Past Events
June 2019Tea with Tagore
An exploration of Tagore
"Tea with Tagore" offered a multifaceted exploration of the life and work of Rabindranath Tagore, spanning his contributions to art, literature, music, and drama. The afternoon program featured musical performances by Kritika Dey, a dramatic solo performance by Gargi Mukherjee, and expert perspectives on Tagore’s legacy presented by Josheen Oberoi and Nandini Bannerjee-Datta. Attendees engaged in the dialogue over South Asian-inspired small bites and chai.
The event was catered by Chef Garima Kothari and presented a South Asian inspired high tea menu with tea pairings.
“Dawat” Short Film Screening and Keynote by Shahidul Alam
In partnership with Suswana Chowdhury & JHAL NYC
We worked with producer and director Suswana Chowdhury to bring together this event which featured a screening of the short film Dawat, followed by a keynote address by renowned Bangladeshi photojournalist Shahidul Alam. The event also featured a panel discussion with prominent Bangladeshis in the entertainment industry, including Shomi Patwari, Sharbari Zohra Ahmed, Nashwa Zaman and Sita Sarkar, along with a performance by Rahmaan.
We were grateful to culinary contributions from partners including Jhal NYC and Nur Thai who supported this event. A portion of proceeds were donated to Sapna NYC.
November 2018Dishwasher Dreams
A Private Reception and Performance
by Aladdin Ullah
This private reception featured a performance of Dishwasher Dreams by Aladdin Ullah. The play explores the stories of early South Asian immigrants in the US, drawing from Ullah’s experiences growing up as the son of Muslim Bangladeshi immigrants in Spanish Harlem. The program included a pre-performance discussion with author of Bengali Harlem, Vivek Bald, and filmmaker Naeem Mohaiemen to provide historical context.
The event was catered by Adda NYC, with a menu showcasing flavors inspired by Manhattan's first Indian restaurants from the l940s.
April 2018New Beginnings - Flavors of Bengal and Sri Lanka
A six course tasting
Coinciding with Pohela Boishakh, Aluth Avurudda, and Puthandu, this event celebrated the new year marked by many communities across South Asia. Hosted in a Tribeca loft, the evening featured a thoughtfully curated six-course tasting menu exploring the regional cuisines of Bengal and Sri Lanka.
Brought to life in collaboration with Korai Kitchen and Sigiri, the culinary experience highlighted both the unique differences and the cultural commonalities found across South Asian new year traditions.
An Evening for the Rohingya : Fundraiser to Support BRAC
In partnership with BRAC USA
In collaboration with BRAC USA, this event focused on raising awareness and funds for the Rohingya following the peak of the refugee crisis in late 2017. Through expert speakers, VR headsets, and video presentations, attendees learned about the journey of refugees from Myanmar to camps in Bangladesh. The evening successfully brought together supporters from the diaspora and international development community to raise over $10,000 to further BRAC USA's relief efforts and support for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.
The event featured culinary contributions from local partners including Jhal NYC, Masalawala, Premium Sweets, Boishakhi, Burma Noodle Bar, and Curious Elixirs.
Panel Discussion: Defeating Islamophobia & Anti-Immigrant Sentiment
In partnership with South Dakota Voices for Peace
We hosted “Defeating Islamophobia and Anti-Immigrant Sentiment: A Nationwide Concern”, a thought provoking discussion featuring expert panelists and a food tasting of flavors from the Islamic world. The discussion was moderated by Sharaf Mowjood, and panelists included Taneeza Islam, Saima Anjam and Dr. Erik Love. Funds raised through the event supported the South Dakota Voices for Peace and brought attention to inequities and concerns faced by underrepresented communities that they serve.
The event represented food from various Muslim-majority countries, with contributions from local restaurants Kabab King, Kusharista, and Premium Sweets.