Driven by their passion for Indian Classical Music, Bharti and Dr. Deenbandhu Chokshi were hosting house concerts of Indian Classical music for friends for many years, but one day it came to them that Indian Classical music is so ancient, “we need to let the public enjoy our music.” And, so, along with a few friends, on June 5, 1998, they founded a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Association of the Performing Arts of India.
Based in Pembroke Pines, Florida, the Association of the Performing Arts of India (APAI) was formed to preserve and promote Indian Classical music and dance through concerts, classes and lecture-demonstrations of Indian Classical music and dance.

Since 1998, APAI has been the sole organization in the South Florida region to host artists consistently of major international stature within the realm of Indian Classical music and dance, while also serving the needs of the local community through educational outreach.

In the last twenty five years, in furtherance of our goal to educate our community about the Indian Classical music and dance, APAI has presented eighty eight live concerts and many lecture-demonstrations to schools, libraries, Universities and community colleges. January through April 2009, we offered a course on Indian Classical Dance – “Bharat Natyam” – at Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida.