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Time of India
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
A taste of home: Indian American student wins hearts in NYC school with her Maggi lunch
New York City 's official Twitter page, @nycgov, recently delighted viewers with a wholesome video that beautifully captured the essence of cultural pride and diversity. The spotlight was on a young Indian-origin student named Anya, who joyfully presented the contents of her school lunchbox . This clip was part of a broader initiative to highlight the city's rich multicultural environment, especially within its public school system. Tied to the observance of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, the campaign used food as a way to honor identity and community. A Glimpse into Anya's Heritage Through Food Anya appeared in the video with an enthusiastic introduction, warmly guiding the audience through her meal of Maggi noodles . With bright eyes and a cheerful voice, she explained how her lunch was prepared—starting with boiling the noodles, mixing in water and spices, and watching the dish transform into a golden, flavorful treat. Anya also expressed her deep love for her mother's chicken curry, noting that it was her favorite dish. She spoke fondly of the aromatic spices her mother used, each lending a distinct scent and taste that made the meal unforgettable. Maggi as a Symbol of Comfort and Connection Maggi noodles, a household staple in India, are more than just a quick meal. For many, they evoke memories of home, childhood, and comfort. Anya's lunch sparked feelings of familiarity and nostalgia for viewers, particularly those from South Asian backgrounds. Her simple yet heartfelt narration brought smiles and sparked conversations, especially on social media, where audiences found joy in her pride and honesty. Community Reactions Overflow with Love The video rapidly gained traction online, touching hearts far and wide. Many viewers left heartfelt comments praising Anya for sharing her culture and expressing admiration for her confidence. Words like 'adorable,' 'beautiful,' and 'so sweet' filled the replies, underscoring how small, personal stories can resonate on a global scale. The shared enthusiasm for dishes like Maggi and homemade curry created a sense of unity among strangers who found common ground in food and family traditions. Lunchboxes That Tell a Bigger Story This video was part of the 'What's In My Lunchbox' series, which aims to celebrate cultural backgrounds through the eyes—and meals—of schoolchildren. By showcasing the unique and flavorful items in students' lunchboxes, New York City's campaign emphasizes inclusion and the value of heritage. As the city continues to embrace its diverse population, these glimpses into everyday life reveal powerful narratives about identity, tradition, and belonging.
Hans India
04-06-2025
- Hans India
TG lensman's works featured in expo at Coca-Cola hqrs in US
Hyderabad: Anirudh Dhannayak, a documentary and fine art photographer from Karimnagar, Telangana, has garnered international recognition this year as his work was featured in a prestigious group exhibition at the global headquarters of Coca-Cola in Atlanta recently, as part of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month celebrations. Themed 'Roots to Resonance,' the exhibition spotlighted artists who explore the nuances of identity, heritage, and cultural continuity within the diaspora. Anirudh's journey into photography is as evocative as his art. What began as a childhood curiosity—capturing travel memories with a simple camera—transformed over the years into a passionate pursuit of truth, culture, and human emotion. Although initially steered toward engineering, a serendipitous moment during a family wedding, where his photographs won admiration from overseas guests, marked a turning point. That event not only affirmed his talent but also gifted him the tool that would shape his future: a camera. He later formalised his training with a Bachelor's degree in Communication Design, specialising in Photography, and is currently pursuing his Master's at the Savannah College of Art and Design, US. His ongoing project, 'Natya Shastra: The Science of Dance,' explores the evolution and spiritual significance of the classical Indian dance form, Kuchipudi, within the Indian-American diaspora. Blending traditional motifs with experimental formats like stop-motion and moving portraits, the project exemplifies Anirudh's commitment to storytelling that bridges generations and geographies.
CBS News
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Korean-born artist passes along centuries-old dye tradition to Maryland art students
A Korean-born artist is passing down a centuries-old tradition to Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) students in Baltimore. For Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we're recognizing artist Rosa Chang, who teaches a traditional indigo and natural dye class at MICA called "Mindful Colors: Natural Dyes from Korea and Beyond." "We are creating a lot of different colors but also really navigating the relationship between the color and nature," Chang said. The class uses plants like indigo and marigold to create hues of blue and gold. It's a meticulous process of soaking plants to get the right color. "[The] Indigo dying process to make this blue requires another fermentation process," Chang said. Chang said she got involved in this work after growing tired of working in the fashion industry as a pattern designer. "Those fabrics dyed from factories feel very toxic," Chang said. Then, someone introduced her to the natural dye practice. That's when she began learning about the significance of indigo. "Almost all different cultures and communities have their own indigo dye practices," Chang said. "There's so many indigo plant species." Chang said indigo is a culture connector. She adds it has a rich history and carries medicinal benefits. "Samurais back in the day in Japan, they would use indigo to dye their that it would protect their wound after the war," Chang said. "It accelerates the healing process." Chang said some would even drink indigo water as medicine during epidemics. These stories are part of the lesson Chang teaches throughout the semester. "Nice to be able to kind of keep things alive" Students in the class are working on their final project, combining all they've learned throughout the course. "We're making a sample book," said MICA student Amber Likins. "Every time I look at this book, I'm going to remember how I did this, but I'm also going to remember just how we got here." "I think I'm just trying to capture every hue," said Sam Beil, another MICA student. Students said the skills learned in class will be something they will use either for their art pieces or as a side hobby. Student Madelaine Kraushaar appreciates the sustainability piece to this work. Kraushaar finds items for art pieces from nature. "I used an invasive species of English Ivy, and I picked it around the trees in Baltimore," Kraushaar said. "Then I used that leaf to make the green dye." Others enjoy learning about a tradition started hundreds of years ago. "Everything is really archaic, and I really enjoy that really historical process," Beil said. "That's important to me, passing it down," said student Amber Likins. Chang's book, "My Indigo World" Chang said her work with indigo and natural dye even inspired her children's book, "My Indigo World." She began writing it during the COVID-19 pandemic. "I couldn't find any evidence of Korean indigo written in English," Chang said. So, she decided to create her own. "My Indigo World" shares the science behind indigo dye and the history of the plant, written and illustrated by Chang. "I really wanted to create something as a gift for my community as well as honor my ancestors," Chang said. Through her book and class, Chang is carrying on the natural dye tradition. Chang said that although many cultures are different, you can find similar practices that connect us all. It's a message she hopes everyone receives. Chang is teaching a workshop for those interested in trying out the practice. It takes place on May 31. Tickets start at $125.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fox Cities Performing Arts Center celebrates culture & arrival of new Hmong American school
APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) – Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is celebrated annually each May, and this year marks the 50th anniversary of Hmong refugees resettling in the United States. The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center hosted a celebration of Hmong culture on Thursday evening to get the party started early. Appleton International Airport unveils completion of new concourse expansion ahead of NFL Draft The event was assisted by multiple Hmong organizations, including the new Hmong American Immersion School (HAIS), which opens this Fall. Dr. Thai Xiong, the Impact Director for HAIS, said it's a Charter School in Appleton to teach the language and history of Hmong culture in the core curriculum. Dr. Xiong said that Hmong culture has made its mark on the community over the past 50 years, exemplified by the arrival of HAIS. Longtime member of Blue Man Group and Oshkosh North alum honored in ceremony 'Culturally, back then, little was known,' Dr. Xiong said. 'Right now, in the present, we're having the first Hmong charter school in northeast Wisconsin, 50 years after the Hmong people settled in the United States. The AAPI Month Community event kicked off at 5 p.m., featuring multiple ways to pay homage to the culture and history through performances, music, food and stories. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Yahoo
Georgia lawmakers to honor Fulton County victims of 2021 spa shootings today
ATLANTA - Georgia lawmakers will gather today to remember the victims of the 2021 Atlanta spa shootings, an attack that left eight people dead, including six Asian women. State Representative Long Tran and members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Caucus will hold a press conference this afternoon at the Georgia State Capitol to honor the victims killed during the March 16, 2021, shooting spree. The backstory The 2021 Atlanta spa shootings were a series of deadly attacks on March 16, 2021, in which a gunman targeted three massage parlors in the Atlanta metropolitan area, killing eight people, including six Asian women. The attacks occurred at Young's Asian Massage in Acworth, Gold Spa in Atlanta, and Aromatherapy Spa in Atlanta. The victims were Delainia Ashley Yaun, 33, Xiaojie Tan, 49, Daoyou Feng, 44, Paul Andre Michels, 54, Elcias Hernandez-Ortiz, 30, Hyun Jung Grant, 51, Soon Chung Park, 74, Suncha Kim, 69, and Yong Ae Yue, 63. The suspect, Robert Aaron Long, was arrested later that day in Crisp County. Authorities stated that Long, a 21-year-old white man, claimed his actions were driven by a "sex addiction" and a desire to eliminate what he saw as a source of temptation. However, the shootings were widely seen as racially motivated due to the disproportionate targeting of Asian victims, amid rising anti-Asian sentiment in the U.S. READ ALL RELATED STORIES Long was later charged with eight counts of murder and one count of aggravated assault. He pleaded guilty to four murders in Cherokee County and was sentenced to life in prison without parole. The Fulton County District Attorney's Office has stated that it plans to seek the death penalty, which Long is attempting to avoid. During a hearing on Monday, a Fulton County judge ruled statements Long made after his arrest and during his guilty plea in Cherokee County can be used during his Fulton County trial. RELATED: Atlanta spa shooter appears in Fulton County courtroom Other Events The Anti-Asian Hate Crimes Coalition and Asian Youth Center (Stop Hate Program) will be hosting "Remembering Atlanta Spa Shootings, Local Asian Hate Crimes and Asian Communities Challenges" from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 15 at Rosemead Community Recreation Center, 3936 N. Muscatel Ave. Elected officials, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and community leaders will commemorate the fourth anniversary of the deadly shootings at Atlanta-area spas. Click here for more information.
