have the Indian community
be fully known and represented,” Chabra said. “A few years
ago, we began inviting city and state leaders to our events.
Not only for people to recognize our community’s beautiful
diversity, but for our kids to learn how to engage civically.”
Around the year 2000, IASC members launched a
youth initiative. “We wanted our kids to feel connected to our community
and traditions and have a sense of their cultural identity,”
Chabra said, “so we provided them with opportunities to
learn and experience it through the arts.
“They learn classical and Bollywood style stage
performance. Some play the flute or tubla (drums), other
dance and perform in skits that recount ancient Indian
myths and legends.”
In 2004, IASC was incorporated as a 501c3 nonprofit.
“We want to reach out to everyone in our community
and to give back,” Chabra said. She has been active with
the organization in her current role as IASC President and
earlier as Cultural Coordinator.
Along with the performing arts, IASC has also provided
youth with the opportunity to learn the Hindi language as
well as public speaking skills. Those 13 and older can learn
to be emcees for the annual Diwali event, which now draws
over 500 attendees.
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GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
WINTER 2020
gmhtoday.com