Desi 'revolution' waiting to happen

Dakotas - comprising North and South Dakota - is at bottom when it comes to Indian population, writes Lalit K Jha.

Dakotas - comprising of two American States North and South Dakota - is at the bottom when it comes to Indian population.

Of nearly 17 lakh Indians in the United States, as per 2000 census, North Dakota has 822 Indians, while South Dakota has even less 611. They are scattered all throughout the area, while the concentration is big cities like Rapid City, Fargo and Grand Forks. Still Indians could be found in small townships or rural areas either as a physician, even church priest or running a motel.

The numbers could have been increased substantially by now, but they continue to be low when compared to other parts of the State. This does not matter much, as India and its people owe a lot to the Dakota land.

One of its sons, Larry Pressler, is considered to be one of the best friends of India in the US who repeatedly raised the voice of the Indian people and protected India's interest at Washington comes from Sioux Fall, South Dakota. Now, retired Senator Larry Pressler was a member of the Congress for 22 years -- 18 years in the US Senate and for four years in the House.

Coming to the activities of the desi community in this part of the US, the only temple in this Dakota land is at Elk Point, a small township in the extreme south of the two States.

People from far and wide come to this temple, which only a few years ago was used as a church.

Interestingly, Elk Point has not a single Indian as its inhabitant.

Cultural and community activities in this part of Dakota are organized by the Siouxland India Cultural Association including staging of dance troupes and screening of films. The Association now has plans to open a library for the younger generation.

Though there are not many Indians, but the small desi students studying at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology at the Rapid City, for more than two decades now have been successfully running India Club.

Primarily a student's organization, now headed by Mani Mohan Jagadeesh Madasu, India Club has been working towards propagating the culture, traditions and arts of India. With about 100 members, the Club enables students and faculty -- of both the Indian origin and interested non-Indian folks -- to enjoy, appreciate and be a part of our rich heritage.

Besides providing supportive and homely atmosphere for Indian students, the Club also celebrates Indian festivals with fervour and gaiety.

What could make any Indian proud is the performance of Venkataswamy Ramakrishnan in this Dakota land. Emeritus Professor of Civil Engineering at this mining school, State of South Dakota declared on Sunday, September 29, 2002, as Dr. Venkataswamy Ramakrishnan Day for his contributions to the state. This is a rare honour for an Indian in entire United States.

Popular as Rama, he is an international expert in field of concrete and concrete structures. He has received numerous awards and honours, has published more than 200 research papers and technical articles, presented at more than 200 international conferences, and submitted more than 300 technical reports on completed research projects. He focused his research on fiber reinforced concrete, concrete fiber composites, and high performance concrete.

The students of Fargo too have come forward to set up their Association of Students from India. Over the years, this has emerged as one of the biggest Indian organization in North Dakota.

Having successfully saved the life of Kshitij Ladage, who was critically injured in a car accident last year, through prayer, service and fund-raisers, the Association primary aim is to promote vibrant Indian culture.

Fargo, is probably the only place in both North and South Dakota where a cinema hall screens Hindi films at regular interval. People from various parts of North Dakota come to see the popular Hindi films.

One of the largest town of North Dakota, Fargo also boasts of the only Indian restaurant of the area by the name Saffron. Though all the traditional Indian dishes are available at this restaurant, Saffron is more popular for its South Indian delicacies the masala dosa in particular.

The passion and madness of cricket is also visible here. Be it Fargo or North Dakota, the Indian students have organized themselves into cricket clubs and play it mostly on every weekend.

Students of Fargo have gone a step ahead to set up Cricket Club which participates in the various cricket tournaments in the States. The club also comprises of members from other South Asian nations: Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Only recently, the astro turf pitch made its debut in North Dakota.

Grand Forks, close to the Canadian border, is another major city having a sizeable desi population. Though there are frequent get-togethers, the desis here are unorganized lot with the absence of any formal Indian organization. It is also missing among the large students group, who largely depend on the University's International Centre for events and get-togethers.