Many people interviewed by WGLT say they’re eager for Indians to take the next step in representation – serving in elected positions – and are hopeful that historic barriers to those opportunities can be overcome.

Games are as much a part of Indian culture as they are in American culture. And within both of those cultures, how those games are played, and who plays them, have changed over time.

The missions of both schools that teach Telugu and Tamil boil down to universal themes that go beyond language. They're there to pass along tradition, culture and history and to build kinship and community among those who attend.

The Asian Indian population has grown dramatically over the last decade in Bloomington-Normal, but they are still a minority. Many Indians say the community is welcoming, but not everyone has the same experiences.

Two Bloomington restaurateurs discuss the challenges — and opportunities — in representing the food of India.

As part of WGLT’s weeklong series about Indians in Bloomington-Normal, you’re about to hear from four remarkable young people – some born here, some who immigrated with their families – who’ve done more for their community in young lives than many of us do in a lifetime.

This is the first part of a WGLT series looking at the Asian Indian community in Bloomington-Normal. It's a rich tapestry of people with all the nuance and complexity you would expect of a culture thousands of years old.

Krishna and Uma Balakrishnan are among the many Asian Indians in Bloomington-Normal who are navigating life as both parents and first-generation immigrants. No parent has it easy, but it takes a special blend of courage and resilience to raise kids to thrive in a culture you yourself as learning too.