India Day 2026 Celebrates Culture, Community and

‘The Flight of Peace’ in Worcester

- By Divya Muthu

WORCESTER, Mass. - The Indian Society of Worcester’s India Day 2026 brought

together families, performers, community leaders, businesses and supporters for a vibrant celebration of India’s 79th anniversary of Independence. This year’s theme “Udaan: The Flight of Peace” was perfectly coined by the ISW Cultural Committee meaning flight, reflecting a message of hope, resilience, unity and progress, while encouraging generations to remain connected to their cultural roots as they look toward the future. The celebration showcased Indian culture through music, dance, fashion, food, art and community traditions. More than 30 performances and 40 vendors contributed to a day highlighting the diversity of the Indian-American community and its deep connections to Central Massachusetts.

Distinguished Guests Join Opening Ceremony

Honorable Consul General of India in Boston, Mr. S. Raghuram, served as the Chief Guest and ceremonially hoisted the Indian flag during the opening ceremony. Second Lieutenant Rohan Paranjape proudly hoisted the American flag in a ceremonial tribute to the enduring friendship and strong bond between India and the United States. Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty, Worcester City Councilor-at-Large Dr. Satya B. Mitra and other distinguished guests also attended the celebration.

Massachusetts Senate Recognizes ISW

A significant moment during the event was the presentation of a Massachusetts Senate Citation recognizing the Indian Society of Worcester for its longstanding efforts to celebrate and share India’s rich cultural heritage through music, dance, food and traditions. Sen. Mike Moore presented the citation on behalf of the Massachusetts Senate. The citation was signed by Senate President Karen E. Spilka, Sen. Robyn K. Kennedy and Sen. Peter Durant. The recognition highlighted ISW’s continuing contribution towards the cultural life of Central Massachusetts and its efforts to bring generations and communities together.

Honoring ISW’s Rich History

The event organizing committee also recognized and felicitated Mr. Barin Bando, Mr. Ashish Cowlagi and Mr. Puneet Kohli, past presidents of ISW, for their long-standing commitment and leadership, and representing the organization’s continuing legacy of community service and cultural engagement.

Cultural Committee Leads India Day 2026

The 2026 India Day celebration was organized by the ISW Cultural Committee, under the dedicated leadership of Smita Manjrekar, Chair, and Komal Tanna, Co-Chair, whose commitment and tireless efforts helped bring this vibrant celebration of Indian culture to life. From ‘Bharat Ki Udaan’ to Ajarakh Fashion Show to Silambakoodam showcasing ancient Tamil martial art, the cultural performances remained at the center of thecelebration, with more than 30 performances representing the richness and diversity of Indian music, dance and artistic traditions.

Among the featured presentations was a 25-minute special segment by Ekta Dance Academy, “Bharat Ki Udaan.” The performance complemented the event’s broader theme of flight, hope and cultural expression. The program also featured an Ajarakh Fashion Show segment by Neha Ujlayan, bringing the traditional textile art of Ajarakh to the India Day stage through fashion and design. And Yugan Silambakoodam from Rhode Island delivered a dazzling showcase of Silambam, the ancient Tamil martial art, captivating the audience with a powerful display of skill and tradition while celebrating the rich cultural heritage of India. Adding to the touch of the celebration, the 2026 India Day brochure featured coverartwork by Rishi Raj Muthukumaran depicting the INS Sudarshini arriving in Boston Harbor as part of the America 250 celebrations.

The broader India Day leadership team included

Prof. Dr. Jagan Srinivasan, ISW President;

Balki Chandrakasan, ISW Vice President;

Kamlesh Khilnani, ISW Secretary and India Day Chair;

Suchitra Shinde, India Day Co-chair

and Muthu Rajasekaran, India Day Marketing Lead and ISW Assistant Treasurer.

Their efforts, along with those of volunteers, performers, vendors and community supporters, helped bring the day’s extensive cultural program together.

Community Health and Safety Resources

The celebration also included the ISW Health Stop, an initiative led by Dr. Sahadev Passey. Attendees received free blood pressure and blood sugar checks, along with hands-on “Stop the Bleed” instruction and CPR training, bringing practical health and emergency-preparedness resources to the community.

A FEAST to be remembered

The celebration offered a delightful culinary experience, with Peppers (Northborough) and Craft Indian Kitchen (Acton) served up an array of delicious Indian flavors, followed by a perfect traditional finale—a freshly prepared paan from The Paan Bazaar, added an authentic touch to the festivities. A Community-Wide Celebration Organizers credited the event’s success to the many volunteers, performers, vendors, sponsors, cultural organizers and community members who contributed to the celebration.

ISW gratefully acknowledges the generous support of its sponsors—eClinicalWorks, UNIBANK, APNA BAZAR, AARP, Webster Five, CENTRAL ONE, Country Bank, Polyset, Renewal by Andersen LLC and Beacon Bank. Their continued partnership plays an essential role in preserving cultural traditions, strengthening community engagement, and ensuring that India Day remains one of New England's most anticipated cultural celebrations. For the Indian Society of Worcester, India Day 2026 was both a celebration of heritage and a reflection of the community’s continuing evolution. Through its “Udaan” theme, the event looked beyond tradition toward a future shaped by connection, understanding, unity and peace.

Together, the community celebrated its heritage, its diversity and its shared future - continuing to rise and fly together.

Photo Link:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/2ecaQ1uwSkfPsy8HA

---Ragoo

On Saturday, August 1st, 2026, the Professionals and Entrepreneurs Network (ISW-PEN) hosted "Ask the Experts: A Multi-Specialty Legal Forum" at the India Center in Shrewsbury. The event was a resounding success, bringing together approximately 35 local professionals, business owners, and community members for an engaging and informative session. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with peers while learning directly from an esteemed panel of legal experts who covered essential insights across key practice areas.

Throughout the session, the featured speakers Pooja Arora Esq, Nicole Torres Esq and Vidya Parwani Esq delivered well-rounded presentations that balanced foundational legal concepts with up-to-date developments in their respective fields. Key topics included Wills & Trusts and Estate Planning, Immigration, and Real Estate, offering practical guidance tailored to both personal and professional needs. The interactive format allowed for dynamic Q&A and post-panel networking, leaving attendees better equipped to navigate complex legal landscapes and foster stronger community connection.

---Rajay Goyal 

The ISW Humrahee group, one of the most dynamic and vibrant groups at the India Society of Worcester, hosted its highly anticipated annual summer picnic on Saturday, July 25, 2026. Blessed with a flawless, sun-drenched New England summer day, the beautifully decorated ISW

Gazebo served as an idyllic backdrop for over 80 attendees. The magnetic draw of the event. brought the community close together, with dedicated members traveling from as far as New Hampshire and Rhode Island to partake in the festivities.

The afternoon kicked off with high spirits as a variety of lighthearted icebreaker activities took center stage. Attendees laughed and cheered as their peers stepped up to perform classic games of dumb charades, energetic chicken dances, spontaneous song sessions, poetic shero shayari recitations, and a reverse-alphabet counting challenge. These engaging games provided an effortless way for long-time companions to catch up and offered a warm, welcoming introduction to the community’s newest faces.

No Humrahee gathering is complete without an exceptional culinary spread, and this year’s member-driven potluck did not disappoint. The feast opened with a mouthwatering array of traditional street food delicacies meticulously prepared with love and care, followed by a formal lunch and a sweet finish of fresh summer fruits. Impeccably organized by a dedicated team of volunteers, the event perfectly embodied the Humrahee spirit—celebrating life with endless zeal, shared laughter, and meaningful community bonds.

--submitted by Radhika Chintapalli

India Society Of Worcester (ISW) Sports-Chess Club organized a chess tournament on July 11, 2026. Thanks to the relentless efforts of the volunteers of India Society Of Worcester, passionate chess club team leaders, professionalism of players and unwavering support of their family members, the event was a huge success. There were 65 players divided into age based four teams. These teams were, Pawn team (under 9 years), Knight team (from 10 to 13 years), Bishop team (from 14 to 25 years) and Rook team (above 25 years).

Including chess team leaders, chess enthusiasts, volunteers, participants and their families, more than 120 individuals attended this event on 11th of July 2026. Five first, four second and two third winners would receive prizes on India Day August 8th 2026 (Free Admission) event @DCU Center. All the participants received a participation certificate.

We encourage all to attend India Day Event and be mesmerized by music, dance, fun activities, vendors , and the option to buy scrumptious ethnic food.

ISW Executive Team would like to give special thanks to the following individuals: Shiamin ji, Jay Ji, Vishwa Ji and Radhika ji for their encouragement and dedication. Vishwa ji, was our passionate Tournament Director, wearing many hats including being a Knights team leader. Youth volunteer leaders were Rohan, Anand and Tara who managed Rook, Bishop & Pawn teams respectively. IYG leader Ishita made the certificates creatively.

We have a big list of volunteers doing different tasks like managing check in, concessions corner, setup, clean up, professional photography etc. to thank. Many hands joined together to make this a memorable event. Finally, we thank all who supported us including our families and know that ISW belongs to all and we have many activities to uplift our community. Please become a member of ISW.

There might be some mishaps here and there but those were taken positively and addressed with empathy & promptness. We always request your very valuable feedback.

We thank each and everyone involved to make this event a huge success.

To end with the beautiful quote that echoes our India Day Theme Udaan - The Flight Of Peace reflecting harmony, strength, and the spirit of soaring toward success together. " Chess is a powerful & peaceful weapon♟️"

- By Kelly Mittal

The ISW Business Owners Meeting brought together an inspiring and diverse community of entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals from industries including biotech, education, software, real estate, IT, and more. The event fostered meaningful connections, insightful discussions, and the exchange of ideas that strengthen our local business ecosystem. A heartfelt thank you to Mr. Subu Kota for sharing his entrepreneurial journey and words of encouragement. Together, we continue to build a collaborative community where businesses learn, grow, and succeed.

Members of the ISW team attended the National Asian Pacific American Museum Commission's final listening session, co-hosted by Michelle Wu and the Asian Community Fund at The Boston Foundation on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, in Boston.

The event brought together community organizations and leaders from across Massachusetts to share perspectives that will help shape the vision for a future National Asian Pacific American Museum. The session emphasized the importance of representing the rich diversity of Asian American histories, including the experiences, contributions, cultures, traditions, and stories of communities across different regions of the United States. Speakers and performers included representatives from the Boston Lyric Opera, the Angkor Dance Troupe, and several community organizations and civic leaders.

ISW was honored to be among the invited organizations representing the MetroWest area. The session provided a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow Asian American organizations, exchange ideas with community leaders, and contribute to meaningful conversations about preserving and celebrating the history, heritage, cultural traditions, and lasting contributions of Asian Americans for future generations.

Picture Credit - Mike Mejia (city of Boston)

From left to right - Sarita Deshpande, Smita Manjrekar, Komal Tanna, Mayor Michelle Wu (City of Boston)

PROMILA MATHUR  : July 11, 1943 - June 26, 2026

--submitted by Priyanka Dayal McCluskey

Promila Mathur, 82, beloved mother, grandmother and physician, passed away on June 26, 2026 due to complications of Parkinson’s disease. She will be missed by a large circle of family and friends who admired and loved her for her wit, her warmth, her optimistic spirit and open heart.

The most important people in her life were her daughter Anjali, son-in-law Anuj, and grandson, Kavi. She cherished her time with them above all else. She shared a long marriage with the late Rajender Mathur until his passing in 2009.

Promila was born in New Delhi, India in 1943 to the late Raghbir and Rajeshwari Dayal. She was the oldest of five siblings: Naresh, KumKum, Rajiv and Sanjay. She cared deeply for her younger sister and three younger brothers despite being many years their senior. She remained close to her siblings throughout her life and was able to spend time with them during her final days.

Promila -- known to many as Pommy -- was bright and ambitious. She was the first in her family to go to medical school and become a doctor. She studied at Sarojini Naidu Medical College in Agra and All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi before moving to Germany and eventually the United States. 

She worked at a clinic in Harlem, New York and later built a private practice in Massachusetts, affiliated with MetroWest Medical Center. 

She worked more than four decades as an obstetrician/gynecologist and was adored by her patients. With skill and grace, she brought life into the world, delivering thousands of babies during her career. 

Promila was a devoted aunt to many nieces and nephews. And she was a confidant and mentor to countless friends and relatives who turned to her not only for medical advice but for counsel on all matters. She listened and spoke with empathy, not judgement. 

She enjoyed chatting with loved ones over hot cups of chai. She closely followed news and current events and was an avid reader who always had a good book nearby. 

Her large circle of family, friends and grateful patients around the globe will treasure her memory forever.

She will be honored at a private funeral service. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Donations in Promila’s memory can be directed to the American Parkinson Disease Association.

ISW Symphony proudly hosted its Visual Art Festival this past Saturday at the India Center, bringing together artists, art enthusiasts, families, and community members for a vibrant celebration of creativity and artistic expression.

The India Center was beautifully transformed with ethnic fabrics, garlands, decorative backdrops, and artistic props thoughtfully designed and arranged by Carolyn Passey.

The festival featured the work of 15 talented artists who showcased a diverse range of artistic styles and mediums. Attendees had the opportunity to explore Arabic calligraphy, crocheting, knitting, handcrafted sculpted candles, acrylic paintings on canvas, paper and textile surfaces, ceramic art, religious and political art, and traditional Lippan art and many more. The variety and creativity on display captivated visitors throughout the day.

Participating Artists 

• Aarav Jain

• Anshika Jain

• Eric Sutman

• Jeena Ann Kidambi

• Khushaboo Gupta

• Meenakshi Krishnamoorthi

• Navya Gupta

• Neha Ujlayan

• Richa Gupta

• Sana Tabassum

• Shaniv Gupta

• Suchtra Shinde

• Tejal Doshi

• Upasana Govindrajan

• Vaisakhi Govindu

In addition to the art exhibition, the festival offered three engaging hands-on workshops that allowed participants to learn new artistic techniques and create their own masterpieces:

• Mosaic Coaster Making by Avni Chheda

• Jewelry Making by Chaitrali Yadav

• Decoupage Bottle Making by Bindiya Jain

Approximately 10–12 participants took advantage of these unique learning opportunities and thoroughly enjoyed exploring new forms of artistic expression.

The festival also featured an art contest open to all age groups. More than 15 children enthusiastically participated, creating abstract artwork in a fun and collaborative community setting. Their creativity and imagination made the contest a highlight of the event.

The contest winners are: -

Age group 5 to 9 years:

1st Prize - Krishiv Verma

2nd Prize - Vrishank Sisodiya

3rd Prize - Nyra Abbani

Age group 10 to 15 years:

1st Prize - Naavya Raghavendra

2nd Prize - Aadhya Raghavendra

3rd Prize - Swardhuni Uppara

Adding to the festive atmosphere were several creative vendors, including Hustham, Varna Arts, Creations, Fruitiberri, and Chaitrali’s Kitchen. Attendees enjoyed browsing and purchasing unique handcrafted items, artistic merchandise, delicious food, refreshing smoothies, and more.

Despite the rainy weather, the event attracted more than 200 attendees and received an overwhelmingly positive response from both artists and visitors. The strong community participation and appreciation for the arts made the festival a tremendous success.

Planning Team 

• Arathi Cowlagi

• Carolyn Passey

• Neha Ujlayan

• Preeti Khilnani

• Sarita Deshpande

• Suchtra Shinde

• Tejal Doshi

ISW Symphony extends its sincere gratitude to all participating artists, workshop instructors, vendors, volunteers, and attendees whose support and enthusiasm helped make this event memorable. We look forward to continuing to celebrate art, creativity, and community through future events.

Pictures link - Art Festival Pictures and Videos

- By Smita Manjrekar

The ISW Cultural Committee hosted a fun and engaging Antakshari event that delighted both participants and the audience. The program followed a Jeopardy‑style format, adding excitement and keeping everyone fully involved throughout the competition.

Participation and Winners

A total of 15 teams participated, showcasing their musical knowledge, energy, and enthusiasm. After several lively rounds, three teams emerged as winners:

• 1st Place – Magambo Khush Hua (Rahul Chaudhari, Karishma Kazani, Durga Nirgudkar)

• 2nd Place – Full on Funkaar (Reshma Nair, Purvi Popat, Yogesh)

• 3rd Place – Sargam ( Hema, Suneeta and Richa)

Congratulations to our winners!

We received wonderful feedback from both participants and audience members. Many appreciated the unique format, smooth organization, and joyful atmosphere. The event was widely recognized as a memorable evening filled with music, teamwork, and community spirit.

Acknowledgments

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to those who made this event possible:

• Harish Patil — for leading the event with strong support from Nimish Gera.

• Arun Radhakrishnan — for pouring energy into the Jeopardy format, making it a hit once again.

• Ashok Kale — for Bollywood‑themed decorations/sound system support and always supporting cultural events.

• Narayan Sharma — for bringing infectious energy to the room and for your continuous support to cultural committee.

• Chaitanya Deshpande — for beautifully capturing event memories

• Payal Acharya, Financial Professional — for generously contributing toward the event's snack to our attendees and participants. <Delicious Snacks were provided by Chaitrali's Kitchen>

• Harshita from Kanha Collections — for gifting hampers to our top three winners. Appreciate your generosity.

Cultural Committee Chairs, Smita Manjrekar and Komal Tanna, like to extend their thanks to  Tejal Doshi, Preeti Khillani, Rashi Khanna for help in planning, organizing, and executing the event.  We thank an amazing EB support, from Kamlesh Khillani and Sharat Amin.

The Antakshari team would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the following members for their enthusiastic participation in the 'Aaja Nachle' category: Monali Kamde Wasekar,  Sunita Ramnani, Ayan Vaze, and Kaustubh Vaze.

The Antakshari event was a great success, combining music, creativity, and community spirit!!

Event Pictures: https://photos.app.goo.gl/7zDsdrFGRk4n9q9e9

- By Rajesh Khare

Wayland, MA, May 17: ISW Symphony’s Dhol-Tasha-Lezim volunteer team represented the India Society of Worcester at the Wayland World’s Fair, bringing rhythm, energy, and community spirit to the multicultural celebration.

A small crew of volunteers made a big impact, showcasing ISW’s cultural programming and helping introduce the broader community to ISW’s growing initiatives.

A special shout-out to Aditya Ambade for leading the team on the ground and helping coordinate a strong presence for ISW at the event.

The volunteer team included:

Dhol: Aditya Ambade (Lead), Akriti Shukla, Sumeet Nayak, Poonam Parab

Tasha: Abhijeet Kaulgud, Ahan Rajhans

The Indian community in Wayland also added to the celebration by serving complimentary live pani puri, samosa, til chikki, and kokum sarbat for all attendees, making the event even more welcoming and memorable.

Photo credits: Aditya Ambade and Purvi Mande.