The India Association of Kansas City is celebrating 60 years in 2025. The volunteer-run organization is “dedicated to representing the people of Indian heritage in and around the greater Kansas City area. Collaborating with various organizations, we foster unity among the Indian, Asian and American communities,” states the nonprofit’s website.
From dance competitions to expos to concerts, the IAKC is an important resource for the Indian community and the general public, says Usha Saha, president of the IAKC. Some of the organization’s signature events include India Fest, India Nite and a New Year’s ball.
“India’s heritage is a rich and vibrant tapestry, beautifully woven from the diverse threads of history, philosophy, art and tradition,” Saha says. “This legacy has profoundly shaped our past, continues to illuminate our present and inspires our journey into the future.”
Saha came to the U.S. from Vijayawada in southwest India in 1991 as a postdoctoral fellow at Kent State University before making her way to KC in 1992. She has been head of the IAKC since 2019.
“By sharing our rich culture with the broader community, we not only celebrate our roots but also contribute to fostering understanding and building a more inclusive and harmonious society,” Saha says.
