India Speakers Bureau (Draft)
Objective:
To create and enhance better understanding of India and its people.
Where and when:
During FOI in a separate room at the Richmond Convention Center
How:
Speakers will deliver 20-30 mins.(max) talk on some aspect of India and its people, followed by Q&A and discussion.
Topics suggested for brainstorming:
Spices in Indian cuisines (why we use what we use). India's Geography, History, States, Languages, Political System, Industries, Export-Import and so on.
Tentative Topics & Speakers:
Indian History: Dr. Shantaram Talegaonkar
Women in India: Dr. Bela Sood
Hinduism: Dr. Shuba Sreedhar
Indian Festivals: Geetha Ravindra
Topic (later): Dr. Bhullar
Topic (later): Uma Ettigi
Topic (later): Neil Bhatt
Topic (later): Dr. Surya Dhakar
Spices in Indian cuisine: Indian Aunties Culinary Network
Presentation by high school kids on how is it to embrace the culture here. What hardship or questions they have?
The sessions are to be held in a separate room to ensure that the participants can really hear what is being said, ask questions, view power point slides, etc.
Format:
Speaker Schedule will be posted at the Information Booth and various websites (www.thefestivalofindia.org; www.asianamerican-va.com and more)
The presentations will be scheduled on the hour. Appropriate announcements will be made at the start of each presentation.
Introduction of the Speaker
Introduction of the Sponsor
Presentation to last no more than 30 mins.
Questions & Answers and discussion
Thank Speaker, attendees and sponsor
Feedback Survey by the attendees
Some handouts or small items like bookmarks etc. given at the lectures that audience can take. “I can make 100-150 bookmarks if the topics are given to me early enough. Sponsors can pay for that (minimal charges)and money goes to the temple.” Smita Jain
On-going Benefit:
From time to time, our community is approached by schools and churches to provide speakers. A database of speakers and topics with a central coordinator would be helpful in fulfilling this need.
Please suggest topics and identify expert speakers that you may know. As the topics and speakers get developed, sponsors (paying) can be sought for a particular topic and or the entire series.
Coordinator:
Vishwa BhargavaCommunications- Festival of India 2010
1702 Tunbridge Drive, Henrico, VA 23238-4127
Home: 804 740 5529
Cell: 804 868 5323
Dated: July 13, 2010