MONROE, CT — South Asian Night, held at Masuk High School one recent Friday evening, featured cultural music, dancing and food from Dhabewala Indian Shack in Stamford. Students and adults participated in the fun.
“It was one of the best school dances that I have been to,” said Iga Leszczynska, a French teacher at Masuk. “We had over 120 guests from our school district and community, who enthusiastically participated at this colorful celebration of South Asian culture. I am very grateful for the generous support from our administrators, teachers and parents.”
Among those Leszczynska credited with making the night happen were Jigna Trivedi, Vijay Nanjaraj, Madhu Sannapannavar, Shanu Gupta, Asha Vijay, Manu Gosukonda, Ruhi Memon, Sohel Memon, Harini Betha, Bhaskar Giduthuri, Yasmin Mehraj, Rahman Shaik and Malli Sannapannavar.
“We had a DJ, Kashyap Jani, and a dance instructor, Yashasvi Jhangiani, who also volunteered at the event,” she said. “A delicious meal was ordered from Dhabewala Indian Shack.”
Jigna Trivedi, the mother of one of the organizers, Vibhuti Jani, reached out to the Monroe Indian community, Leszczynska said, adding, the concept of a South Asian Night was well received by all.
“It was good to have support from the community,” Trivedi said. “Lots of people donated supplies and volunteered during the event. It was a difficult task to put together such an elaborate event, but it was great to have volunteers to help us.”
Among the student volunteers were Vibhuti Jani, Anisha Gera, Ruthika Giduthuri, Harini Gosukonda, Yara and Rayhaan Sheik, Safa Memon and Prixa Saxena.
Many others volunteered to decorate the cafeteria, sell tickets, and set everything up, according to Leszczynska.
“It was a very successful event and we are thinking about organizing it next year as well,” she said.