NOW Live from the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center

Thanks to Vijay Bondada and Renuka Tyagi for their hospitality in hosting the New York City fundraiser for HomeSpun at their home on September 9, 2010. The cool summer evening on their outdoor patio featured an introduction of the Smithsonian Institution and the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Program by Dr. Richard Kurin, the Under Secretary for History, Art, and Culture. Dr. Kurin shared his experiences as a young man traveling in India and his experiences in the museum field, highlighting the importance of cultural education for future generations.

The fundraiser piqued the interest of the young Indian American professionals in attendance, and donations rolled in over the online donation forms soon after the event. More than that, interest in contributing to the project was also raised. For some like Renuka, with two little girls growing up in this era and another baby on the way, this is presents a chance to help foster an environment for education in Indian American heritage. Against the backdrop of the Manhattan skyline, the peaceful night sowed the seeds for a hopeful future for the HomeSpun project.

Thanks also to HomeSpun Advisory Council member Gautam Chandra for helping Vijay and Renuka to organize and host the event.

For more information regarding the HomeSpun project and how you can help, visit the HomeSpun website.