INDIA DAY 2026 - UDAAN: THE FLIGHT OF PEACE
What an incredible celebration! What a tremendous success! What a day to remember! 
India Day 2026 was a spectacular celebration for the entire Indian Society of Worcester (ISW) community as we celebrated 79 years of India’s independence through our rich cultural heritage, traditions, music, dance, food, diversity, and the connections that bring our community together.
Our Esteemed Chief Guest
We were deeply honored to welcome our Chief Guest, Honorable Consul General of India in Boston, Shri S. Raghuram, the first-ever Consul General of India in USA - Consulate General of India in Boston, who ceremonially hoisted the Indian flag during our opening ceremony . His presence at India Day 2026 was especially meaningful as we celebrated our heritage and the growing connection between India and the New England community.
We were also honored to welcome Second Lieutenant Rohan Paranjape, who ceremonially hoisted the American flag . His participation beautifully reflected the friendship and connection between the United States and India.
We were privileged to have Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty, Worcester City Councilor-at-Large Dr. Satya B. Mitra, and other distinguished guests join us in celebrating this special occasion.
Massachusetts Senate Recognition
A particularly meaningful moment was the presentation of a Massachusetts Senate Citation recognizing ISW’s longstanding efforts to celebrate and share India’s rich cultural heritage through music, dance, food, and traditions.
We were honored to have Senator Mike Moore personally present the citation on behalf of the Massachusetts Senate.
The citation was signed by Senate President Karen E. Spilka, Senator Robyn K. Kennedy, and Senator Peter Durant.
We are deeply grateful for this wonderful recognition of ISW and its service to our community.
Honoring ISW’s Past Presidents
We were honored to have ISW’s past presidents join us on stage:
Mr. Barin Bando
Mr. Ashish Cowlagi
Mr. Puneet Kohli
Their presence was a meaningful reminder of ISW’s history of leadership, community service, and commitment to celebrating and sharing our cultural heritage. We are grateful for their continued support and connection to the ISW community.
The Team Behind India Day 2026
Leading this year’s celebration were:
Prof. Dr. Jagan Srinivasan — President
Balki Chandrakasan — Vice President
Kamlesh Khilnani — Secretary & India Day Chair
Suchitra Shinde — India Day Co-chair
Muthu Rajasekaran — Marketing Lead & Assistant Treasurer
The inspiring theme “Udaan: The Flight of Peace” was envisioned by the ISW Cultural Committee, under the leadership of:
Smita Manjrekar — Chair
Komal Tanna — Co-chair
Udaan - The Flight of Peace
More than just a theme, Udaan symbolizes hope, resilience, and collective progress.
It reflects a future where peace guides our actions, our cultural roots give us strength, and our shared aspirations empower every generation to rise together.
Udaan beautifully captures the spirit of our community - honoring our roots, celebrating our diversity, and looking toward a future of connection, understanding, hope, unity, and peace.
A Celebration Made Possible by Our Community
A tremendous THANK YOU to our India Day Organizing Team, Marketing Team, Cultural Committee, volunteers, vendors, sponsors, performers, participants, partners, and supporters.
Months of planning, countless hours of work, creativity, coordination, and dedication came together to make India Day 2026 such an incredible success.
Every contribution mattered. Every volunteer mattered. Every person who participated helped make this celebration special.
A Special Thank You
A very special thank you to Mr. Naveen Yamana Ya Na for beautifully capturing the spirit and memories of India Day 2026 through these stunning, high-resolution photographs. Your incredible photography allows us to relive the special moments of this wonderful celebration. We truly appreciate your talent, time, and contribution to our community.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Sponsors
We are deeply grateful to our sponsors:
eClinicalWorks • UniBank MA • Apna Bazar Shrewsbury • AARP Massachusetts • Webster Five • Central One Federal Credit Union • Country Bank • Polyset • Renewal by Andersen LLC. of Boston • BeaconBank
Thank you for your generous support and for helping make India Day 2026 - Udaan: The Flight of Peace possible. Your partnership makes a meaningful difference to our community.
A Celebration by the Community, for the Community
For decades, ISW has been dedicated to bringing generations together and celebrating and sharing India’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.
India Day 2026 was another extraordinary chapter in that journey.
To everyone who attended, volunteered, sponsored, performed, participated, partnered, supported, and celebrated with us - THANK YOU for making this a celebration to remember!
Together, we celebrate our heritage.
Together, we celebrate our community.
Together, we celebrate the connections that bring us together.
