IAM - Folklorama Magazine 2008 - Indian Association of Manitoba

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Editorial
It is my privilege to edit this special souvenir prepared by The India Association of Manitoba
for the India Pavilion of Folklorama 2008. Congratulations to the India Association of Manitoba
for taking this bold step of preparing a quality souvenir for the first time in the history of India
Association since it started taking part in Folklorama.
Along with participation of the India Pavilion in this year’s Folklorama, this souvenir
booklet is best seen as an attempt to provide a panorama to ancient and modern India
depicting culture, traditions, and its philosophy. On our part it is an attempt as capturing
on a canvas the entire range of India’s diversity is creative but a daunting challenge.
Representation is never an easy affair. The India Association of Manitoba has been serving
Indian community for the past 43 years in bringing together the persons of Indian origin and
promoting Indian values of art, peace, understanding and trends of harmonious coexistence.
It also seeks to reach out to other segments of the Canadian society and informing of the
same. Learning from each other and contributing to rich fabric of Canada is a noble goal.
I have vivid nostalgic memory of the first Folklorama hosted in 1970. We, along with the
International Centre, were all excited and gave our full cooperation for the success of these
activities. Folklorama was held to commemorate the 100th birthday of the Province of Manitoba.
The Folklorama Festival was planned as a one-time event with the participation of 21 pavilions
of different ethnic groups to celebrate the first century of the Manitoba government.
The festivity of Folklorama was so successful that the Folk Arts Council decided to continue this
event for the coming years. The media gave very much encouragement and both the Provincial
Government and the City of Winnipeg gave their enthusiastic blessings.
Folklorama has become a status symbol of proud ethnic culture. It is so popular that even some
organizations and the tourist industry in the South of Canadian border plan to bring groups of
people by bus loads to enjoy this remarkable festival denoting ethnic harmony.
Folklorama boosts ethnic morale in the community and exposes true understanding of ethnic
culture and tasting of delicious ethnic foods. This yearly entertainment program supplements
efforts of our City and the Provincial government to bring racial peace amongst the residents.
Folklorama displays the true multicultural spirit and is the most welcomed festival of the City
of Winnipeg.
The India Pavilion of Folklorama 2008 welcomes all the visitors and wishes them an enjoyable
time. I am sure the Indian cuisine and delicacies provided at the pavilion will satisfy your taste
buds and relish your palate. We appreciate and thank you for your visit and participation.
DR. ATISH MANIAR