Summary:

Link to pictures:

The event began with many bangs (DHOL) and ended with many bangs (Fireworks)  The all women's ISW Symphony Dhol Tasha Lezim initiated the festivities and Polar Park resounded with the drum beats for the first time ever.  This captivating folk rhythm showcase represented the rich cultural heritage of India and grabed the attention of the crowd with its powerful beats, colorful traditional attire, and synchronized movements. The Dhol Tasha Lezim ensemble is a traditional street-style percussion performance that is commonly seen during festivals and celebrations in India. The thunderous sound of the dhols (barrel drums), the sharp rhythm of the tashas (snare drums), and the dynamic movements of lezim dancers came together to create a high-energy, visually spectacular experience.

The two National Anthem were rendered by the students of ISW School and we are proud of Aadhya Madireddy, Arjun Sahasrabudhe, Arna Majmudar, Ayaan Sahasrabudhe, Diya Nowley, Eera Dixit, Ishan Dixit, Jasmin Grover, Kaavia Nowley, Kris Grover and Vindhya Madireddy.

Dr Satya Mitra was recognized as the Hometown Hero CFP, for for service to their city, and community. Along with his wife Sheema, he founded a charitable foundation, Joy Guru Humanitarian Services, a non-profit, dedicated to supporting the disadvantaged, including those facing poverty and homelessness, along with empowering women and girls and offering scholarships to needy students. He has been recognized with various honors and accolades for his sincere community service and philanthropy. He received the prestigious Key to the City of Worcester from the Mayor and is included in the Worcester Business Journal Hall of Fame, Power 100 in Central Massachusetts, Hometown Hero by Worcester Magazine, Harvey Ball Smiley Award by the Museum of Worcester, Advocate of the Year award by Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, Community Kindness Award by 365Z organization and was awarded twice as the Rotarian of the year.

 As part of the Color Guard, the following individuals were chosen.
Ruchi Chauhan plays a key role in the ISW, particularly in the realm of education and cultural programs for the ISW school and language programs. Her leadership as School Chair and her contributions as a Hindi teacher have been recognized by the community Her inclusive nature has held a team of more than 35 volunteer teachers, that run the weekend lang school She has worked at Beal School as a school teacher and currently runs the Kumon Center in Worcester, Ma

Puneet Kohli, past President and Vice President of ISW for the last 8 years, has guided ISW with a steady hand with support of innovative programming and doubling of the building footprint of India Center, in order to meet the increasing numbers of Indian Community in the surrounding area. His vision for Expanded India Center is to become a year-round community asset, open to all. He encouraged community members to utilize these resources and help create a vibrant center and his leadership helps facilitate this volunteer-driven model.

Ceremonial First Pitch: Pitching the first ball, Rajiv Dayal has been a dedicated volunteer for over 20 years, serving as Treasurer and President in the past.He oversaw the expansion of the India Center in Shrewsbury and is currently the Chair of the ISW's Governance Committee. His other community work includes holding leadership positions with the Mohegan Council, Inc. (Worcester Council of the Boy Scouts of America As a partner at Cohen Cohen & Company, a public accounting firm in Boston, MA, his experience in auditing, business consulting, and tax services has been the bedrock of ISW's strength and continued success.

Celebrates a special individual on the field: Ragini Seth has been an active and dedicated member of the India Society of Worcester for over twenty years, She initiated the partnership with Celtics in 2010 and has continues her ties with ISW Though currently living in Sugarland Texas, she still teaches online Hindi for ISW School

Shiamin Melville started as a ISW School parent, and ran the ISW School from 2006 to , and continues the work in developing programs for ISW University.  Has served as Chair of ISW Gala and ISW Nominations Committee her focus is building partnerships with New England Botanical Garden and Woo Sox annual cultural events. 

ISW was recognized as the Heart of Worcester, for their work in the community. The broadcast by  Balki Chandrakasan during the 4th inning at Radio Room captured the many new events and programs happening at India Center at 152 Main Street, in Shrewsbury, MA since 1962

Tanvi Reddy, student of Bhuvana Ganesh sang 'Take me out to the Ball Game' beautifully on top of the dugout during the seventh inning   She also helped train the ISW School kids for the national Anthem

Patrons also enjoyed Indian street food at A Taste of Worcester section catered by 'Namaste Woo'  

It all ended with beautiful fireworks sponsored by Unibank  Thank you to all who came and thanks to Woo Sox for their Partnership

Announcement:  Woo Sox is again partnering with ISW to celebrate Indian Heritage Night at Woo Sox Polar Park

This event is a celebration of Indian culture, community, and contributions — and a moment of pride as several members of our ISW family will be honored during the pregame ceremonies from 6:00 PM to 6:45 PM.

ISW Honorees and Participants:

• Hometown Hero CFP – Dr. Satya Mitra
  Honoring an individual for extraordinary service to their town, city, or community.

• Ceremonial First Pitch – Rajiv Dayal
  Kicking off the game in true ISW spirit.

• Specialty Recognition – Ragini Seth & Shiamin Melville
  Celebrating two individuals who have made lasting cultural contributions to ISW and the broader community.

• Game Ball to the Mound – TBD (ISW School Student)
  A young ISW student (under age 12) will deliver the ceremonial ball to the pitcher’s mound.

• Play Ball! Ceremony – TBD (ISW School Student)
  Student will end the pregame program with the classic “Play Ball!” shout.

• On-Field Performance – ISW Dhol Team
  A 10-minute performance showcasing the energy and rhythm of our heritage.

• Color Guard:  Ruchi Chauhan/Puneet Kohli 

To carry Indian flag /USA Flag

• Performance of  Indian and American National Anthem-ISW School

We invite all ISW families and friends to join us for this memorable night. Show your support, enjoy the festivities, and cheer on our honorees.

 Purchase Tickets Here:

ISW & Woo Sox 2025 Indian Heritage Night 

 https://iswonline.org/event-6151348