ISW India Day 2023   August 5th, 2023

 2023 Brochure for a complete listing of sponsors, and programs

Survey: we would love to hear back  from you

Link to live video on FB

Link to Videos

Link to volunteer Johanny Pineyro Productions Photos

Link to  Photos

Submitted by Balki Chandrakasan , Chair 2023

Highlights:

• Successful celebration of India's rich culture and heritage.
• Commemoration of ISW's 60th-year anniversary, adding a special milestone to the event.
• Significance of celebrating India's Independence Day highlighted.
• Generous support from EClinical, Trigent, UniBank, DCU, Polyset, Muneeza and WebsterFive 
• A diverse and engaging cultural program lasting for 6 hours.
• A total of 42 vendors offering a variety of products and services, including non-profit organizations.
• A remarkable attendance of 3500 people who visited the event.
• Special guests included Joe Petty, Worcester Mayor, and Tim Murray, former Lieutenant Governor, who attended the event.
• Scholarship awards presented to deserving students, investing in the future.
• Community service award bestowed upon IAGB, recognizing their impactful contributions.
• Recognition and honoring of ISW founders, acknowledging their vision and dedication.
• A free health stop and sports room were featured, engaging many attendees.
• The IYG room offered favorite popcorn and cotton candy treats.
• An art fair showcased an array of captivating artworks.

Cultural Programs: The event featured a dynamic and vibrant cultural program that showcased various aspects of Indian culture, including:

• Traditional dance performances representing different Indian states and styles.
• Musical performances featuring traditional and contemporary Indian music.
• Display of traditional Indian art forms, such as rangoli and henna.
• Cultural displays highlighting India's history, diversity, and contributions.
• Delicious Indian cuisine, offering a culinary journey through different regions.

Vendor Participation: The event hosted 42 vendors, including a mix of for-profit businesses and non-profit organizations. These vendors provided attendees with an opportunity to explore and purchase a wide range of products and services, including traditional clothing, jewelry, handicrafts, artwork, spices, and more. The inclusion of non-profit vendors offered attendees the chance to support meaningful causes and learn about community initiatives.

Art Fair: The art fair was a visual treat, featuring a diverse collection of captivating artworks. Attendees had the opportunity to admire and appreciate a wide range of artistic styles and mediums, adding to the cultural richness of the event.

Free Health Stop: Attendees had access to a free health stop, providing health-related information, screenings, and resources. This initiative aimed to promote wellness and raise awareness about important health topics.

Sports Room: The sports room provided a space for attendees to engage in various sports such as chess , Carom and card games 

IYG Room (Popcorn and Cotton Candy): The IYG  room was a favorite among many attendees, offering delicious popcorn and cotton candy treats. This delightful addition added a touch of nostalgia and enjoyment to the event.

Attendance: The ISW India Day 2023 celebration was well-attended, with approximately 3500 people visiting the event. This demonstrates the community's strong interest in Indian culture and their eagerness to engage in cultural celebrations.

Distinguished Guests:Notably, the event was graced by the presence of Joe Petty, Worcester Mayor, and Tim Murray, former  Lieutenant Governor. They participated in the celebration and read the proclamation declaring August 5th as India Day.

Overall, the ISW India Day 2023 celebration was a resounding success, fostering cultural exchange, promoting understanding, and creating a memorable experience for all attendees. The diverse offerings, including the engaging art fair, further enriched the event, providing an opportunity for attendees to immerse themselves in the beauty of various artistic expressions. Such events play a crucial role in celebrating diversity and strengthening community bonds.

Balki Chandrakasan 
India Day-Chair 

Feedback from Bobkat (Balloon vendor).
My wife Kathy and I wanted to let you know what a wonderful day we had during India Day for the India Society of Worcester. The Indian community in around the Worcester area has long been a rewarding source of employment for us. We saw India Day as an opportunity to give back and to share what we do with a broader number of people. While I performed a little magic for visitors to our table, my wife was delighted to create over 250 free balloon animals for them and their children. Another blessing was the large number of grateful past clients who visited and reconnected that afternoon.