Virsa Punjab Da

About VPD

Virsa Punjab Da was conceived for the primary purpose of the celebration of the important contribution by the people and the region of Punjab to South Asian culture, as well as the opportunity to provide humanitarian aid in order to alleviate the dire conditions of the poor and needy of South Asia. Both the Sikh Student Association and the Gamma Chapter of Delta Sigma Iota Fraternity, Inc. share a vision of uniting the diverse segments of South Asian society around the rich song and dance of Bhangra. As profits will be donated to Nishkam Seva Charity, Virsa Punjab Da is far more than just a dance competition.

About the Show

"Virsa Punjab Da" literally means the Heritage of Punjab, emphasizing the centrality of Punjab culture, traditions and values in the vision behind the competition. Punjab, meaning "land of five rivers", currently cradles both modern day India and Pakistan. As the home of the Indus Valley Civilization, Punjab, in its original borders, stretched from Delhi to Afghanistan, is becoming a land famous for South Asia's more renowned poetry, literature, and music. In addition to its cultural endeavors, Punjab was the birthplace of Sikhism, making it a distinct location for the ideological and theological fusion of Sikhism, Hinduism, and Islam. The Punjabi dance of Bhangra dates back centuries in celebrations of the holiday of Vaisakhi, it has served throughout the times to cut through religious, class, and gender divisions. Today Bhangra has served to unite all sections of South Asian society both in Punjab and throughout its diasporas.

Teams

The 2010 Official Team line up is:

UNC Bhangra Elite
Drexel University Bhangra
Duke Dhamaka
Rochester Bhangra
Truskool Folk Arts Club
Punjab Di Asli Pehchaan
UVA Di Shaan
Bulldawg Da Raaj
NC State Bhangra (Exhibition)
Natya Academy's Gajjdi Jawani (Exhibition)
Temple University Bhangra (Exhibition)

TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE FOR VPD 2010!!!

Tickets for VPD 2010 can be purchased online at www.carolinatheatre.org/tickets, in person at the Carolina Theatre Box Office, or by calling Carolina Theatre at (919) 560-3030.

Student tickets: $10, General Admission: $13, Day of the Show: $15

Student tickets for VPD 2010 must be purchased through one of the VPD Committee members. Valid Student ID is required. Please contact Tiffany Saini for more information about purchasing student tickets at (828) 335-7499 or Ashis Mohanty at (401) 497-3302

If you are not close to the Raleigh/Durham area and you wish to purchase student tickets, you will be required to mail a check to us in order for us to reserve a student ticket for you. Once your student ID is verified when you arrive, your ticket will be given to you. The address to mail the check is located on the Contact page of our website. Please contact either Tiffany or Ashis before mailing any checks.

For more information, please contact vpdncsu(at)gmail(dot)com, or visit the Facebook link below:

SSA / DSI

Delta Sigma Iota

Delta Sigma Iota Fraternity, Inc. is a South Asian interest based social and service fraternity that was founded at The Pennsylvania State University on August 15th, 2000, and was established on the NC State campus on April 8, 2006. The fraternity prides itself on its three pillars: Service, Education, and Unity. Our national philanthropy is SAMAR (South Asian Marrow Association of Recruiters) and our chapter philanthropy is Relay for Life. The purpose of our organization is to bridge the gap between people from various South Asian countries, while giving back to the community that has given us so much. Throughout our four years at NC State, we have held many service events such as blood drives with Rex and the American Red Cross and have raised money and participated in Relay for Life hosted by the American Cancer Society. Now our plan is to raise money for a charity primarily focused on helping people in South Asia by hosting a cultural dance competition. For more information please visit our website: www.deltasigmaiota.org

Sikh Student Association

The Sikh Student Association was founded two years ago, yet it has very quickly become one of the most active and ambitious cultural and religious organizations at North Carolina State University. Despite being the fifth largest religion in the world, Sikhism is the only major religion with little to no public awareness; and since the September 11th attacks has been the target of a great deal of intolerance and hate. As the only Sikh student organization in the entire state of North Carolina, it is our solemn duty to represent our faith, protect our people, and enrich the greater community with knowledge of our values, traditions and beliefs. In addition to creating awareness of our religion, it is also a major goal of our organization to advocate for greater understanding and respect between different religious traditions. By hosting this celebration of our culture, we not only hope to inform the community about the rich dance of Bhangra, but also raise funds for Nishkam Seva charity in order to begin our promise to better the world around us.

Charity

Nishkam Sikh Welfare Council – www.nishkam.org

In Sikhism, Nishkam Seva, or selfless service, is the most central duty of a Sikh. To serve humankind regardless of any earthly distinctions of religion, class, creed, or race.

Their mission is stated as follows: “Nishkam works with all its partners towards the realization of the sustainable human development goals adopted by the world community and the realization of the vision of peace and social progress. Nishkam is non-partisan and its cooperation is free of discrimination. In everything it does, the most disadvantaged members of the human race and the regions in greatest need have priority.”

The Sikh Student Association and Delta Sigma Iota are proud to state that the profits from Virsa Punjab Da will go towards the great work being done by Nishkam Seva towards the educational, medical and financial support of widows, orphans, and the elderly through the “Mata Gujri Sukh Niwas” center and various welfare projects. The Mata Gujri Center is a project with complete infrastructure including lodging and medical care.

Venue

Virsa Punjab Da will be held at Fletcher Hall in the Carolina Theatre. Fletcher Hall is a 1014-seat theatre designed for quality live performances, opera and theatrical productions.

Fletcher Hall in the Carolina Theatre
309 West Morgan Street
Durham, NC