THUNDER BAY — The city experienced an evening of culture and community as the India-Canada Cultural Association of Thunder Bay celebrated its 50th anniversary with a Taste of India.
The celebration on Saturday at the Italian Cultural Centre showcased Indian traditions through performances, authentic cuisine and a community fundraiser.
“This is the community of Northwest Ontario. Today, we are celebrating diversity in this community and we are so happy to have people from diverse cultures and they’re coming here to share the Indian food. The aromas of the flavours that we have today. (We’re) very happy to have all the people here,” said Manjula Verma, an organizing committee member for the India-Canada Cultural Association.
Tickets for the Taste of India sold out for the first time in the history of the event in Thunder Bay, filling up the centre with 250 people.
The local celebration dates back to 1974 in the city.
“We had a few hiccups. It was not a smooth ride, but here we are 50 years later and with a big gathering,” said Aalok Verma, another organizing committee member.
“That’s what we are here to celebrate. (The) India Association started initially to have the Asian community get together. At that time, it was a very small community.”
Over the years, Verma said they are proud that not only have they grown, but they are now in a position to give it back to the community, which is what the day’s event is all about.
The evening’s fundraiser went towards three organizations in Thunder Bay: Confederation College, the Children’s Foundation and Bikers Against Child Abuse.
“We are very proud to partner with these three organizations today and bring to them here among the Thunder Bay people and community,” said Verma.
He added 100 per cent of the proceeds raised on Saturday will go to the three organizations.
Akash Balaji, the executive committee member of the India-Canada Cultural Association, was connected to the association in 2024.
Having close contacts with international students, Balaji said he realized most students didn’t know about the India-Canada Cultural Association.
“So, I thought, ‘Okay, why is there a gap.’ When I started working along with these people in this association, I got to know that there is not enough coverage towards the entire Indian community,” said Balaji.
“‘Why don’t we just be the bridge to connect them all and bring them all together under one umbrella, India Association, and showcase the beauty of India all together?’ That was my thought and it has become my mission and I’m working towards it and guess what, it’s already working.”
He said Taste of India is one of the India-Canada Cultural Association’s primary events.
From last year’s Taste of India, compared to this year, there were over 100 more attendants.
“The community itself was showering us with love. We want to be a part of this, not just to buy a ticket and come and watch it, but to sponsor (it) as well. It is mind-blowing for us as well. We are so happy,” Balaji said.
Javan Schatwal, the executive committee member of the India-Canada Cultural Association, said they feel wanted and that they belong to this community.
“We feel the love from the community because, as you can see in the event right now, the audience (and) the participants are not only from our community but all over in Thunder Bay. Everyone is here and the cause of this event is to raise funds,” said Schatwal.
“We are looking forward to do more and then give more back to the community,” she said.
