Detroit Indian Center Opens in Novi
(Janet Lawless, April 6, 2016)
Novi, MI – Set back from busy Novi Road, between Grand River and Ten Mile, in a cozy yellow cottage nestled between two grassy fields, is the brand new Detroit Indian Center. The center, launched in 2013, is the brainchild of a group of friends and families who were growing increasingly tired of carting their kids hither and thither to this activity and that. Together, they decided that one central location in the community to host a variety of activities and academics was a great plan and a potential remedy to all the taxiing and hurry. First, before they opened the new facility on Novi Road, they decided to offer classes at the Novi Christian School on Taft Road to give the idea a try. Encouraged by the enrollment and growing community interest, they secured and renovated the new location on Novi Road.
The mission and objectives of the newer Detroit Indian Center are to grow into a multicultural community gathering place which offers multiple classes to enrich both kids and adults. Right now, the center offers dance, sports, volleyball, sports, hip hop dancing, Bollywood dancing, tennis, fine art, chess, kuchipudi (traditional Indian) dance, public speaking and confidence building, English/ Language Arts, Math, and Bollyfit classes for adults. During the summer, the school offers a fun camp (open now for enrollment) for kids that includes learning and fun, with regular field trips to area spots of interest. There are currently approximately 160 students enrolled at the center and the group has been conducting outreach to inform and attract more potential students. “We would like DICE to be open to whole community and to serve as a community gathering place,” says Sirisha Uppalapati, one of the directors of the center. The facility is also available for event rental.
In the next few years, the center looks to spread the word about their wide range of class offerings, expand enrollment, and even enhance the new facility by building a gymnasium. At this time, the school offers several bright classrooms, a large meeting room, dance studio, outside play area, sand volleyball court, and a large field in the back that can be used for sports and outdoor events. Right now, some of the teachers take their classes outside for fun and learning.
The center directors consist of six people, including Mrs. Sirisha Uppalapati, Mr. Vani Uppalapati, and Mr. Raghu Ravipati. The Detroit Indian Center is located on west side of Novi Road, between Grand River and Ten Mile, 24555 Novi Road, Novi, Michigan, 248- 962-3678, www.detroitindiancenter.com.