Language & Cultural School Happenings

----Submitted by Divya Muthu

School Open House was on  September 20th, and our classes began the following week.  With a registerations of 160 kids & adults, the ISW teaching teams and volunteers have their hands full.  Welcome to new students and returning students

There’s something special about seeing our children come together to learn about their culture, enjoy new experiences, and discover the traditions that connect us all. At the ISW Cultural & Language School, our Sunday assemblies bring our community together through stories, music, dance, celebrations, and moments of learning that go beyond the classroom.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve enjoyed everything from the soothing sounds of the violin and the vibrant rhythms of Dhol-Tasha to festival stories, yoga, meditation, and fun learning games. Each gathering is a reminder of what makes our ISW community so special - the people who generously share their time and talents, the children who participate with curiosity and enthusiasm, and the traditions that bring generations together.

September 27 – Yoga and the Beauty of Music

The morning began with a relaxing yoga session led by Narendra ji, giving our students a chance to stretch, unwind, and reconnect with themselves. The assembly wasenriched by Rajay Goyal ji’s beautiful violin presentation, bringing music and harmony tosthe gathering. It was a lovely reminder of how mindfulness and music can enrich oursslives in their own unique ways.

October 4 – The Joy of Dance and the Values of Gandhi

Energy and enthusiasm filled the room as Ekta Dance Academy brought a lively dances presentation to our assembly. It was a wonderful celebration of movement, expression, and the joy of learning through the arts.

The assembly also honored Gandhi Jayanti, with our student teachers, Neel Afini and Vidit Mahawar, sharing an informative presentation about Mahatma Gandhi. Throughhis life and teachings, our students were reminded of the enduring importance of truth,peace, and non-violence. Introducing these values to young minds helps nurturekindness, understanding, and respect that can grow with them throughout their lives.

October 11 – Celebrating Navratri and Golu

Festivals are a wonderful way to connect children with the stories, customs, andtraditions passed down through generations. Muthu Rajasekaran shared thesignificance of Navratri and Golu, helping our students better understand and appreciate these cherished celebrations. One of the highlights was 10-year-old Rishi Muthukumaran, who confidently narrated a story related to the festival. Seeing a young student take the stage and share a piece of our heritage was especially heartwarming. Moments like these remind us that our traditions become even more meaningful when children actively participate in learning and sharing them. Adding to the excitement, Narendra ji led an energetic yoga session that encouraged students to get moving and enjoy the benefits of staying active.

October 18 – Stories, Stillness, and Mindfulness

There’s something magical about a good story and the way it opens up a child's imagination. Our students enjoyed listening to stories read by author Parveen Minocha, sparking curiosity and nurturing a love of reading. In the second half of the assembly, Kavishwar ji guided the children through a meditation session, introducing them to mindfulness, relaxation, and inner calm. The combination of storytelling and meditation offered a lovely balance of imagination and stillness, reminding our children that learning is not only about gaining knowledge but also about growing in awareness and understanding.

October 25 – The Beat of Tradition and the Joy of Learning

The assembly came alive with the vibrant rhythms of Dhol-Tasha and Punjabi Dhol! A special mention to volunteers Aditya Ambade, Sonia Gera, and Yogini Lathkar for introducing our Cultural School students to these lively drumming traditions. The energetic demonstration gave the children a chance to experience the music, rhythm, and excitement that make these traditions so special.

Adding a fun twist to the morning, Vidit Mahawar hosted an engaging game of Jeopardy, bringing students together through questions, friendly competition, and learning. It was a wonderful way to keep young minds curious and show that learning can be both educational and entertaining.

More Than an Assembly

At ISW, culture is not just something we talk about; it is something our children experience, celebrate, and make their own. It is in the stories they hear, the festivals they learn about, the music they discover, the languages they practice, and the confidence they gain when they stand before their peers to share what they know. Each assembly is made special by the people who give their time, share their talents, and bring their knowledge to our school community. We are grateful to our presenters, teachers, student teachers, volunteers, and students for making these experiences so enriching.

These are the values ISW brings to our community and the next generation: a love for our heritage, respect for our traditions, openness to learning, and a strong sense of belonging. When children grow up understanding their roots, they carry more than memories with them. They carry the stories, values, and connections that help shape who they become.

The final Annual Day celebration was held on May 17 and was a tremendous success, with more than 300 attendees joining us for a joyful day of performances, recognition, and community fellowship.

A total of 190 certificates were carefully prepared by Ms. Carolyn Passey and presented to students in recognition of their hard work and achievements throughout the year. The program featured performances from 17 classes representing Hindi (all levels), Gujarati, Marathi, Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, and Sanskrit classes. It was especially heartwarming to see students as young as six years old confidently participate and showcase their talents on stage.

The event was followed by a wonderful potluck lunch attended by nearly 300 people, making this our largest gathering for the Annual Day celebration so far. The energy, enthusiasm, and sense of togetherness truly reflected the strength of our community.

Ms. Ruchi Chauhan, Chair and Principal of the school, offered heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers, teachers, and parents whose dedication and teamwork helped make the event such a success.

Dr. Jagan Srinivasan, ISW President, addressed the parents, teachers, and students, expressing gratitude for their continued dedication and support. Thank-you gifts were presented to all the teachers in appreciation of their commitment and service. Special acknowledgements were also made for our graduating students and student teachers for their contributions and accomplishments.

A special tradition continued this year as the Annual Day cake was generously sponsored by Ms. Shiamin Melville and her sister, Ms. Ragini Seth, in loving memory of their late mother’s birthday celebration. Their thoughtful contribution added warmth and meaning to the occasion and continues to be deeply appreciated by the community.

This school continues to play a vital role in bringing the community together, preserving our languages and cultural heritage, and creating a nurturing environment for students and families alike. Events like these are only possible because of the incredible support from our volunteers, teachers, parents, and community members. Thank you to everyone who helped make this celebration such a memorable occasion.

Pictures from the event: https://photos.app.goo.gl/JB46yosnosXnmAxw7

ISW School Annual Day May 17 2026 RSVP soon

ISW School all  languages  Registrations 2026-2027

ISW Adult Conversational Samskrit (Sanskrit) -online 

Donation for Teacher Appreciation 2026
Hi Parents,  the academic year draws to an end. Many of you wanted to show your appreciation for the great volunteer work done by the ISW Language Teachers, Assembly Teachers and Staff. Our school has been going strong for 34+ years with the support of our teachers, so thank you to them.

Should you wish to donate to a collection for teachers appreciation, you may do so at this link by the end of June 2026 and once thank you for your support. Funds will be donated as per teachers choice.

In 2020 $900 was donated on behalf of teachers to Greater Worcester Community Foundation GWCF for the 'First Responders Fund'.

In 2021 The donation collected for 2021 went towards the ISW building expansion fund. Once again thanks to all the teachers and volunteers for their hard work and dedication.

In 2022 The donation $670 collected went to World Central Kitchen for their work in Ukraine, and the remaining amount was donated to local charities like Abbey House, Floral Street School(for a family in need), Northborough Junior Woman club (Turkey earthquake relief fund) and Senior Center In Shrewsbury(Food Pantry)

2023, we collected approx $500, and amount was shared between $250 to Shrewsbury Senior Cnter, $150 to Abbey House shelter for Women, $50 to Beal School and $50 Floral School food bank

2024, we collected approx $300, and gift cards were purchased and donated to Abbey House shelter for Women.

2025 we collected approx $300, and gift cards were purchased and donated to ISW Crisis Committee for Saheli clients.

Hindi Manch March 28, 2026

A proud moment was witnessed in the performance presented at the Baal Yuva Gaurav Manch event organized by Hindi Manch on March 28th, 2026, where the students of ISW Cultural and Language School participated with great enthusiasm and dedication.

The performance was wonderfully directed and led by Sonia Gera ji, who guided the children with care, patience, and dedication in teaching and preparing their performance. Taruna Mangal ji supported the children through practice sessions and preparation, helping them gain confidence and perform beautifully. The students performed lovely bhajans — Sharde Ma and Hey Ram — as part of their group performance titled “Stuti.”

I would also like to express my sincere thanks to ISW Cultural and Language School, Ruchi Chauhan ji and Shiamin Melville ji for providing such a wonderful opportunity for children to participate in the Baal Yuva Gaurav Manch event.

It was truly heartwarming to see children aged 6 to 12 come together with enthusiasm, confidence, and teamwork to represent their school. We are truly grateful to the teachers and organizers for their time, effort, and encouragement in nurturing young talent and providing such enriching experiences.

Participating Students:
Uruvi Jagan
Arna Majmudar
Rishi Muthukumaran
Ishan Dixit
Kavya Mangal
Paarth Kapur
Yukta Singh
Ritika Singh
Sriansha Verma
Jasmin Grover
Krishiv Verma
Nirvi Kekre
Kimaya Malhotra
Myra Agarwal
Swara Khare
Anika Sunda
Eera Dixit

---Divya Muthu

Celebrating India’s Harvest Festivals at ISW Cultural and Language School
Our students recently participated in a culturally enriching assembly focused on the
harvest festivals of Sankranti, Lohri, and Pongal, thoughtfully presented by Jaimeen ji,
Avinash ji, and Richa ji. The assembly helped students understand the importance of
these festivals and how they are celebrated across different regions of India.
Sankranti is celebrated in many parts of India as a festival of gratitude for the harvest
and a time to welcome positivity, prosperity, and new beginnings. For Gujaratis, Makar
Sankranti (Uttarayan) is a joyful celebration of harvest, community, and tradition,
centered around kite flying, special foods, and togetherness. Kite flying is the highlight.
The sky is filled with colorful kites, and families gather on rooftops for friendly
competitions.

Lohri, primarily celebrated in North India, honors the harvest of winter crops. Lohri
(Eve of Sankranti): Celebrated with bonfires, folk songs, and dances (bhangra and
giddha). People offer peanuts, popcorn, and sweets to the fire,
Pongal, a major festival in South India, especially Tamil Nadu, is a four-day celebration
dedicated to thanking the Sun God, farmers, and cattle for a successful harvest. The
preparation of the Pongal dish represents prosperity and the joy of sharing.
Through this assembly, students learned that although these festivals are celebrated
differently across regions, they all share common values—gratitude, respect for nature,
community bonding, and cultural unity. Such learning experiences are central to the
mission of the ISW Cultural and Language School.
As part of our ongoing cultural curriculum, students will continue with bhajan practice,
nurturing a deeper connection to tradition through music and collective participation.
We thank our presenters for their time and dedication in making this assembly both
informative and meaningful for our students.

--Ruchi Chauhan

ISW School Giving Tree - set up in the lobby. We will be collecting gift cards ($10 from Walmart, Target, CVS etc),new mittens and hats for donations. A small gesture to provide families in shelters in need,  a little warmth. Please contact Ruchi at schoollead@iswonline.org for any questions

Previous years.  A tradition started by Carolyn Passey and continued through the years

ISW School XMas, thanks to Michael siblings

We were fortunate to have Brianna , Arianna and Ryan come back as usual to tell the story of Xmas and how it is celebrated.  Topics covered were Birth of Jesus Christ, Santa Claus popularity and why poinsettia plants are meaningful etc.  When we asked the students how they celebrate Xmas, most said they make cookies and decorate their Tree

The Michael kids were part of ISW Tamil School many years ago and are now are in college at WPI and working adults at TJ Maxx.  We are fortunate they come back every year and volunteer their time to share the Xmas story.  Its encouraging to see our school alumni return and give back to their community, and be role models for the current school kids.

Thanksgiving Craft, Jeopardy Part 2: India – Geography and Culture, Yoga
---Update by Divya Muthu
November 16th – Thanksgiving Craft
Our students have been busy creating beautiful Thanksgiving cards under the guidance of our dedicated art teachers, Bindiya Jain and Divya Gahlot. Each card reflects creativity, patience, and attention to detail. Activities like these help students express their thoughts and feelings, improve their artistic skills, and develop a sense of accomplishment. Creating these cards takes significant effort from both students and teachers. From planning  the project and preparing materials to guiding students step by step, a lot of thought and care goes into ensuring every child can participate and succeed. We are especially proud that all our teachers are volunteers, sharing their time and skills to nurture our students’ love for culture and creativity.
November 23rd – Jeopardy Part 2: India – Geography and Culture
Our students enjoyed an interactive session exploring India’s diverse geography and rich cultural heritage through Jeopardy. Thanks to our student teachers, Ishita and Nimish, for leading this engaging activity. Games like these strengthen listening skills, teamwork, and cultural awareness, while making learning fun and memorable.

Yoga Session

The day concluded with a calming Yoga session from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM, led by Alka Ji and Narendra Ji. Yoga encourages mindfulness, body awareness, and relaxation, helping students connect with themselves and stay balanced in both mind and body.

Student Perspective
Rishi, age 9, shared, “I really enjoy these activities. They help me learn about India and our culture, and I get to work with other kids and feel part of the community.” We are deeply grateful to all our teachers and volunteers for their dedication and creativity, which make these activities possible. A special thanks to our principal Ruchi Ji and Shiamin Ji for their constant guidance and support, helping us provide a nurturing and enriching environment for our students.

-- Submitted by Diyya Muthu

The last two Sundays at the ISW Cultural & Language School were filled with celebration, learning, and joyful experiences for our students. Here’s a look back at everything they enjoyed.

October 26, 2025 – Halloween Celebration
Led by Swati Agrawal & Divya Gahlot
Our Halloween Sunday was full of excitement as Swati Agrawal and Divya Gahlot led a fun and colorful Halloween parade along with creative games for the children.
Students came dressed in their favorite costumes and enjoyed the festive activities together. Swati ji and Divya ji also brought yummy treats, making the day extra special for the kids.
A big thank you to both teachers for organizing such a joyful and thoughtful Halloween celebration!
November 2, 2025 – Music, Yoga & a Fire Truck Visit
String Instruments Demonstration
With Narayan ji & Priya Vaidya
11:00 am – 11:30 am

The morning began with a lively and engaging string instruments demonstration by Narayan ji and Priya Vaidya. Students listened to different sounds and melodies and learned how the instruments work. Their curiosity and excitement made the session especially enjoyable.        

--Divya Muthu

Celebrating Indian Heritage: Garba Workshop, Navaratri Golu Presentation and Diwali Crafts

The ISW Language School was filled with festive joy and cultural learning over the past few weeks as students participated in themed sessions celebrating Garba,  Navaratri, Gandhi Jayanti, and Diwali.

A Joyful Start to Our New School Year!

What an exciting beginning to our new year of language and cultural learning! This year we proudly welcome 145 students — our largest registration ever! The joy of seeing our students return after the summer, along with many new faces, filled our assembly with energy and enthusiasm. Classes have begun in Telugu, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Tamil, and Kannada. For adults, Hindi and Telugu continue online with flexible scheduling — ensuring learning fits into everyone’s routine.

Our very first assembly of the year was truly special. School Principal & Chair, Ruchi Chauhan, and School Co-Chair, Shiamin Melville, led the gathering with warmth and encouragement. To celebrate, students took part in a vibrant Garba dance workshop, guided by Shaivi, Kajal, Vaishali, and Bhaarti ji. Grouped by age, children danced, laughed, and immersed themselves in the lively rhythms — setting the stage for a year filled with fun and cultural connection.

None of this would be possible without our dedicated teachers, parent volunteers, and families. Your time, commitment, and love for our mission make this community thrive. And to all the parents — thank you for bringing your children each week and making language and culture such an integral part of their upbringing.

Here’s to a year of learning, tradition, joy, and togetherness!

September 28th – Navaratri Golu Presentation & Meditation Activities

A true highlight of the season was the Navaratri Golu presentation by our student Rishi Muthu, accompanied by his dad, Muthu. Rishi impressed everyone with his confident narration and thoughtful explanation of the story and significance behind Navaratri, while Muthu guided the audience through the spiritual meaning of the Golu display. Their engaging and well-prepared presentation stood out for its depth, teamwork, and cultural insight.

The same day also featured a delightful session of meditation and interactive games with Kavishwar Wagholikar, helping students connect mindfulness with fun.

October 5th – Gandhi Jayanti & Yoga Session

Our student teacher Nimish Kunte led a deeply informative session on Gandhi Jayanti, reminding students about Gandhiji’s values of peace, truth, and non-violence. This was followed by yoga and stretching with Alka ji and Narendra ji, which brought calm focus to the morning.

October 12th – Diwali Assembly & Crafts

The celebration continued with a beautiful Diwali presentation designed by Yukta Singh and presented by Ishita Agarwal and Swati Agarwal. Students then expressed their creativity through Mandala-inspired Diya painting, filling the room with color, joy, and artistic energy. A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated teachers — Divya Gahlot, Swati Agarwal, Sonia Gera, Anjali Paranjpe, and Uma ji — for leading these events with enthusiasm, and to our student teachers and parents for their support. 

These sessions beautifully reflected the spirit of ISW Language School — where students not only learn a language but also live their culture through creativity, confidence, and community.