Provide an avenue for people of Indo-American heritage to positively engage with communities in the Bluegrass Region. Create opportunities for Indian Americans to serve the communities they live in via civic and charitable activities. Increase awareness of the rich Indian culture within the Bluegrass region.
The Bluegrass Indo-American Civic Society (BIACS) is a Kentucky registered not for profit organization (Tax ID 61-1145155). Founded in 1988, BIACS provides people of Indian heritage and other interested members a platform to engage in civic and charitable activities in the Bluegrass Region. Consistent with its charter, over the years, BIACS has spearheaded or participated in a variety of social, educational, cultural, charitable, and civic activities within the Bluegrass Region.

Two marquee events that the society has spearheaded since its inception are a scholarship awards banquet and India day - Cultural event. At the awards banquet, BIACS awards cash scholarships to college bound high school graduates of many different ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds from throughout the state of Kentucky. These scholarships are possible because of generous support from BIACS members and local corporates like Toyota Motor Manufacturing of Kentucky. Guests of honor and speakers at these awards banquets have ranged from past presidents, leaders of industry, New York Times Best Selling authors, federal judges, ambassadors to other nations, mayors, and other accomplished members of the community. n addition to these signature events, the society also participates in other civic activities such as volunteering at food banks, cultural showcases at events of local interest, and raising funds to assist those affected by natural disasters such as earthquakes and flooding within the state, the nation and beyond.

The executive committee of the BIACS, comprising of a President, President-Elect, Secretary, and Treasurer are assisted by councilors in managing the activities of the society. Every individual on the executive committee and the council volunteers their time for activities related to BIACS. The executive board serves a one-year term, while the councilors serve for two years. A nomination and election process are used to select the executive board and councilors at the annual board meeting of the BIACS.

To foster civic engagement among the next generation of Americans of Indian heritage, a youth board works closely with the BIACS board, and often provides volunteers for the activities of the society. The youth board members are also elected.

Membership to the society involves an application and payment of nominal dues and is not restricted to those of Indian heritage.

We welcome you to our website and encourage you to browse through its contents to learn more about us and what we do.

Bluegrass Indo-American Civic Society (BIACS): A Legacy of Service, Education, Culture, and Community

The Bluegrass Indo-American Civic Society (BIACS) is a Kentucky-registered nonprofit organization (Tax ID: 61-1145155), founded in 1988 with a simple yet enduring mission—to give back to the community we call home. For nearly four decades, BIACS has served as a bridge between the Indian-American community and the broader Bluegrass region by promoting education, preserving cultural heritage, encouraging civic engagement, and supporting charitable causes.

Open to individuals of all backgrounds, BIACS provides a platform for people of Indian heritage and friends of the community to work together in strengthening the social and civic fabric of Central Kentucky. Every initiative reflects the organization's belief that giving back is not just a responsibility—it is a privilege.

One of BIACS's signature initiatives is its Annual Scholarship Program, one of the longest-running community scholarship programs in Kentucky. Since its inception, BIACS has awarded over $500,000 in scholarships to college-bound high school seniors from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds across the Commonwealth. Made possible through the generosity of individual donors, community leaders, and corporate partners such as Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, the program continues to grow in both reach and impact. In 2026, BIACS received 175 applications from 20 Kentucky counties and awarded 31 scholarships, including higher-value scholarships of $3,000 and $1,500 for the first time.

The annual Scholarship Banquet has become a premier community event, bringing together students, families, educators, physicians, business leaders, elected officials, and civic organizations. Distinguished speakers have included ambassadors, federal judges, mayors, university leaders, corporate executives, bestselling authors, and other accomplished professionals who inspire students to pursue excellence and leadership.

BIACS also celebrates India's rich cultural heritage through India Day and other cultural programs featuring classical and folk dance, music, visual arts, festivals, and educational presentations. These events preserve traditions while promoting cultural understanding and friendship among people of all backgrounds, strengthening the multicultural fabric of the Bluegrass region.

Beyond education and culture, BIACS actively participates in community service by volunteering at local food banks, supporting disaster relief efforts, partnering with local nonprofits, and participating in multicultural outreach programs. These initiatives reflect the organization's longstanding commitment to serving the broader Kentucky community.

BIACS is entirely volunteer-driven. An elected Executive Board, council members, committee members, and volunteers generously contribute their time and expertise to advance the organization's mission. The organization also places strong emphasis on developing future leaders through its Youth Leadership Program, providing young people opportunities to serve, volunteer, organize events, and engage in civic activities alongside experienced mentors.

As BIACS approaches four decades of service, it remains committed to expanding educational opportunities, strengthening community partnerships, celebrating cultural diversity, and inspiring future generations through leadership and service.

The enduring success of BIACS is a testament to the generosity of its donors, the dedication of its volunteers, and the unwavering support of the Bluegrass community. Together, they have built a legacy that continues to transform lives through education, culture, civic engagement, and community service.

• Cultural/Multi-Arts

Event Summary

East West Musical Beats – Music to Heal the Soul is an innovative multicultural concert presented by the Bluegrass Indo-American Civic Society (BIACS) that celebrates the universal language of music by blending Eastern and Western musical traditions. The event will be held on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at the Paul Laurence Dunbar High School Auditorium in Lexington, Kentucky, with an expected attendance of approximately 250 community members.

The concert features an internationally acclaimed ensemble led by Ustad Shafaat Khan, world-renowned Indian classical maestro performing sitar, vocals, and tabla, joined by Beledo on guitar, Anawim Avila on saxophone, Daniel Johnson on percussion and tabla, and Jacobo Aragón Torres on drums and percussion. Together, these accomplished musicians create a unique collaboration that blends Indian classical and folk traditions with jazz, flamenco, rock, pop, and world music, offering audiences an unforgettable cross-cultural musical experience.

Designed for audiences of all ages and backgrounds, East West Musical Beats promotes cultural understanding, artistic excellence, and community engagement through live performance. The concert serves as a platform for celebrating diversity, fostering dialogue across cultures, and strengthening community connections through the shared experience of music.

Presented by BIACS, a nonprofit organization serving Central Kentucky since 1988, the event supports the organization's mission of advancing education, arts, youth leadership, and community service. Proceeds from ticket sales and sponsorships help sustain BIACS's scholarship program, cultural initiatives, youth development activities, and civic engagement efforts. More than a concert, East West Musical Beats reflects BIACS's ongoing commitment to building bridges between cultures, enriching Kentucky's cultural landscape, and creating meaningful opportunities for people of diverse backgrounds to connect through the transformative power of music.

East West Musical Beats will enrich Central Kentucky's cultural landscape by providing a unique opportunity for approximately 250 community members to experience a world-class collaboration of Eastern and Western musical traditions. The event promotes cultural understanding, appreciation of diverse artistic traditions, and meaningful connections among people of different backgrounds through the universal language of music.

The concert is open to the entire Lexington community and is designed to be welcoming and accessible to audiences of all ages, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds. By presenting internationally acclaimed artists alongside multicultural musical traditions, the program broadens access to high-quality performing arts that are not commonly available in the region.

Beyond the performance itself, the event strengthens community partnerships, encourages intercultural dialogue, and supports BIACS's broader mission of promoting education, youth engagement, cultural exchange, and community service. It provides an opportunity for residents to come together, celebrate diversity, and build stronger community connections through a shared artistic experience.

BIACS will implement a community-focused marketing strategy to promote East West Musical Beats throughout the Lexington area. Event information will be distributed through our website, email newsletters, social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and LinkedIn), and professionally designed digital and printed promotional materials.

Our branding emphasizes community, cultural exchange, education, and inclusion, with consistent messaging across all communication channels.

To reach both existing and new audiences, we will leverage our extensive network of members, volunteers, local businesses, universities, and community organizations. Our BIACS Youth Leadership Group will play an active role in grassroots outreach by distributing flyers and conducting door-to-door promotional campaigns in neighborhoods such as Beaumont and other areas of Lexington. Members will also share event information through their personal and professional networks to broaden community participat

The primary audience is the greater Lexington community, including individuals and families of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds. BIACS actively welcomes participants from all ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic communities, including students, educators, artists, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities. Through East West Musical Beats, we aim to bring together approximately 250 attendees from across Central Kentucky to experience a unique fusion of Eastern and Western musical traditions, fostering cultural understanding, appreciation of the arts, and community connection.

The Bluegrass Indo-American Civic Society (BIACS) is committed to creating an inclusive environment where people of all backgrounds can participate in and benefit from arts and cultural programming. While our roots are in celebrating Indian heritage, our mission is to build bridges across cultures through education, the arts, and community engagement.

Our volunteer-led board and membership include individuals from diverse professional, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds, with active participation from youth, women, and community leaders. Through our Youth Leadership Program, we intentionally engage the next generation in planning and delivering community programs.

BIACS collaborates with local schools, universities, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and civic leaders to broaden access to our programs. Our events are open to the public and designed to welcome audiences of all ages, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

LEX ARTS and BTCC

Program Goals

The primary goals of East West Musical Beats are to:

Promote cultural understanding and appreciation by bringing together Eastern and Western musical traditions in a shared artistic experience.
Increase access to high-quality performing arts for the diverse communities of Central Kentucky.
Foster community engagement by bringing together people of different cultures, ages, and backgrounds through music.
Support BIACS's mission of promoting education, cultural exchange, civic engagement, and community service.
Inspire youth and families to appreciate cultural diversity and participate in community arts programming.

These goals directly support BIACS's mission of building bridges across cultures while giving back to the community through educational, cultural, and civic initiatives. By presenting internationally acclaimed artists in an inclusive community setting, the program strengthens cultural connections, enriches the local arts landscape, and encourages me

BIACS will evaluate the success of East West Musical Beats using both quantitative and qualitative measures.

Success will be measured by attendance, with a goal of reaching approximately 250 participants, as well as ticket sales, sponsorship support, and volunteer participation. We will also evaluate audience diversity and community engagement based on participation from various cultural and demographic groups.

Following the event, feedback will be collected from attendees, artists, volunteers, and sponsors through informal discussions and online surveys to assess audience satisfaction, program quality, cultural impact, and suggestions for improvement.

The BIACS Board will conduct a post-event review to evaluate whether the program met its objectives of promoting cultural understanding, expanding access to the arts, strengthening community partnerships, and engaging new audiences. Lessons learned will be incorporated into future programming to continuously improve the quality and impact of BIACS cultural events.

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• fw9-BIACS-13.pdf
• fw9-BIACS-14.pdf