On October 4th and 5th 2024, we had two nights of Garba and Raas at our India Center. Our center was bustling with activities even days prior, as we had a "Garba Workshop" open to the public for the first time, for free, where around 45-50 people attended and learned to play the traditional dance form of Navratri garba and dandiya. Cultural Committee volunteers made sure to teach and prepare attendees for the upcoming weekend of fun.

Our India Center was transformed and decorated to welcome 400+ guests each night, where they played in our new hall and also outdoors on the patio. We sold out days before, reaching our maximum capacity! The old hall was filled with people enjoying delicious food and buying jewelry, as well as experiencing the new 360 photo booth!

Friday night, we had our very own Jhankaar Beats singers jamming with a specially invited live band all the way from New Jersey. They made everyone dance to their melodious singing and music, be it traditional Gujarati folk songs to hindi numbers to the crowd favorite Sannedo!! Javed bhai set up the perfect audio system indoors and outdoors on our beautifully lit and decorated patio. A highlight for the night was the crowd dancing to a very famous dhol player, who is known for performing non-stop for hours at a time!

Saturday night DJ SIDD was in the house! He made sure to keep everyone on their feet the entire evening, until midnight! We even got to see the younger generation experience the tradition with full enthusiasm. The cherry on top was the weather being just perfect in order to be outdoors sweating it out dancing to non stop rhythmic beats

On both nights, a traditional aarti was performed with lots of delicious prasad offered to Devi Ma, a great opportunity for the community to come together and pray. We were fortunate enough to have many people complimenting throughout the event and wanting more! Our volunteers at ISW worked very hard as always in front and behind the scenes. 

ISW would like to thank all of our volunteers for helping us organize such an amazing weekend packed with garba, dandiya, great food, beautiful vendors, and an enthusiastic crowd! We would also like to thank our community at large, for coming to celebrate with us.

May Ma Durga bless us all to come together again next year with more energy and an even bigger event!

For pictures,  visit:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.550119874337198&type=3

- By Komal Tanna

ISW & Saheli Walk at Lake Street Park, Shrewsbury

We had 26 people meet last week on October 5, in solidarity for this crucial cause. Participants had the opportunity to walk in purple to show their support and learn about available resources.

Join us in making a difference and amplifying the voices of those affected by domestic violence. Together, we can create a safer, more supportive community for everyone.

Saheli - deepali@saheliboston.org
ISW - smitam.isw@gmail.com
amitarao.isw@gmail.com

Saheli, a nonprofit organization from Woburn MA dedicated to empowering South Asian and Arab-speaking women and children to lead safe and healthy lives, is proud to collaborate with the India Society of Worcester (ISW) for a Domestic Violence Awareness Walk. ISW's mission to preserve, promote, and celebrate India's rich cultural heritage—including its diverse arts, languages, and religious traditions—aligns with shared goals of fostering community engagement and taking a stand against domestic violence.

The ISW Free Health Stop is cancelled for Wednesday Oct 9 in Observance of Durga Puja.

Other Worcester Free clinics are open on other days that week - in case anyone is not able to wait till the following Wednesday https://www.worcesterfreecare.org/home.

--submitted by Ekta Jain

In recognition of our ongoing partnership and support, the India Society of Worcester (ISW) was honored with an invitation to the Boston Celtics' annual Group Leader Appreciation event on August 17, 2024. Held at the exclusive Auerbach Center, the Celtics' practice facility, the event provided a unique opportunity to tour the state-of-the-art facility. Ekta described the experience as invigorating, noting, “Touring the facility where world basketball champions practice was incredible." 

Earlier this year, on March 18, 2024, Ekta Dance Academy, in collaboration with ISW, performed during the Celtics-Detroit game at TD Garden. The performance, featuring her  45 students  captivated an audience of over 19,000 with their enchanting Indian and Bollywood dance routines.

What is a mural? At its core, a mural is a large artwork painted onto walls or other surfaces, often meant to beautify spaces or communicate a story that reflects culture, history, or community values. This definition perfectly explains what I aimed with my mural, but let me take you on a journey beyond the definition and into the story behind it.

The main goal of the mural was to transform a dull, industrial metal storage container surface in the backyard of India Society or Worcester's (ISW) India Center building which sat right next to a children’s playground, creating an aesthetically unpleasing view. I wanted to turn this eyesore into something beautiful which would match with the energy of the backyard and playground. The task was large (literally), spanning a surface of 10 feet by 40 feet (400 square feet) with corrugated metal surface. And, of course, I had to contend with the height of the container and the unpredictable New England weather. For the design, I wanted something that would connect deeply with Indian culture, incorporating motifs like paisleys, arches, elephants, and the peacock—India's national bird. I chose colors and patterns to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere that would appeal to both passersby and the children playing nearby.

Designing on paper was one thing, but transferring that onto a massive, corrugated metal container was another challenge entirely. It was all about precision—constant measuring and re-measuring to ensure symmetry. I started the project mid July 2024 and my usual schedule was between 6:00am-8:00am depending upon weather and other commitments which lasted for about 25 days. I quickly realized that even clear days had their issues: wet surfaces caused by condensation, rain from the previous night, or the dirt that gathered when the lawn was mowed. Each morning started with cleaning, drying, and prepping the surface. 

A particularly special part of the mural was painting the ISW logo. Replicating the exact font and style was important to me. Finishing that part of the mural brought me a new sense of closeness to the logo and everything it represents. ISW symbolizes not just a community organization, but a place where traditions are celebrated, connections are nurtured, and a sense of belonging thrives.

The few early visitors of this project in the backyard were fearless rabbits, couple of turkeys and a deer who made my summer mornings enjoyable. A big cheer to my husband Mangesh for being by my side and steadying the ladder, allowing me to reach new heights—both literally and artistically—to bring my design to life!

I am deeply thankful to ISW and the Symphony team for the opportunity to contribute in my own small way, and for their unwavering support throughout the project. It was a memorable summer 2024 for me, and I hope this mural, fragment of my heart continues to add beauty and meaning to the India Center’s backyard, where it will be enjoyed during playground activities, pavilion events, and more!

- Suchitra Shinde

Before photo:

After photo:

In progress:

--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.

-----By Tanisha Rao, Junior, Westborough High School

ISW and Spirit of Shrewsbury hosted their 10th annual Talent Show on September 28th at Saint John's High School. People of all different ages competed for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place trophies. First for the Tiny Tots (8 and younger), our winner was Stuti Ghosh, who preformed an original Shiva dance. In 2nd place we had Shrinika Chetla and in 3rd was Ishani Argawala. All of our tiny tots put their all in the performances and they should all be proud of themselves. In the Young Icons category (9-12 years), Reyansh Parashar won 1st place, with Riyansika Rao in 2nd and Lakhith Chetla in 3rd. The three places were determined by only a couple points and the Young Icons made it very difficult for the judges to choose a winner. Next up, we had Terrific Teens (13-19 years). Although we only had three participants, all of them were extremely talented and engaged the crowd. In first place was Guoyn Lin with his piece on the piano. In second was Saina Mujumdar, and in third was Arush Jagan. And finally we had our Awesome Adults (20+). In first place was Ria Dey, who sang a piece by Asha Bhosle. In 2nd was Sowjanya Sake, and in 3rd was Vidya Chandrasekharan. Every single participant was incredibly talented and should absolutely consider returning to the Spirit of Shrewsbury talent show next year and participate in other ISW events. 

ISW volunteers, Arush and Prisha, created handmade presents for the judges. They went around to local business and collected crayons, then soaked and melted them into the letters ISW. Proud of them for thinking outside the box and being sustainable in the process!

More photos https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.544364014912784&type=3

ISW Ganeshostav celebrated its 12th year in a row this past Saturday on September 14th at India center. Like each year’s tradition the celebration started with a short procession for Ganesha arrival which was followed by Pooja. This year’s highlight was that the pooja was performed by the youngsters, teenagers between ages 11-17 within the community. They sat through and patiently performed the pooja as directed. After the pooja was the Arti  recitation which was attended by almost over 200 people. The hall was filled with Devine ambience in praise of Lord Ganesha. This year the team had chosen “Celebrating Languages” as the theme for decoration and entertainment. The decoration surrounding Ganesha, was showcasing calligraphed quotes in over 16 Indian and foreign languages.

Following the arti, there were some interesting entertainment programs based on the theme - skits, dances and songs performed by local artists. The audience applauded the show wholeheartedly. Following the show, was a befitting end to event with ISWs very own Dhal-Tasha ensemble taking the Ganesha procession through the parking lot of ISW in style. It was loud, it was magical and it was mesmerizing. The spirit of attendees was unwavering like every year. After the day full of festivities, the team had organized catered dinner and say bye to their favorite Ganesh, while eagerly waiting for him to come next year.

ISW SGM Planning Team would like to thank all our attendees, participants and volunteers for overwhelming help and support to make this event a great success. 

We look forward to seeing you all at next year's Ganeshotsav Event.

pictures of the event - PC - Shrikant PC - Jagan 

Dhol Tasha is gaining momentum across the U.S., and ISW Symphony Dhol Tasha Lezim (DTL) is proudly at the forefront. Featured in several publications like Lokvani and IndiaWest, our DTL team is being recognized for bringing this rich cultural tradition to life in the local community.

With performances at festivals and events, ISW DTL is not just entertaining but also creating a sense of unity and pride in our heritage. Thanks to our dedicated volunteers, ISW is helping lead the way in this growing movement, making each performance a celebration of culture and community.

New India Abroad

English: https://www.newindiaabroad.com/english/features/the-rise-of-dhol-tasha-in-america-boston-baltimore-and-beyond

Hindi: https://www.newindiaabroad.com/news/hindi/the-rise-of-dhol-tasha-in-america-spreading-boston-baltimore-and-beyond

Punjabi: https://www.newindiaabroad.com/punjabi/news/the-rise-of-dhol-tasha-in-america-boston-baltimore-and-beyond-punjabi

Gujarati: https://www.newindiaabroad.com/gujarati/entertainment/the-rise-of-dhol-tasha-in-america-boston-baltimore-and-beyond-now

Lokvani

https://www.lokvani.com/lokvani/article.php?article_id=21085

Punekar News

https://www.punekarnews.in/from-coast-to-coast-dhol-tasha-groups-on-the-rise-in-usa/

India West

https://indiawest.com/from-coast-to-coast-in-the-us-dhol-tasha-groups-on-the-rise/

NewsGlu

https://newsglu.com/energizing-ganpati-celebrations-the-growing-popularity-of-dhol-tasha-in-the-u-s/

News By Wire

https://newsbywire.com/energizing-ganpati-celebrations-the-growing-popularity-of-dhol-tasha-in-the-u-s/

--Submitted by Barin Bando

Excellent archive for ISW history. I could be wrong by a year or two but it's worth mentioning few names who played a significant role in shaping up ISW. It was 85 or 86, I have played a small role convincing three individuals by visiting their homes in Holden, Dudley and Northboro to join ISW committee as members at large. It was Sahadev Passey, Jitendra Kalia and Subu Kota. Kalia accepted to write off losses so we could have Jagjit Sing concert in Mechanic Hall. ISW made good amount of money. Dr Passey found the property and we all know this family's contribution even today. Subu Kota gave the first 100k to build the community center. Carolyn' parents and Dr. Passey renovated the old ISW building and garage. Dr. Passey, Dr. Ram and Vinay Deshmukh started Sandesh magazine. Dilip Bhavsar created ISW telephone directory. Dr. Pandey and Anuranjan Kalia and Satya Mitra played a significant role in fundraising. Crisis committee was formed in CBS Patel's house after the death of a UMass Amherst student who died in Worcester hospital. Usha Verma, Rajoo Ananth took a leadership role for day one. ISW school, IYG, Showcase India are Carolyn, Nalini Goyal's initiative. India day, Health stop Passey gift to all. Shyam Sharma, Pushpa Joshi made their invaluable contributions to ISW. Asok Vichare, Rajiv Dayal are behind the scenes significant contributors. New generation leaders Ashish C, Puneet K need no introduction for their invaluable contributions. Silent workers are Sanjay Shah, everyone knows what he has done for ISW. Shri Garg for managing the center, Avad Ramachandra for plantings and maintaining ISW garden. Shobha Sastri for always helping ISW

 It's our duty to acknowledge there gifts. Some moved to other states and few still active and contributing. Thank you all.