--submitted by Rajesh Khare
WORCESTER, MA – The India Society of Worcester (ISW) raised over $385,000 at its annual gala, held on September 21, 2024, at the historic Mechanics Hall in Worcester, Massachusetts. The event marked a significant milestone for the blossoming of the organization as it successfully navigated the dual challenges of emerging from the COVID pandemic while expanding its activities and managing a facility that has doubled in size. Despite the challenges of such rapid growth, the organization has maintained its unique volunteer spirit.
The funds will help retire the remaining loan taken to finance the 8,000-square-foot expansion of the India Center, completed in 2021. “We are deeply grateful for the generosity of our community. Thanks to their support and contributions, we successfully raised over $385,000 at this gala. With the funds raised, ISW will soon be debt-free, allowing us to focus entirely on expanding our services and programs,” said Dr. Sanjay Shah, Gala Fundraising Chair.
The gala kicked off with a special moment honoring the major donors, who were recognized on stage by Dr. Shah for their continuous support. Subu Kota, longtime supporter, messaged that he was ‘very happy to attend the gala and meet all the donors and supporters. Great occasion to pay off the loan and see India center debt free. Bharti and Vithal Bhakta, sent their ‘Heartfelt thanks to all friends of ISW family for making the Gala a Grand event. Awesome entertainment .Shiamin and Raj Melville, longtime ISW supporters, shared their thoughts on why they continue to stay committed: "We can choose to be involved in many programs, but for us, there is no other organization like ISW, to which we have been committed since 1995. As Sanjay Bhai says, it’s in our DNA." Shiamin Melville also served as the Co-Chair of the Gala Organizing Committee.
The evening’s entertainment began with a performance by the ISW Symphony Ensemble, featuring Manisha Parmar, Sankar Gangaikondan, Kaizad Patel, and Sarita Deshpande, followed by a captivating set by the Berklee College of Music Indian Ensemble, a world-renowned collective and a viral sensation known for its global Indian sound. The Berklee group’s contemporary Indian music had the audience on their feet, dancing throughout the evening. Kudos to Sarita for her well crafter selection of songs that appealed to our diverse audience and to Dr Kirti Kadam our delightful emcee for the evrnt
Attendees were warmly welcomed and treated to traditional Indian appetizers and sugarcane juice, while the dinner featured a variety of authentic Indian dishes, followed by a selection of mouth-watering desserts.
Reflecting on the evening, Puneet Kohli, President of ISW, said, “ISW was honored to host a gala at the historic Mechanics Hall to celebrate our volunteers and the community who have supported us over the years as we expanded our footprint in Shrewsbury at our beloved India Center and reached the milestone of becoming debt-free from the expansion loan. It was an evening filled with fun, laughter, music, and gratitude. Thanks to everyone who made it happen!”
The gala highlighted ISW's continued commitment to offering a wide array of services to the Indian-American community in Greater Worcester and beyond. ISW provides a free weekly Health Stop, a senior support group, crisis counseling, and its popular language and cultural school, which teaches seven Indian languages. With the expanded center, ISW has also introduced new programs, including a Dhol Tasha Lezim group, 3D printing classes, college prep workshops, networking events for professionals, a women’s empowerment group, and various sports activities like pickleball, table tennis, chess, and carrom. All these activities are supported behind the scene by our robust rental and events based income and shared in a timely fashion by our free ESandesh newsletter.
In addition to its wide range of educational and community programs, ISW hosts annual celebrations such as India Day, Diwali, Garba, and the Harvest Festival, along with religious events including Pongal, Ganeshotsav, Durga Puja, Krishna Janmashtami, and Christmas. These events celebrate the rich diversity of Indian culture and traditions, making ISW a vital cultural hub for the community. ISW also collaborates with several respected local community organizations to further strengthen its reach and impact in the region.
Kamlesh Khilnani, Co-Chair of the Gala Organizing Committee, praised the evening’s success, stating, “ISW's 2024 Grand Gala was a shining testament to community spirit, showcasing local talent in a thrilling musical extravaganza that brought everyone to their feet. Our exceptional Executive Board, volunteer group, and youth team made event planning seamless, earning well-deserved accolades.”
Ashish Cowlagi, past president of ISW, added, “Managing rapid growth while preserving its unique all-volunteer ethos could challenge any organization, but the community volunteers have responded with great poise. What truly defines the India Center isn’t the physical space, but the unwavering spirit of our volunteers.”
Barin Bando, also a past president of ISW, reflected on the evening's atmosphere: “Last evening, when I walked in, I was warmly greeted by Puneet's son. Sanjay Shah praised everyone for making ISW what it is today. On behalf of all of us, we thank you, Sanjay. Your work isn't finished yet—it's time to start on your next expansion project. Puneet, Ashish C., Jagan, and team, your leadership is phenomenal. Now, I see the next generation actively involved in ISW. Show me another organization in the USA as vibrant as this. You’ll find many clubs across the country that do well, but members come and go. ISW is unique in having three generations working together.”
Sakshi Gurao, ISW’s Assistant Treasurer, added, “Thank you to all the donors. Your support has helped expand the India Center and made our community stronger.”
Qingjian Shi, who represented the Asian Business Empowerment Council at the event, shared, “Congrats to the India Society of Worcester for a beautiful evening that left me truly in awe of how a community can come together to build a 'home away from home.'”
With the funds raised at the gala, ISW is one step closer to realizing its vision of a community center that serves as a hub for cultural, educational, and social initiatives. The organization remains committed to enriching the lives of its members and supporting the growth of Indian culture in the Greater Worcester and MetroWest areas.
For more information about ISW and its programs, visit www.iswonline.org.
