TV Asia Network Named Media Sponsor for Exhibit on Indian American History and Culture
TV Asia network has teamed up with the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center as the media sponsor for the upcoming exhibition, “Beyond Bollywood: Indian Americans Shape the Nation.” This exhibition for the center will bring to life the rich history of immigrants from India and Indian Americans in the United States and detail their many contributions to America. Through a collection of photographs, artifacts, videos, interactive stations and stories, visitors will learn about the Indian American experience and the many dynamic roles they have played in shaping American society and culture.
“The Indian American story has yet to be fully told,” said Konrad Ng, director of the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center. “Visitors of all ages will leave the exhibition with a deeper understanding of this vibrant community as they strive to realize life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness in America. This exhibition is about celebrating a community that embodies the American spirit.”
“Beyond Bollywood” is scheduled to open in late 2013, and it will occupy more than 5,000 square feet of space at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. Over a two-year period the exhibition is expected to draw more than 7 million visitors before embarking on a national tour in 2015. “Beyond Bollywood: Indian Americans Shape the Nation” is the largest project undertaken by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center in its 15-year history, and the first to focus on Indian American culture. “The success of this initiative relies greatly on our ability to engage the public in the months leading up to the exhibition opening,” said Ng. “By partnering with TV Asia, we have taken an important step in increasing the public’s knowledge and understanding of this exhibition.”
“‘Beyond Bollywood: Indian Americans Shape the Nation’ is a project of monumental significance to our community and TV Asia,” said H.R. Shah, chairman and CEO of TV Asia. “As a media sponsor we are honored and excited to be a part of this program.”
TV Asia is celebrating its 20th year in United States with a headquarters in New Jersey, and it is a part of the growth of the Indian American community. The “Beyond Bollywood” exhibition supplements TV Asia’s mission to promote and celebrate the community and its achievements in the United States.
“There is still some public perception that we as Indian Americans are foreigners or outsiders in the United States,” said Masum Momaya, curator of the exhibition. “But history shows the opposite is true. We’ve been here since the earliest days of the nation and had our hands in building it to what it is today—politically, professionally and culturally. TV Asia connects to the Indian American community day in and day out.”
About Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center
Established in 1997, the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center produces programs and exhibitions about the Asian Pacific American experience and works in partnership with organizations across the Smithsonian and beyond to enrich collections and activities about the Asian Pacific American experience. It shares the challenges and stories of America’s fastest-growing communities. It connects treasures and scholars with the public, celebrates long-lived traditions and explores contemporary expressions. The stories it tells are vital to a deeper understanding of the nation and a richer appreciation of Asian Pacific cultures.
For information about the center, visit http://apa.si.edu. For general Smithsonian information, the public may call (202) 633-1000.
About TV Asia
TV Asia is an Edison, New Jersey based Pay TV Channel serving over South Asians across the United States and Canada on Dish Satellite & IPTV Platforms and on major Cable systems such as Time Warner, Comcast Xfinity, Cablevision, Cox, Charter, on Telco providers Verizon FIOS and AT&T U Verse and on Rogers Cable and Bell IPTV in Toronto Canada. TV Asia’s mission is to highlight South Asian Talent in the U.S. and Canada and promote our rich heritage in the arts, religion, sports and culture and inspire the current generation to uphold and carry forward the rich and ancient ideals of our glorious past. Visit www.tvasiausa.com for more information.
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