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 Houston's Samskriti celebrates 30 years of culture, legacy and community Photos courtesy: Samskriti June 5, 2025 Samskriti's 30th anniversary gala, held on May 9, 2025 at the Junior League of Houston, was a resounding success - a celebration that beautifully honored three decades of dedication to promoting Indian performing arts in the United States, and a testament to Samskriti's enduring commitment to cultural preservation and innovation. True to its mission of bridging cultures and generations, the gala brought together a vibrant mix of mainstream Americans and Indian Americans from across the country, with attendees spanning multiple generations.  Rathna Kumar, Olivia Jankovska, Director of Education, City of Houston, and Sheela Rao, President, Samskriti The evening began on a traditional note with a serene invocation followed by a warm welcome from Sheela Rao, President of Samskriti, which set the tone for a reflective and festive evening. Hon. D.C. Manjunath, the Consul General of India in Houston, delivered a thoughtful keynote address that acknowledged Samskriti's pioneering role in the cultural landscape of Texas and beyond. Gala Chairs Anuradha and Mani Subramanian then shared their insights and gratitude, followed by a heartfelt segment from Rathna Kumar, the visionary Founder and Artistic Director of Samskriti. Her talk, "Samskriti Then and Now," traced the organization's remarkable journey from its founding in 1995 to its present-day prominence. The proudest moment for Samskriti was when Olivia Jankovska, Director of Education, read a Proclamation from the Mayor, City of Houston, extolling Samskriti's achievements and declaring May 9 as SAMSKRITI DAY!  Ekta Popat & Saliya Ilankoon  Venugopal Josyula & Saliya Ilankoon A nostalgic video segment titled Down Memory Lane further enriched the evening, showcasing landmark performances and cherished moments from Samskriti's past. Guests then enjoyed a sumptuous dinner before being treated to the highlight of the night - To a Different Beat, a dynamic and colorful live performance conceived by Rathna Kumar and choreographed by the dancers themselves. True to Samskriti's ethos of cultural synthesis, the show featured a unique medley of dance traditions from India, Indonesia and Sri Lanka, weaving a vibrant tapestry of movement, rhythm, and sheer artistic beauty, highlighting Samskriti's role in fostering cross-cultural understanding through its diverse programs and community outreach. The dancers featured were Venugopal Josyula (Kuchipudi), Ekta Popat (Kathak), Sandhya Raghuraman (Bharatanatyam), Saliya Ilankoon (Kandyan) and Chloe Jarrell (Indonesian).  Sandhya Raghuraman & Chloe Jarrell Unlike many other galas, Samskriti's anniversary event stood out for its inclusivity and warmth. It was neither a fundraiser nor just a celebration of artistic achievement, but a reaffirmation of community and shared heritage - a space where tradition and innovation, past and future, East and West converged on one stage. Samskriti's 30th anniversary gala wasn't just an event - it was a milestone, a memory, and a moment of pride for Houston's cultural landscape. The Gala not only honored the organization's past achievements but also set the stage for future endeavors aimed at fostering cultural exchange and collaborations. May 9 was indeed a night to remember! |
