Fremont library showcases Glimpses of India
Glimpse Of India - Elegant Show in Fremont
Sam Rao photo (C)
Fremont, CA: An elegant event called “Glimpses of India” - took place at the Fremont Library on Saturday, November 29, 2003. The program and exhibit, which drew over 200 people during the course of the event were co-sponsored by the Alameda County Library-Fremont branch and volunteers from the Indo-American community.What was especially charming about this event was the quality and theme of the program - befitting a major library in Northern California and since the date was close to International Children’s Day - the program featured Children. Thankfully missing were any speeches or self-promotional agendas. “We appreciate the Library system and the community-at-large which visits it - so we made sure the program depicted the true heritage and information and resources about India,” said coordinator Mr. Gul Wadhwani, who is also Chair of the Fremont Library Commission.
American-born Nrityollasa Dancers Looking at India Map(C)
The program started on time with the exhibits and informational tables elegantly set up. They included a section of books on India available at the Fremont library.
An updated map of India, and detailed posters depicting Vedic Mathematics, Sciences-Botany, Metallurgy and other fields proved very popular with children and adults alike. Many American raised Indian children spent time looking for familiar names on maps for the first time. A set of dolls depicting all traditional Indian dance poses, presented by Madhulika Singh of Milpitas, and coloring books with Indian motifs also proved popular with children. Richard Shoreman of Oakdale, a certified US Master in Chess, traced some of the cities he had encountered on the map, and was very pleased with the overall event calling it “short, perfect and sweet”. Kelly Gent of Fremont, said, “We need more programs like this to bring the community together.”
A very beautiful presentation of handicrafts from Kashmir-including music and antiques by Vijayalakshmi and Tara Choudhary of Fremont drew an appreciative crowd. A multimedia presentation on Heritage of India from ancient times, showing contribution sand impact of India to World civilization - presented by Mona Vijaykar of Saratoga, was well suited for the Library audience.
Artist and Teacher Kala Ghaty of Fremont presented her Indian inspired artwork and handicraft design, which resulted in several patrons signing up for classes. Manju Modi and Ami also displayed several types of Indian handicrafts. Surendra Dalal of Dana Bazaar provided a four-foot idol of Lord Krishna.
The music and dance program was varied with classical dances and folk dances by Mudra academy (Bharatnatyam), Pallavi Dance group (Kathak) and Sonia Sanga (Kuchipudi). A Bharatnatyam group dance by Nrithyollasa Dance group trained by Fremont based teacher Indumathy Ganesh was very well received. 5-year old Kimaya Chalpe, trained by Ranjani Manda of Fremont vowed the audience with clear rendition of Vande Mataram and also dancing to a Hindi folk song. For the finale, a cute Bhangra Folk Dance, was presented by Genius kids School by seven kids ranging from 3 year to 5.5 years old, directed by 15 year old Shana Dhillon and Shahdokth Namdarian, and received great applause.
“The Library staff was pleased with the program and some Indian patrons have stepped up and offered to subscribe some Indian language magazines and books to the library system,” reported staff member Karen Picatcho. “Our family thoroughly enjoyed today’s special programs. Especially, the non-Indian community participating. We appreciated presenting the Indian community and heritage in positive way. And (to) get Indian-Americans involved in the community activities,” said Rasesh and Jasmine Parekh of Fremont, with their two kids in attendance.
Sam Rao