The people of the Low Country made a date with the India Association of Greater Charleston, during their magnificent Gala event held at 6:30 PM, Saturday, February 23, 2008, at the Embassy Suites Conference Center, International Boulevard, North Charleston, 

The India Association of Greater Charleston (IAGC), is a non-profit organization consisting of about 150 members. The IAGC undertakes this mammoth effort once every two or three years to highlight Indian Culture and cuisine. This gala event is 11th of its kind. The members open their hearts to entertain about 500 Greater Charleston citizens in great pomp and splendor at this Gala event.

The IAGC Gala was distinguished by a multi-course scrumptious Indian dinner in an elegant setting, prepared under the expert direction of Chef Anil Kumar, a famous Chef from Washington DC. There was an array of vegetarian and non-vegetarian entrees and hors d’oeuvres. Pleasing to the palate, Indian cuisine is world famous for its variety in tastes and flavors rendered possible by an unique array of intriguing spices, that have health benefits.

The dinner was followed by a spectacular dance program offered by the dancers from Nritya Natya Kala Bharti Dance & Music Academy of Atlanta, GA, directed by Kumud and Sandeep Savla. Originally from Kutch-Gujrat, Kumud Savla, the founder of this group, came to U.S. in 1988. She is renowned for her expertise in one of the classical Indian dances, Kathak. The Government of India honored her for her performances in “Festivals of India” in Russia and Mauritius. Along with dance performances throughout India, America, West Indies and Southeast Asia, Kumud has also performed in leading roles in dramas on stage as well as on TV. Kumud has conducted dance workshops in many countries and has been a dance teacher for more than 16 years. She and her students will entertain the audience in various dance styles. Besides Kathak, the troupe will offer a variety of colorful folk dances, and scintillating Bollywood movie dances. Starting with simple Kathak steps, she trains her students to master complex footwork, fast rhythmic circles, facial expressions, and total body language. The guests were treated to an astounding array of dances performed by beguiling and beautiful young ladies from different parts of the country. Dr. Lata Hebbar, the emcee, elegantly guided us through this journey.

The India Association of Greater Charleston has hosted the Gala events since 1986. Each time, the event has been extremely successful and the guests look forward to the Gala event in consecutive years. A lot of hard work and dedication lies behind these efforts and we always have an appreciative audience.

Thank you, Low country for currying flavors and enjoying the dances with the India Association of Greater Charleston during their Gala event held 6:30 PM, Saturday, February 23, 2008 at the Embassy Suites Conference Center, International Boulevard, North Charleston, SC 29408.
 For pictures of the Gala event access:
http://www1.snapfish.com/share/p=669281204247697276/l=345332109/g=12066000/cobrandOid=1000131/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=gsowhrm.1aptuj7u&x=0&y=-n7e72y

Savla Group of Dancers at a performance