News India Times

www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know Indo-American Arts Council Celebrates Successful 2024 Literary Festival And Renaissance Gala T he Indo-American Arts Council (iaac.us ) celebrat- ed its annual Literary Festival and Renaissance Gala, over the weekend of Nov 9-10. These events brought together luminaries from the worlds of literature, culture, and the arts to present seminal conversations and honor the rich contributions of the Indian diaspora, a Nov. 20 press release from the organi- zation said. The two-day IAAC Literary Festival featured thought- provoking conversations with acclaimed authors, poets, and industry leaders to ‘house-full’ audiences. Highlights included: Keynote Sessions: Ambassador Lakshmi Puri dis- cussed her latest work, Swallowing the Sun, with Roopa Unnikrishnan, while culinary icon Asma Khan and tea champion Brook Eddy captivated audiences with stories of their journeys as global ambassadors of Indian cuisine. Anshul Chaturvedi delved into the teachings of Swami Vi- vekananda in conversation with Swami Sarvapriyananda. Marquee Authors: Authors like Sonora Jha, Amitava Kumar and Alka Joshi captivated audiences with their literary journeys and storytelling prowess. Children’s Corner: Engaging sessions featuring authors such as Newbery Honor winner Veera Hiranan- dani and Siddhartha Mallya encouraged young readers to explore their cultural roots and explored the topic of mental health. Poetry Slam: Acclaimed Poets from across the globe showcased their artistry and the audience indulged in a spirited slam event, with the winner taking home the grand prize. The festival also provided a platform for emerging voices and featured insightful discussions on publishing trends, literary representation, and cultural identity, the press release said. Held at The International House, the IAAC Gala cel- ebrated the achievements of the Indian arts and culture community. Attendees included prominent personali- ties, philanthropists, and cultural advocates who came together to support IAAC’s mission. The night featured: Honoree: Dr. Samin Sharma was recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to medicine and philan- thropy. Performance: The evening was highlighted by a superb flamenco performance by Nazaré de la Fuente, blending Spanish and Indian Kathak artistic influences. Fundraising Success: Generous support from attend- ees and sponsors raised vital funds for IAAC’s programs. “These events are a testament to the enduring power of art to connect cultures, inspire creativity, and bring communities together. We are honored to provide a platform for such extraordinary talent and look forward to continuing this tradition,” Anil Bansal, Gala Chair and IAAC Board Member, is quoted saying in the press release. “The success of these events underscores the IAAC’s role as a bridge between the Indian and global artistic communities. Preparations are already underway for the 2025 NewYork Indian Film Festival (June 20-22, 2025) and the Zakir Hussain concert at the Tilles Center in April.”, added Rakesh Kaul, IAACVice Chair. By a StaffWriter PHOTOs:Courtesy IAAC Dr. Samim Sharma being recognized at IAAC gala. Scenes from the Indo-American Arts Council celebrations of November 9 and 10, 2024. Section of the audience at Indo-American Arts Council celebrations November 9 and 10, 2024. Diwali Dance Fest Takes The Stage At Walt Disney World® Resort For A Second Year -LAKE BUENAVISTA, FL A fter a historic debut in 2023, Diwali Dance Fest returned toWalt DisneyWorld® Resort for a second year with over 300 dancers from across North America. Directed and produced by Jeanie Beri, founder of Jashn Pro- ductions, the festival of lights was celebrated through dance with 3 fun- filled days, including a special parade and a 3-hour dance showcase, a press release from the company said. “After the success of the first Diwali Dance Fest, we knew we had to make Year 2 even bigger & better,” Jashn Productions Director Jeanie Beri is quoted saying in the press release, adding, “Celebrating the magic of Diwali was truly a dream come true. Jashn Productions is looking forward to giving the next genera- tion of dancers more opportunities in mainstream venues & also hopes to create a sense of community & teaching the importance of inclusivity.” The 3-day festival held from November 7 – 10, kicked off with a special celebra- tion at EET, an Indian-inspired restaurant at Disney Springs®, by celebrity Chef Maneet Chauhan. An official parade at Disney Springs® followed with dancers performing a 20-minute choreographed piece for a line of spectators includ- ing parents, supporters and guests. The signature Dance Fest Showcase closed out the festivities, at Disney’s Animal King- dom® Theme Park with 17 dance schools and performances from various regions of India including Gujarat, Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh weaving elements of pop, hip-hop and classical forms of Indian dance. Special performances were held by LA Based Bhangra & Bollywood dance company B Funk, and SA Dance Company led under the direction of Artistic Direc- tor Payak Kadakia Pujji. The evening was hosted by former Broadway star Shoba Narayan who starred as the iconic Prin- cess Jasmine in the long-running Disney hit, ALADDIN. “Diwali Dance Fest was truly unforget- table. Seeing so many passionate Indian dancers – especially the young perform- ers- sharing their art and heritage on an iconic stage atWalt DisneyWorld was beyond inspiring. To watch these dancers proudly celebrate our traditions in a place that means so much to so many was both emotional and magical. It was a powerful reminder of how our culture continues to shine through the next generation, and I couldn’t be prouder to have witnessed it,” said renowned dancer and actress Shoba Narayan. Jashn Productions donated proceeds to the Make Me Stronger Foundation which partners with various organiza- tions, one in particular is NMDP which works relentlessly in hopes of finding matches for patients with Blood Cancers. And to add to the excitement, Disney characters opened the event alongside children with special needs that were sponsored by the SKN Foundation. In 2023 Diwali Dance Fest made his- tory as the first ever celebration of its kind that gave children the opportunity to showcase their talent on a world- renowned platform. To learn more about Diwali Dance Fest, please visit: DIWALI DANCE FEST About Jashn Productions: Jashn Produc- tions was created by dancers for danc- ers, bringing mainstream exposure and opportunities for South Asian perform- ing artists. Jashn is led by Jeanie Beri, an award-winning South Asian American dancer with over 35 years of dance train- ing and teaching from her New Jersey- based studio Rhythmic Arts to her various credits includingWalt DisneyWorld, NBA, and the Broadway stage. By a StaffWriter Dance performance at the Diwali Dance Fest in Walt Disney World Resorts. Participants in the Diwali Dance Fest 2024, at Walt Disney World Resorts. PHOTOS: Geo Media Co. Entertainment News India Times (November 23 - November 29, 2024) November 29, 2024 27