Look who hearts desi! Did you ever think the day would come when the National Basketball Association (NBA) dedicates an entire event to South Asian culture and the desi community? Well it is happening! In honor of India's Republic day, which represents India's 62nd year of independence, the NBA and Los Angeles Clippers have teamed up with Rukus Avenue to present a Republic Tribute game. The event will take place on January 26, 2009 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles during a basketball game between the LA Clippers and Portland Trailblazers. The day will feature an Armed Services Honor Guard, outdoor cultural expo and will be capped off with an exciting desi halftime show. The halftime show will feature Rukus Avenue artist Sandeep, dance from choreographers Janet Roston, Bosco and Yogen Bhagat and his Bollywood Step Dance, and singing by Nauzad and Kushi. The show is being described as a 'celebration of India' and is being performed with the full intent of giving 'everyone a taste of India.' That is awesome!

Sammy Chand, the CEO of Rukus Avenue, had this to say about the historic event, 'This is undoubtedly a very noteworthy milestone for the Indian community.  The significance of the NBA and the Clippers to commemorate India Republic Day should resonate throughout this country.  This is a clarion call that our voice in the American chorus is indeed growing louder.' Sammy Chand was quick to praise the NBA and their willingness to celebrate the South Asian culture. He says, 'The NBA is looking to spread its brand to India and our organization thought this could be an excellent way to partner with this powerful entity and begin a ripple effect of publicity.' We caught of glimpse of this when Bollywood actress Lara Dutta and her sexy boyfriend Dino Morea attended an LA Lakers game last year and got to meet basketball star Kobe Bryant. This is just another huge step for the NBA to reach an Indian audience.

The fans attending the game will not only walk away with an amazing, unique performance and an introduction to Eastern culture but they will also have the satisfaction of knowing that proceeds from sales will be going to a worthwhile cause. That's right! This event is not just a great showcase for Indian culture: proceeds from the ticket sales will benefit victims of the recent Mumbai terror attacks. That is so cool!