India Cultural Association (ICA)
of Central Iowa
Bridging cultures-Building community (Since 1992)
Program Agenda - ICA Talent Night
Mar 7, 2026 | Saturday | 5 pm - 7:30 pm
5:00 pm
Welcome address by Poonam Dubey (Vice President, ICA)
5:10 pm
“A brief walk down the memory lane of ICA Talent Nite Show”
Guest: Madhu Gadia
Anchor: Meera Vaswani
Item 1
“Aye Tobe Sohochori” – Rabindra Sangeet Celebrating Friendship and Togetherness
Artists: Mivaan and Angelia
A beautiful composition by Rabindranath Tagore, “Aye Tobe Sohochori” is lively and joyful song celebrates friendship, togetherness, and the happiness of walking hand in hand on life’s journey. Filled with rhythm and playful energy, it expresses the true spirit of companionship and shared joy.
Emcee(s): Arya Sharma
Item 2
Jhumka Girls - Dance
Artists: Reyna Sharma, Shaila Chouhan, Rashi Chouhan, Ajita Rajput, Aarya Devrajani
Known for their energy and graceful moves, the Jhumka Girls are bringing you the most foot-tapping Bollywood hits of 2025, starting with the playful Shararat from the movie Dhurandhar followed by the high-energy beats of Bijuriya.
The song is choreographed by Dipti Trivedi.
Emcee(s): Arya Sharma
Item 3
Andela Ravamu (sound of anklets)
Artists: Rushwika Gottimukkala (Kuchipudi dance), Padmavati Gottimukkala (female vocals), Vijay Kalivarapu (male vocals)
This presentation brings to life the soul of Swarna Kamalam (Golden lotus), where dance becomes both a spiritual offering and a personal awakening. The song celebrates the moment when a dancer’s inner joy finally blossoms into graceful movement, with nature itself seeming to respond to her transformation. The performance is a tribute to art, discipline, and the beauty of discovering one’s true calling.
The choreography for this item was created by Eranki Sri Hari Baladitya, Kuchipudi dance teacher from Hong Kong, with stage adaptations by Rushwika. The song is from the 1988 Telugu film 'Swarna Kamalam'.
Emcee(s): Meera Vaswani
Item 4
Anondo Loke Mongola Loke - A Celebration in Dance
Artists: Debolina Roy, Twinkle Pandit, Mandira Chandra, Jayati Mitra, Sreeparna Mitra, Soma Mitra.
Experience a vibrant group dance performance set to Rabindranath Tagore’s timeless song “Anondo Loke Mongola Loke Biraj Sotto Shundor.” This uplifting composition celebrates the eternal presence of truth and beauty that fills the universe with joy and auspiciousness. Through graceful choreography, expressive movements, and colorful formations, the dancers come together to embody harmony, devotion, and the radiant spirit of togetherness. This performance is a heartfelt tribute to Tagore’s vision of a world illuminated by bliss, unity, and divine beauty.
Choreography and costume ideas: Debolina Roy & Twinkle Pandit
Emcee(s): Meera Vaswani
Item 5
Dynamic Dancing Duo
Artists: Vishnu Ajay and Ajay Nair
Put your hands together for the next performance done in style and swag. Presenting daddy son duo bringing Kollywood vibes to the floor!
The item is choreographed by Vishnu Ajay and Ajay Nair.
Emcee(s): Meera Vaswani
Item 6
Minuet Number 3
Artists: The Treble Makers (Aarya Devrajani, Anya Basak, Moksha Nelli)
Please welcome The Treble Makers as they present the elegant and timeless classical piece, Minuet No. 3. With grace, precision, and musical sensitivity, this talented trio brings new life to a beloved work from the classical repertoire.
Emcee(s): Savya Sirigireddy and Nikhil Sirigireddy
Item 7
Dhiya Dance
Artists: Parvati Ajay, Divija Roy, Ajita Rajput, Shaila Chouhan, Rashi Chouhan, Subhaktiga Bhar, Aarubi Sharma
Dhiyas are lamps made from cotton wick dipped in oil or ghee in a container mainly made from clay. They are native to India and Nepal and often used as temporary lighting for special occasions and religious festivals. The girls today will be dancing with lamps to mark a joyous occasion!
Choreography by Sumana Sriram and training assistance by Anika Shrotiya. Source credit/background info: Music used is from Chitti Babu's Temple bells album.
Emcee(s): Savya Sirigireddy and Nikhil Sirigireddy
Break
Acknowledgements by Vijay Kalivarapu (President, ICA) followed by a 15 minute break. Tea and snacks served.
Item 8
Tagore Song Fusion with Sargam
Artists: Soma Banerjee (Ukulele and vocals), Sharvil Banerjee Singh (vocals)
Rabindranath Tagore’s songs, known as Rabindra Sangeet or Tagore Songs, hold deep cultural, emotional, and artistic significance, both in India and globally. Rabindranath Tagore composed over 2,200 songs between 1875 and 1941, blending Indian classical music (Hindustani and Carnatic ragas), Bengali folk traditions, and influences from Western music such as Scottish ballads and European opera. His work emerged from a rich family musical environment, shaped by his father Maharshi Debendranath Tagore and exposure to diverse musical styles. These songs became a bridge between Eastern and Western musical traditions, reflecting the cultural synthesis of his time.
The fusion of songs with Sargam is done by Soma Banerjee.
Emcee(s): Poonam Dubey
Item 9
Do Re Mi
Artist: Bihaan Dutta
Vocals along with instrument play on a Casio keyboard from the movie 'Sound of Music'. Bihaan self taught himself to play the keyboard.
Emcee(s): Poonam Dubey
Item 10
Barso Re - Bollywood Solo
Artist: Aiswarya Nadukkandy
A vibrant Bollywood presentation of Barso Re, capturing the spirit, rhythm, and freshness of the rain.
Choreography and costume: Aiswarya
Emcee(s): Vijay Kalivarapu
Item 11
Shiva Thrayam - From Stillness to Thaandavam
Artist: Madan Manaval
Shiva Thrayam shows the progression from calm chants to cosmic dance. Madan Manaval, a cute and spirited 7-year-old, is completely obsessed with music and singing. He never misses an opportunity to perform.
Emcee(s): Vijay Kalivarapu
Item 12
Maha Ganapatim - Fusion Dance
Artists: The Beat Roots (Kria Kalivarapu and Kavita Puvvula)
A classical fusion dance performance for the song Maha Ganapatim including the
dance steps of traditional Kuchipudi combined with a high energy music score.
Choreographed by Kria's dance teacher Eranki Sri Hari Baladitya from Hong Kong, and performed by mother daughter duo who call themselves Beat Roots. Kria has been learning Kuchipudi for 3.5 years. Kavita is a passionate supporter of dancing.
Emcee(s): Suvan Kalivarapu and Tejas Kalivarapu
Item 13
Spring into Love - Solo
Artist: Rajeswari Sivasubramanian
Celebrate the arrival of Spring with a nostalgic and heartwarming medley of Hindi
and Tamil songs from the 60s, 90s, and 2000s. Spring is not just a change in weather — it is a season of blooming hearts, hopeful dreams, and new beginnings. Through songs that speak of longing, joy, dreams, this medley reflects the universal feeling of looking forward to someone special — or something special — in everyone’s life. Join us as we welcome Spring with music that celebrates love, memories, and the promise of beautiful moments yet to come.
Emcee(s): Suvan Kalivarapu and Tejas Kalivarapu
Item 14
Santhali–Bengali Folk Dance – “Ekta Kala Vromor Gun Gun”
Artists: Ridhima Das and Divija Roy
Our group presents a lively Santhali–Bengali folk dance to the song “Ekta Kala Vromor Gun Gun.” The dance form originates from the rich traditions of the Santhal community of Eastern India and embraced in Bengali folk dance culture. This performance celebrates rhythm, nature, and the joyful spirit of community festivities. Through energetic steps, graceful formations, and expressive storytelling, we showcase the vibrant cultural harmony of tribal and regional folk
traditions. Please enjoy this colorful celebration of heritage and unity. Coordinator: Debolina
Emcee(s): Vijay Kalivarapu
Ending remarks
Closing remarks by Vijay Kalivarapu followed by pizza dinner
Thankful to
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Ames Commission on The Arts (COTA)
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City of Ames AV coordinators: Mark, Steve, and Craig
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Emcees and volunteer helpers
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​Sound coordinator: Anupam Sharma
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Photography coordinator: Piyush Jaware
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Stage/food/emcee/rehearsal coordinators: ICA Committee 2025 - 26