Oral History Interview with Sarat Mohapatra

DESCRIPTION
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Sarat Mohapatra was born in India and came to the United States in 1972. After moving to Minnesota, he became involved in the India Association of Minnesota [IAM] and became president of the organization in the late 1990s. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family; education in India; immigrating to the United States; completing his PhD program; getting married; moving to Minnesota; meeting members of the Indian community in Minnesota; involvement in the School of India for Languages and Culture [SILC]; participation in the Festival of Nations; serving on the board of IAM; major projects undertaken during his time on the IAM board, such as the fiftieth anniversary celebration of India's independence and work on the Asian Indian Community Directory; involvement in the Minnesota Asian Indian Democratic Association [MAIDA]; service and community outreach projects done by IAM; involvement in the Trustee Advisory Committee, which is part of IAM; future challenges and future leadership for IAM; politics; balancing local commitment with the commitment to India; and the need for more volunteering and service-based activities.

ADDITIONAL METADATA
Date: June 25, 2005
Subject(s): Sarat Mohapatra
Type: Oral History
Language: English
Creator: Polly Sonifer
Location: Minnesota

PROVENANCE
Holding Institution: Minnesota Historical Society
Collection: India Association of Minnesota Oral History Project
Additional Information: Phase 4
Item History: 2016-12-13 (created); 2016-12-13 (modified)

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