An exhibition documenting the contribution of Indian-Americans in the socio-economic and political fabric of the US has opened in South Carolina, which was formerly governed by Nikki Haley. 'Beyond Bollywood: Indian-Americans Shape the Nation' details the history of the community and their contributions to the US since the 1700s. Through innovative displays of pictures, artifacts and digital medium, the exhibition at at the State Museum in Columbia explores the heritage, daily experience and numerous, diverse contributions that Indian immigrants and Indian- Americans have made to shaping the US.
The exhibition has special emphasis on Haley, the two- term governor of the state, and now the US ambassador to the United Nations. Created by the Smithsonian Asian-Pacific American Centre and the Smithsonian Institution Travelling Exhibition Service, Beyond Bollywood features Indian-Americans' migration experiences, working lives, political struggles and cultural and religious contributions. "A wonderful aspect of this project has been working with the Indian-American community. The museum has been working with some great partners to tell the South Carolina story of Indian-Americans in our state and also preparing some amazing programmes in conjunction with the exhibition," said JoAnn Zeise, curator of history at the state museum.
"It's an honour to share the important story of both immigrants and those who have been in the state for generations. Everyone in the Indian-American community has been excited to share their experiences and introduce people to their culture and history," he said. Approximately 17 million people in the US are of Asian and Pacific Islander descent, and the number is expected to climb to 41 million by 2050. One in every 100 Americans has a family connection to India.
The museum said in a statement that Indian immigrants helped build the nation's railroads, worked in lumber mills, toiled on farms and established prosperous trading routes that are still in use on Saturday. "Through a vibrant collection of photographs, artifacts, art and interactive learning stations, guests will experience the Indian-American story and explore the many dynamic roles Indian Americans have played in shaping South Carolina and the rest of the United States," it said. The exhibition comes to South Carolina after a successful 18-months stint at the National Museum of Natural History at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC.
