|
 New Neighbors:
Blending India and McLean County
A WJBC Special Report
Click for Photo Album
Indian immigrants say many arrivals have decided to stay
By Colleen Reynolds Indians are among the largest ethnic groups legally immigrating to the United States. They're are also starting to become visible leaders. Indian Americans host shows on CNN and MTV -- even the governor of Louisiana, Bobby Jindal has Indian roots. WJBC's Colleen Reynolds reports in the final installment of the continuing news series "New Neighbors: Blending India and McLean County," some not-so-new arrivals have become entrenched and they're here to stay. At the Clark Gas Station on Morris Avenue, Bankim Shah schmoozes with regulars buying lottery tickets ...
McLean County born Indian teens balance cultures
Teenagers who have parents of Indian descent and who were born in McLean County believe they're getting the best of both worlds -- Indian culture with American opportunities. WJBC's Colleen Reynolds has more as we continue our week-long series: "New Neighbors - Blending India & McLean County." The Namesake" is a movie that talks about an American-born teenager with Indian parents who wants to fit in, despite his family's unwillingness to let go of their traditional ways. The Bloomington-Normal teens I talked with don't seem to have those struggles.
Cricket players find a home in Illinois
By Eric Stock Cricket is the sport of choice for most Indians, including those here in McLean County. The sport dates back to the 1500s and was introduced to India in the 1700s by its British rulers. Cricket is growing in popularity in McLean County -- as the local Indian population grows. But as their children play American sports, WJBC's Eric Stock reports.... a part of their culture could be slipping away. On any Saturday during the spring or summer, you can visit the grounds as they call it -- tucked along a dirt road off Henry Street in Normal. There's no fence.
Food: An easy gateway to sharing culture
By Eric Stock The easiest, and likely most common, way people learn about other cultures is through food. What people eat and why they eat it. Indian grocery stores and restaurants have grown in number in Central Illinois over the last decade. But as WJBC’s Eric Stock discovered, the one true way to get a taste of Indian cuisine - and the role it plays in the culture - is to enjoy a home-cooked meal. Vaneetha Crampton and several of her friends prepare dinner for much of the WJBC on-air staff at her home in rural Bloomington. Among the items on the menu... a heaping of hospitality.
Farmer brings Indian flavor to McLean County
By Carrie Muehling & Eric Stock The trend toward buying local food is increasing, but for those who prefer foods traditional to India, buying local can be a little more difficult. WJBC Agribusiness Director Carrie Muehling reports that it has gotten easier as we continue our special series on WJBC 'New Neighbors; Blending India & McLean County.' Comfort foods: Pizza, hamburgers, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes. Maybe for an American, but not for Vaneetha Crampton, who came to McLean County from India in 1989.
Dancers keep India in their hearts - and feet
By Beth Whisman McLean County has given birth to its share of artists who go on to find fame. Now, a woman from India who already found that fame has made her home here. WJBC's Beth Whisman takes you inside a classical Indian dance studio as WJBC presents "New Neighbors - Blending India & McLean County." The students taking intructions from Uma Kallakuri are about the same age she was when the professional dancer won the 1973 All India gold medal for dance. At age eight, she defeated India's top dancers who had a lot more experience.
Indians' impact on local resources
By Dara Brockmeyer U.S. immigration debates often focus on the idea that immigrants drain local resources. But as WJBC's Dara Brockmeyer reports the South Asian Indian population in McLean County appears to contribute to resources as much as they use them. Over the last decade Bloomington's South Asian Indian population has grown from 600 to 6,000. Gulshan Bhayana says they're contributions are making a positive impact. 2006 U.S. Census data shows 72 percent of South Asians are in the workforce,38 percent doctors and 36 percent work with NASA. The average household income is $78,000.
Indian stereotypes and misunderstandings
By Jim Fitzpatrick Like many minority groups in the United States, Indians see their fair share of stereotypes. WJBC's Jim Fitzpatrick decided to investigate and find the truth behind some popular misunderstandings. During the 2008 Democratic Presidential primaries Senator Joe Biden said this to man of Asian descent while on the campaign trail. Indian comic Vajai Nathan even poked fun at her own culture during the Indian Invasion comedy tour. And of course one of the most famous Indian characters on TV is Apu on the Simpsons. So I sat down with Sharmi and Neal Shah to get to the bottom of it all.
McLean County's growing Indian population and the MCIA
By Jim Fitzpatrick Over the last decade, Bloomington-Normal's Indian population has see a sharp increase. WJBC's Jim Fitzpatrick takes a look at how and why the area's Indian population has evolved over the years and where it's headed. While most Indians are from South Asia, the U.S. Census Bureau lumps them together with all Asians. In 2006, McLean County's Asian population was 2.9 percent. It's the third largest minority group compared to African Americans at 6.7 percent and Hispanics at 3.3 percent. Sharmi and Neal Shah were one of the first Indian families to come to the Twin Cities.
Couples still get their say in arranged marriages
By Dara Brockmeyer Dating is a familiar game to most Americans, but imagine meeting someone and then deciding to get married after the second conversation. WJBC's Dara Brockmeyer reports that's not unusual for Indians in McLean County. There are a couple of ways to arrange a marriage in India. Eleven years ago, Shanthala Baleger married someone her father found through a friend. Pushkaraj Jahagirdah will travel back to India in July to marry a woman he found through a marriage bureau there. Both agree there is a misconception about arranged marriages. Not everyone follows the tradition. Neena Bhayana didn't.
| 
