Exhibition to showcase achievements of Indian Americans in US

In a first of its kind expo in the US, a prestigious museum in Washington is organising an exhibition to showcase the history, culture and contribution of Indian-Americans community in the country.

The exhibition,"Beyond Bollywood: Indian Americans Shape the Nation," will bring to life the rich history of immigrants from India and Indian Americans in the US and detail their many contributions to America, the prestigious Smithsonian Museum said.

Scheduled to open in late 2013,"Beyond Bollywood" it will occupy more than 5,000 square feet of space at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. Over a two-year period the exhibition is expected to draw more than seven million visitors before embarking on a national tour in 2015.

"The Indian American story has yet to be fully told," said Konrad Ng, director of the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center.

It is the largest project undertaken by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center in its 15-year history, and the first to focus on Indian American culture."Visitors of all ages will leave the exhibition with a deeper understanding of this vibrant community as they strive to realize life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness in America. This exhibition is about celebrating a community that embodies the American spirit," Ng said.

Masum Momaya, curator of the exhibition said that there is still some public perception that Indian Americans are foreigners or outsiders in the United States.

"But history shows the opposite is true. We've been here since the earliest days of the nation and had our hands in building it to what it is today politically, professionally

and culturally," Momaya said.

In a statement, Smithsonian Institute said that it hastied up with TV Asia, the popular Indian American channel, which is celebrating its 20thyear.

"Beyond Bollywood: Indian Americans Shape the Nation' is a project of monumental significance to our community and TV Asia," said H R Shah, chairman and CEO of TV Asia.

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