IAM - Folklorama Magazine 2008 - Indian Association of Manitoba

Food and Beverage
Ravi Tandon and Nita Bahri are returning back as co-chairs of the food committee. Their
collective experience over the years provides for the necessary assurance required when
handling food. For Ravi Tandon, being owner and operator of General Tours and Travels has
been an added means of learning about cuisine. This is one area for which those interested in
touring India ask questions of him.
Indian cuisine is a recognized brand around the world such that some years back in the United
Kingdom tandoori chicken replaced fish and chips as that country’s national food. It is catching
on elsewhere as well around the world. This year, India Pavilion will be partnering with Clay
Oven Restaurant. This increasingly popular eatery focuses on and, as such is known for its
quality, presentation and excellent authentic food- providing a person with a total experience.
Trevor Ahluwalia, owner and operator of the restaurant, sees his participation as not only a
contribution to the community but also further exposure for the restaurant. Drs. Amar Gupta
and Amarjit Dhillon serve as co-chairs to the beverage and liquor committee. In addition to the
Canadian brands of beer, there will also be a brand or two from India to go with the food.
Entertainment and Culture
Sharan Tappia is chair of the entertainment committee- the second necessary ingredient for
a successful event. Notes Sharan, “the interesting thing about this committee is we all are
professional women, full time mothers and doing all this on top of our other social responsibilities”.
Assisted by others namely Aman Rai, Cindy Brar and Surjit Dhillon who are collectively working
together to ensure a good mix of entertainment that will appeal to all segments of the audience.
Briefly, entertainment will consist of Bollywood, classical and folk.
Mary Thottingal, secretary of the India Association, chairs the cultural display and vendors
committee. She has assumed this role for the past three years. Vendors and cultural and/or
state (provincial) associations from India are invited to set up booths. Vendors present services
and items such as henna tattoos, jewelry, clothes, handicrafts and groceries. The state booths
display regional cultures through paintings, clothes, different arts and literature.
Meet and Greet
Timmy Sharma as chair of the Tourists and VIP Committee will be responsible for ensuring that
out of town visitors and VIPs are accorded due courtesies and recognition. Assisted by high
school and university students, her committee will also be resource in answering any questions
about India and all it has to offer. Anupam Sharma is chair of the media committee. He has also
been mandated to serve as media contact and spokesperson for India Pavilion.
Closing Thoughts
Two things have characterized the workings of this group of people. There is commitment and
pride to do the best in showcasing our pavilion and community and have fun while doing this.
Secondly, the belief, this is just the beginning- a work in progress- whose fruits will be discerned
over the next few years.
For now, the group works in anticipation of delivering a successful event.