---Yogesh Parikh on behalf of Bhakta Family

Vitthalbhai “Victor” Sanmukhlal Bhakta
June 17, 1950 — April 22, 2025

HOLLYWOOD, FL/BOLTON, MA - Vitthalbhai “Victor” Sanmukhlal Bhakta was born in the rural village of Bajipura, Gujarat, India where he spent his childhood surrounded by his parents, four brothers, and countless cousins. At the age of 11, Vitthalbhai immigrated to San Francisco with his family. He came to the United States not knowing any English, but faked it until he made it in the San Francisco public school system. He worked with the family running (and later owning) motels and in 1977, he returned to India with his younger brother to find a wife.

Vitthalbhai met Bhartiben and it was love at first sight - at least for him! He managed to persuade her and they were married after knowing each other for a few days. They have led an incredible life together full of love and would have celebrated 48 years of marriage on May 1st. After the wedding, Vitthalbhai infamously went on the honeymoon- alone. He traveled to Japan, Africa, and the Middle East, while Bhartiben had to remain in India awaiting to finish her studies and visa. They first moved to San Francisco, living in the family home, and later to San Jose where they opened a graphic design and printing business and their daughter Deepti was born. Eventually, Vitthalbhai found a new opportunity in Massachusetts and the family settled in as the owners of the Clinton Motor Inn. Not long after, the family welcomed a son, Roshan in 1984.

Ever the entrepreneur and risk-taker, Vitthalbhai also tried various other enterprises alongside the motel, his adventures ranged from gas station owner (& attendant!) to operating the only ice cream truck in town that also served samosas! The true testament of his tenacity was the decision to purchase the Holiday Inn in Leominster and convert it into an assisted living facility. Manor on the Hill has been a family-owned business since 1997 and continues to be run by Vitthalbhai’s son, Roshan. Vitthalbhai continued to build his businesses, working with Bhartiben and extended family members to explore opportunities and co-own various hotels and assisted livings across the country. Vitthalbhai’s independent thinking, desire to follow his passion combined with the risks he took enabled an amazing life filled with so many deeply meaningful experiences, unique circle of friends and a greater appreciation of the finer things in life.

One of those finer things in Vitthalbhai’s life was music. He sang, played the harmonium, the dholak, and the keyboard. Each time he returned to India, he would make a point to learn more songs and music. He shared his musical talents at many bhajans, garbas, and gatherings. In fact, he even recorded his own album alongside a full orchestra of professional musicians. Whenever music was playing, he could be found tapping his feet, hands, and humming along. Many, many people have enjoyed and found comfort in his singing. We will always think of him and his love for music and how he was able to use it to bring light and love into the lives and hearts of those around him.

Vitthalbhai became an important part of the community, proudly serving with the Rotary Club as well as being a vital member of the India Society of Worcester. His desire to be of service to others showed through his countless hours volunteering at the soup kitchen, and being available to sing at bhajans, garbas or just start antakshari at the drop of a dime. Even though Vitthalbhai spent most of his adult life away from India he always remained deeply connected to his roots and remained spiritual throughout his life. Most notably he organized taking teachers to India on behalf of the Rotary club as well as other charitable causes to improve lives abroad.

In more recent years, Vitthalbhai enjoyed working less and playing more. He went on many travel adventures with his wife and family. In the last year alone, he went to India, Japan, the Dominican Republic, and of course, across the US visiting friends & family. Vitthalbhai and Bhartiben enjoyed splitting their time between Hollywood, FL and Bolton, MA. He may have preferred Florida for the hot weather, but was always glad to be back in Massachusetts spending time with his granddaughters. He also loved to be back in the land of champion sports teams, and was likely to be spotted wearing a Patriots hat and/or sweatshirt any time of the year.

Vitthalbhai’s most cherished role was as husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Bharti Vitthal Bhakta, daughter Deepti Vitthal Bhakta-Johns, son Roshan Vitthal Bhakta, their spouses Gregory David Johns, Tessa Stratton Lundquist, and his four granddaughters, Lali Diane Bhakta-Johns, Neeva Rosaline Bhakta-Johns, Shyla Phoenix Bhakta-Johns, and Aaxa Kristen Bhakta. There is no question that Vitthal’s greatest joy was his family. He and Bhartiben were not simply husband and wife, they were truly partners in life, working together in business and in raising their family. Vitthalbhai was most proud of Deepti and Roshan and never wavered in his support of them. “Dada” will be greatly missed by his beloved granddaughters. He would be smiling constantly when spending time with them. He had an indescribable bond with each one of them and gave them a lifetime’s worth of love. We are incredibly grateful for the time his granddaughters got to spend with him, and know that his spirit remains alive in them.

Vitthalbhai was preceded in death by his brother Thakorbhai Sanmukhbhai Bhakta. He is also survived by his brothers, Bhartbhai & Urmilaben Bhakta (San Francisco, Ca), Jagdishbhai & Pushpaben Bhakta (Madera, Ca), and Arvinbhai & Padmaben Bhakta (Sunnyvale, Ca), and many, many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who were family.

While words like genuine, kind and steadfast are often heard, they describe Vitthalbhai perfectly. He was loved and respected by many, many people all across the globe. Vitthalbhai’s family, friends, and community will love and remember him forever, will carry his spirit, and will move forward with the quiet strength and sense of humor that he always exuded.

In lieu of gifts, the family suggests considering a donation to the Alzheimer's Association, one of Vitthalbhai's favorite charities in his memory.

Announcement for Repast - Vitthalbhai Bhakta

Bhartiben, Deepti, Roshan, and the entire Bhakta family have expressed their sincere appreciation for your invaluable support and presence this week, especially during the final rites rituals and service for our dear friend Vitthalbhai Bhakta last Friday at the India Center of ISW in Shrewsbury. The touching display of your affection and respect for Vitthalbhai has meant a lot to the family. Now, they'd like to have an opportunity to celebrate Vitthalbhai's life and legacy with friends and well-wishers.

A Memorial Service (Barmu) has been scheduled to:
· Celebrate Vitthalbhai's life while also providing a graceful closure with 12th & 13th day rituals, which are an important part of the grieving process in our culture,
· Recite a few of his favorite bhajans,
· Gather family and friends to recall and relive the memories of Vitthalbhai,
· Talk about what he meant to others, what we learned from him, his influence on the others, and memorable moments with him.

DATE: Sunday, May 4, 2025
TIME: 10:00 AM onward
PLACE: B.A.P.S. Temple
LOCATION: 275 Turnpike Rd, Westborough, MA 01581; 508-366-2277

10:00 AM - Arrival, Tea, and Connect
10:30 (Sharp) - Memorial Service, Bhajans, Sharing of Memorable Moments and Impressions,
12:30 PM Onward - Lunch

Your presence will help us celebrate Vitthalbhai's legacy and the impact he had on all of us. We hope you can join us at this memorable repast. The Bhakta family is deeply grateful for your support during this period of reflection and look forward to seeing you and sharing memories together. We would also appreciate if you forwarded this announcement to others who need to be informed.

Regards, Yogesh (on behalf of the Bhakta family) 

--submitted by Jagan Srinivasan, President, India Society of Worcester

ISW Stands in Solidarity with Victims of the Pahalgam Attack

April 26, 2025

The India Society of Worcester mourns the lives lost and offers our heartfelt condolences to the families and communities affected by the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir.

In this time of profound sorrow, our thoughts and prayers are with every individual touched by this tragedy. Though such senseless violence seeks to divide us, it only strengthens our collective determination to heal together.

We at ISW stand firmly committed to nurturing solidarity, unity, and compassion—embracing one another as we work toward a future of peace and mutual understanding.

An Enchanting Evening of Music at the India Center

Last Saturday, while rain drizzled outside and the chill in the air lingered, the India Center became a haven of warmth, coziness, and enchantment—thanks to the magic of music. ISW, in collaboration with Learnquest Academy of Music, presented a Classical Music Recital as part of a pre-conference program for Learnquest’s upcoming Music Conference.

The evening kicked off with the calming prayer "Hamko Mann Ki Shakti Dena," based on Raga Kedar from the Hindi film Guddi. ISW’s Vocal Ensemble, accompanied by Yash Naik on tabla, set the perfect tone, enveloping the audience in a peaceful, melodic atmosphere.

Indian Classical Music is divided into two major traditions: Hindustani Sangeet (from Northern India) and Carnatic Sangeet (from the South). The event’s journey took the audience to the heart of Southern India with an exceptional performance by Smt. Tara Anand’s students from Anubhav School of Music. They were joined by Sudarshan Thirumalai on the mridangam, Prahlad Chakravarthy on the kanjira, and Sahana Venkatesh on the veena, showcasing the brilliance of Carnatic music.

Many popular songs and melodies are inspired by Hindustani Classical ragas, and this was the focus of a fascinating Lecture Demonstration by Shuchita Ji Rao. She took the attendees on a musical tour from core classical forms like Khayal and Tarana, to folk songs and film hits. Her students brought these pieces to life with beautiful renditions, offering a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

The magic continued with a special presentation by the ISW Vocal Ensemble, who performed a medley of Hindi movie songs inspired by Raga Yaman, often called the “king of Ragas.” The ensemble’s intricate weaving of melodies, with tiny sargams added in between, created a mesmerizing musical garland that captured the essence of Yaman in various genres.

Vocal Ensemble Group:
Anju Shukla, Aruna Tikkare, Kiran Mayi, Rashmi Subramanian, Sandhya Patel, Sandipa Barat, Sarita Deshpande, Shipra Gupta, Suhana Shah, Usha Yadav, Veena Dindore, Yatin Manjrekar
Guitar: Kavi Wagholikar
Tabla: Yash Naik
Harmonium: Sarita Deshpande

The grand finale of the evening featured the brilliant Hindustani classical vocal performance by Vidushi Ruchira Panda, an exponent of the Kotali Gharana. Her rendition of Raga Yaman Vilambi Khayal, followed by Drut Khayal and Tap-Khayal, was a feast for the ears, with a deeply expressive Aalap and Taan that captivated the audience. She concluded with a Thumari composed by her guru, Shri Manas Chakraborty. Every progression of her swaras, from Mandra Saptak to Taar Shadaj, was delivered with finesse, creating breathtaking moments that were nothing short of magical.

The event was attended by ISW and Learnquest members, along with their families and friends, all of whom left with an overwhelming sense of joy and inspiration. The community has expressed a strong desire for more such classical and semi-classical music programs at the India Center, and we look forward to creating more unforgettable musical experiences in the future!

Let the magic of music continue!

Pictures by Govind Dindore

Boston Bursts with Color at ISW Holi Celebration at Faneuil Hall Marketplace

By Rajesh Khare

March 16, 2025, Boston, MA – The historic Faneuil Hall Marketplace came alive with colors as the India Society of Worcester (ISW) hosted an energetic Holi celebration, the Festival of Colors. The event attracted hundreds of community members and visitors, providing an authentic experience of this vibrant Indian festival.

The celebration kicked off with the Dhol & Tasha drums and the synchronized Lezim dance by the ISW Symphony group, captivating the audience. The group's performance filled the air with festive energy, encouraging the crowd to clap, dance, and join in the celebration with colors. "We matched the energy level of a performance in India. It’s wonderful to see the next generation now interested and invested in this tradition," said Akshay Rajhans, a member of the ISW Symphony.

In addition, the dazzling dance routines from various community groups further elevated the celebration. These performances, representing different regions of India, showcased the nation's cultural diversity and kept the audience engaged throughout the event.

"The Holi event was an absolute hit! The energy was incredible, and the performances had everyone completely captivated," said Prasanna Pawar, another participant in the event. Sonia Gera, an enthusiastic member of the ISW Symphony, added, "Such a fun-filled Holi celebration. Blessed to be part of this team!" Meanwhile, Yogini Lathkar expressed her appreciation for the event's spirit, saying, "So much energy and enthusiasm! Kudos to the organizers and all the hard work behind the scenes."

Performers:

Dhol: Aishwarya Mungarwadi, Akshay Rajhans, Arya Mulay, Madhu Thube, Meenakshi Vaze, Prasanna Pawar, Raghavendra Cowlagi, Rajesh Khare, Ranjit Mulay, Sakshi Gurao, Sarita Deshpande, Sonia Gera, Yogini Lathkar

Tasha: Arvind Kinhikar, Ayaan Sahasrabuddhe, Jayant Thube, Kaustubh Sahasrabuddhe, Mangesh Shinde, Parag Kunte, Sanket Gurao

Tol: Shirish Joshi

Jhanz: Ahan Rajhans, Ashok Kale, Manoj Gera, Vaijayanti Joshi

Lezim: Anjali Kinhikar, Anuradha Bhogle, Arjun Sahasrabuddhe, Arti Khare, Ashwini Sabnis Kulkarni, Maurya, Pallavi, Samyukta Warty, Saanvi Khare, Sharanya, Shatatara Lathkar, Shilpa Kulkarni, Shriya Joag, Shweta Sahasrabuddhe, Urudini, Vishakha Khamankar, Vivaan

Ghoshna: Maurya Pawar

Shiv-Parvati Mahakal Dance: Arjun Sahasrabuddhe, Ayaan Sahasrabuddhe and Uruvi Jagan

Shankh: Arjun Sahasrabuddhe

Tutari: Arvind Kinhikar, Jayant Thube

Dance Performers:

Aaradhya Mohapatra, Amrita Banerjee, Anaya Wasekar, Anita Mohapatra, Anjali Singh, Arjun Sahasrabudhe, Ayaan Sahasrabudhe, Basva Rohan Raja, Eshwar Reddy Palvai, Laxmi Niveditha Gandham, Manviya Bhaduriya, Mayra Bhaduriya, Minasri Borah, Monali Wasekar, Monalisha Kalita, Nija Shingh, Pranita Deshmukh, Reema Raghavendra, Sai Askhitha Reddy Kota, Sai Sriram Kasuba, Saoni Mukherjee, Saanvi Khare, Satya Gutala, Shatatara Lathkar, Smita Manjrekar, Snehal Kadam, Sri Shivani Mandati, Suchismita Hazarika, Suchitra Shinde, Sumalini Reddy Palvai, Tanvi Kunte, Tulika Gogoi, Vaishnavi Barot, Yojneesh Shakya

Photography: Arjun Thube, Mukesh Tanwanis, Pranita Deshmukh

The ISW Symphony Dhol Tasha Lezim group expressed their gratitude to the audience for their participation and to the event organizers for making the celebration possible.

Reflecting on the event, Arvind Kinhikar shared, "Right from the beginning, we knew we were going to rock! The energy was infectious, even inspiring a toddler to dance. It was a heartfelt celebration that truly brought Boston together."

The success of the event was made possible through the dedication of ISW volunteers, community partners, and sponsors. ISW extends its sincere appreciation to Nina Pellegrini of Faneuil Hall Marketplace management for her invaluable support.

The ISW Harvest Festival on February 8th, the first cultural event of the year, was a spectacular showcase of talent, dedication, and community spirit. Meticulously planned and executed, the event saw an incredible turnout despite the oncoming snowstorm, proving the unwavering enthusiasm of our community.

This year, we were thrilled to introduce a pilot singing competition, providing aspiring vocalists with a platform to shine. The enthusiasm and energy surrounding this segment ensure it will become a staple in future events! The cultural performances made an amazing impact on the audience, leaving everyone mesmerized by the energy and creativity displayed on stage.

A special thank you to our esteemed judges—Mansi Patki, Shailesh Salgar, Neha Singh, and Shrinivass AB for their expertise and insights, making the competition even more meaningful.

Congratulations to Our Winners!

Dance Competition Winners:

Age 8-12:   Arya’s Little Masters – Shubham Mishra
  Radha Krishna Dance – Jasmine Shah
  Funky Fusion – Sheetal Kochavara

Age 13-17:   Arya’s Groove Express – Shubham Mishra
  Kharvo Khalasi Fisher Men – Jasmine Shah
  Sleeping Beauty: A Bollywood Musical – Ekta Jain

Age 18+:   Devotion Meets Tradition – Ekta Jain
  Harvest Hues – Harika Samudrala
  Naari Shakti – Padmini Dey

Singing Competition Winners:

Sachin and Suhana Shah
  Kiran Mahi and Rashmi
  Anju Shukla and Shipra Gupta

A heartfelt thank you to all participants—your passion and hard work were evident in every performance. And, of course, a huge shoutout to our dedicated ISW volunteers—your commitment makes events like this possible! For more information about ISW’s initiatives, upcoming events, and membership, please visit https://iswonline.org/

- Smita Manjrekar

A heartfelt thank you to our computer experts, Ayan and Adi, for their engaging and insightful presentation on Digital Literacy Part 2. This session took an exciting turn as we explored Canva, learning to create our own flyers and posters with different templates and design elements. The enthusiasm was palpable as everyone unleashed their creativity!

A special shoutout to Dhiren Bhai, who came to our rescue with the much-awaited chai and samosas—a gesture that truly embodies generosity and warmth.

Manoranjan – A Nostalgic Musical Journey

The entertainment segment was a delightful trip down memory lane:
Adhikari ji captivated us with the classic "Jayo Kahan Bata Ye Dil".
Rajay ji and Renuka ji enchanted us with "Bade Achhe Lagte Hain".
Ashok ji delivered a heartfelt solo, while Veena ji and Sushil ji performed a beautiful duet.
Narayan ji brought us back to the golden era of Dilip Kumar, evoking cherished memories of listening to Binaca Geet Mala on the radio.

Music has a way of uplifting the soul, transporting us to a place of peace and joy.

A big thank you to all our volunteers, especially Rajay ji and Dhiren ji, for making this session so special. And, of course, gratitude to everyone who attended—your presence is what makes Humrahi truly special! ❤️

- Sharat Amin

The ISW's Professionals and Entrepreneurs Network (PEN) hosted an insightful Tax Planning Seminar today at the India Center. Dr. Mitra shared expert strategies on deductions, credits, and tax-efficient investment options to help attendees maximize their savings.

The session was highly informative, providing practical takeaways for both individuals and business owners. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with Dr. Mitra, ask questions, and gain a deeper understanding of effective tax planning.

A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Mitra and all participants for making this seminar a success!

- By Ragoo Raghunathan

Shrewsbury, MA – January 26, 2025

The India Society of Worcester (ISW) successfully held its Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) on January 26, 2025, where members gathered to reflect on the organization's accomplishments over the past year and to elect the new Executive Board and Governance Committee for the upcoming term. The AGM served as an opportunity for ISW members to review key initiatives and programs, discuss future plans, and recognize the contributions of outgoing board members.

Newly Elected ISW Committee on Governance (2025-2026)

1. Chair of Governance Committee: Rajiv Dayal

2. Governance Committee Member: Ashish Cowlagi

3. Governance Committee Member: Puneet Kohli

Newly Elected ISW Executive Board (2025-2026)

1. President: Prof. Jagan Srinivasan

2. Vice President: Balki Chandrakasan

3. Secretary: Kamlesh Khilnani

4. Assistant Secretary: Mukul Agrawal

5. Treasurer: Asish Bhattacharya

6. Assistant Treasurer: Muthu Rajshekharan

7. Cultural Chair: Smita Manjrekar

8. Religious Chair: Geetanjali Virmani

9. School Chair: Ruchi Chauhan (approved for a third term)

10. India Center Chair: Chella Palaniappan

11. Members at Large: Anand Jain, Rajesh Khare, Anjali Paranjpe, Dhiren Savla, Suchitra Shinde

ISW extends its heartfelt gratitude to all outgoing board members for their dedicated service to organization and welcomes the new board. With a renewed leadership team in place, ISW is excited to advance its vision and continue to strengthen community engagement in Massachusetts.

For more information about ISW’s initiatives, upcoming events, and membership, please visit https://iswonline.org/

"The power of presentation: enhancing your inner beauty through your flawless appearance."

This phrase highlights the importance of self-presentation and how it can boost one's confidence and showcase their inner beauty. It emphasizes that:

1. Inner beauty shines brighter when paired with a polished appearance.

2. Confidence and self-assurance are key to making a great impression.

3. Taking care of one's appearance can enhance their overall well-being.

A holistic approach to beauty, where inner radiance and outer presentation come together in harmony.

Thank you Foram Bajaria for your precious time for your live demonstration, insights and patience answering so many questions

The Humrahi Gala was truly a musical journey down Bollywood's memory lane! Our talented singers took us from the timeless melodies of the Dev Anand era, through the vibrant tunes of Govinda, all the way to the iconic tracks of King Khan. A special shout-out to Manisha Parmar, Kaizad Patel, Ashutosh Patel, and Reshma Nair, who captivated us with one beautiful, heartfelt song after another. Their mesmerizing performances left us spellbound and filled our senses with joy!

The evening's ambiance was nothing short of magical, with guests elegantly dressed in red and green, embracing the spirit of the season. Our talented Gautam Jain captured the festive moments with his professional Christmas portraits, making the night even more memorable.

Our Humrahi singers Narayan ji, Rajay ji, and Trupti ji were outstanding on stage, delighting the audience with their melodious voices. We were also pleasantly surprised by our guest Raj Sinichar from Florida, whose soulful performance touched everyone deeply.

The dance performances by Kirti Nagpal, Smita Manjrekar, and Hema Phatnani were truly appreciated, adding a lively touch to the evening. Couples swirled onto the dance floor, enjoying the soft Bollywood melodies and indulging in a little ballroom magic.

The venue was beautifully decorated with Christmas lights, a stunning tree, and festive touches that perfectly captured the holiday spirit. The entire atmosphere was filled with warmth, cheer, and holiday joy.

One of the night's most exciting moments came with the arrival of our Humrahi committed chair Sharat Amin dressed as Santa Claus—a true showstopper! Santa made a grand entrance, bringing a sense of wonder and delight to the event. He added an extra touch of excitement by presenting prizes in several fun categories, such as Best Dressed Couple, Best Dressed Female, Best Dressed male and more . Congrats to all the winners.

Guests enjoyed a delectable gourmet dinner, featuring rich dishes like Paneer Butter Masala, Navratan Korma, Tadka Dal, and freshly baked, crispy Naan—a true feast for the senses.

The evening was filled with laughter, music, and a palpable sense of happiness and cheer. A heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, making this event a grand success and creating a memorable experience for all our Humrahi members.

- Dr. Kirti Nagpal