Milan Cultural Association (an association of the people from India living in Connecticut) has put our community as the first emigrant community in the state of Connecticut, who shares the social and civic issues at the state level.

Milan is conducting Incredible India Festival and walkathon for the last 6 years to help the in the state of Connecticut who are hungry or at risk of hunger.

The 6th Annual Milan walkathon and Incredible India Festival was organized at the Riverfront Plaza in Hartford as our host and The Hartford Courant the leading and the oldest newspaper in Connecticut as our media sponsor. This event was supported by India Tourism, United Technologies, Metropolitan District, Phoenix Insurance and R&D Dynamics.
 
According to Suresh Sharma, President of the association, Milan does this event for two reasons. One is to enhance the visibility of the Indian Community by showcasing its heritage to the non Indian Community and two, interacting with the mainstream by sharing civic and social responsibilities in the United State.

This walkathon attracted 3500 visitors and helped to raise about $10,000. The Money raised goes to the Courant Community Fund that supports non-profit community agencies working toward welfare of the children and their families, said Milan vice president operations, Jaya Ganta.

Connecticut Attorney General, Richard Blumenthal addressed the participants. He praised the contribution the community has made in Connecticut and appreciated the event to benefit the hungry children and said he would like more communities to follow.

Dr. M. Vijayasekar, Milan, Vice President public relation was more specific in saying, “The walkathon is one such event to raise funds for the needy children. We feel such multicultural events foster better understanding and build constructive relationships and mutual trust among cultures in Connecticut."

The Incredible India Festival was the most enjoyable part of the program with the visitors.  The fancy dress competition and Cultural program was attended by the applauding crowd that brought lots of ‘Thank you for doing this for us'. They enjoyed the Indian cuisine,  shopping at the various booths displaying Indian style jewelry, clothes, and handicrafts. India tourism booth was an attraction for the Indian and non – Indian participants.

This year the running trophy was shared by Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra for best booth of the year.

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