NEW YORK, NY (TIP): The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center officially launched its upcoming exhibition, “Beyond Bollywood: Indian Americans Shape the Nation” at the Indian Consulate in New York, February 28. The event also marked and honored the last day of Mr. Prabhu Dayal in his office as Consul General. TV Asia partners the exhibition, a Smithsonian initiative.

Beyond Bollywood will portray the rich history of the immigrants from India and Indian Americans in the United States and highlight their significant contributions to America in diverse fields. The exhibition will contain an exhaustive collection of photographs, artifacts, videos, etc. by the means of which the many stories of the Indian American community will be told to the visitors. The focus of the exhibition will be to emphasize on the vibrant roles that the Indian American community has played in shaping and prospering its own growth. “We have created our own life here as immigrants and as Indian Americans.

We shaped our own future and we created a home away from home. Therefore, this exhibition will celebrate the Indian community that embodies the American spirit,” said Konrad Ng, director of the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center. Demitting Consul General Prabhu Dayal also stressed on the importance of honoring the significance of this event and urged for a more united Indian American community. “Although we have achieved excellence in many diverse fields of careers, we need to only change a certain defection which is our disunity.

I sincerely urge this wonderful and vibrant community to stand more united and help India realize its potential in an even greater magnitude,” added Mr. Dayal. Dr. Masum Momaya, Museum Curator, Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center told The Indian Panorama that the exact dates of the exhibition will soon be announced and that she expects a groundswell support of the Indian American community for the Indian American heritage project. Dignitaries from both the Indian and American communities attended the event.