- By Kirti Nagpal

We had the pleasure of hosting two esteemed authors, Manorama Chaudhary and Upendra Mishra. The discussion explored fascinating parallels between our ancient scriptures—such as Natyashastra attributed to Brahma Muni—and modern neuroscience. We reflected on how concepts like Rasa and Bhava can be understood as early interpretations of how thoughts generate emotions, which in turn shape our actions.

Manorama is the author of Ashtanayika: Tatwa O Kabita and co-author of Ashtanayika: The Romantic Heroines from the Natyashastra to Modernity. Both books explore Shringar Rasa and its enduring influence on Indian art, literature, and culture, supported by her original classical and contemporary verses.

With Upendra Mishra, the conversation focused on self-contemplation and the creation of an inner compass—encouraging us to look beyond the duality of “good” and “bad,” and instead work toward achieving happiness and peace through the mantra, “Que Sera Sera.”

Upendra Mishra is the founder of Precise Marketing & Media, Inc., a company specializing in high-impact, personalized communication strategies. He is also the founder of The Mishra Group, a diversified media company that publishes INDIA New England News, IndUS Business Journal, Boston Life Sciences Times, and Boston Real Estate Times.

He is the author of After the Fall.

After the Fall is a soulful and unflinching portrait of a man who seemed to have it all—a brilliant career, captivating romances, and a keen intellect.

I was truly fortunate to have the opportunity to moderate this event and engage in a productive and intellectually enriching one-on-one conversation with both of our esteemed authors.

The central idea behind this event was to encourage a deeper understanding of the self and to acknowledge emotions and thoughts as they arise—whether through the concepts of Rasa and Bhava explored in Ashtanayika, or through Owen’s journey in After the Fall.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Manorama Chaudhary and Upendra Mishra for taking the time to share their insights and giving us the opportunity to learn more about the extensive research and reflection that went into writing their books.

I would also like to thank Snehalata Kadam for collaborating with Humrahee on this project; Sapna Gera and Guru for the wonderful song recital; and Shivani for the graceful dance performance.

And of course, my sincere thanks to my Humrahee team, Sharat Amin and Narayan Sharma, for their constant support.

Article by ~ Veena Dindore

ISW Marathi class students kicked off the Maharashtra Din celebration by presenting an impressive and graceful rendition of Saraswati vandana, proudly representing the school before a packed auditorium.  Dressed in vibrant Indian traditional attire, with smart‑looking phetas tied proudly on their heads, children ages 5 to 12 sang with devotion and innocence that instantly won everyone’s hearts. Their soulful performance was a result of the dedicated practice sessions held over the past several days. This success was made possible through the collaborative efforts of teachers, who guided the students with patience and expertise, and parents, whose encouragement and active involvement ensured the children were well-prepared for a truly memorable performance.

Names of  students - Anvita Wagholikar, Arjun Sahasrabudhe, Avnee Ambade, Ayaan Sahasrabudhe,  Laksh Zadgaonkar, Maurya Pawar, Naarayani Haridas, Saanvi Khare, Swara Khare, Twarita Deshpande, Vaidik Kadu, Vihaan Deshpande, Vyom Mate

Pictures by ~ Neelu, Anjali G. , Rajesh Khare

Asian Festival on June 20th, 2026

More details here 

The Tower Hill garden in partnership with ISW is dedicating a garden plot to growing Indian herbs and vegetables. We welcome the ISW community to join us on May 19th at 9 am to 11 am  to  help desi  plants in the climate garden.  Rain date May 20th  Below is the list of possible samples

1. Momordica charantia — Bitter gourd (‘Bahadur’, ‘Gori’)
2. Withania somnifera — Ashwagandha
3. Cyamopsis tetragonoloba — Gawar bean / Cluster bean (Rajasthan type)
4. Vigna unguiculata — Cowpea (‘Usha’ yard long bean type)
5. Lablab purpureus (syn. Dolichos lablab) — Hyacinth bean (‘Bhavna’)
6. Psophocarpus tetragonolobus — winged bean
7. Amaranthus cruentus — Amaranthus (‘Lalit’)
8. Amaranthus viridis — Amaranthus (‘Totakoora’)
9. Amaranthus hypochondriacus — Amaranthus (‘Golden Giant’)
10. Amaranthus tricolor — Amaranthus (‘Vlathankara’)
11. Capsicum frutescens — Hot pepper (‘Kanthari’)
12. Capsicum annuum — Hot pepper (‘Kaddi Mirchi’)
13. Cucumis sativus L. var. sativus — Cucumber (‘Dosakkai’)
14. Cucumis sativus — Cucumber (‘Poona Kheera’)
15. Cucumis melo var. chito — Dosakkai / lemon cucumber
16. Solanum melongena — Eggplant (‘Giant of Barman’)
17. Hibiscus sabdariffa — Roselle (red-stemmed gongura)
18. Basella rubra — Malabar spinach
19. Moringa oleifera — Horseradish tree / miracle tree
20. Nigella sativa — Black-seeded culinary nigella
21. Sesamum indicum — Sesame
22. Tagetes erecta — Marigold (‘Giant Orange’)
23. Tagetes patula — Marigold (‘Durango Outback mix’)
24. Ocimum africanum — Holy basil (‘Kapoor Tulsi’)
25. Spinacia oleracea — Smooth leaf spinach (‘Lizard’)
26. Musa spp. — Banana
27. Murraya koenigii — Curry leaf tree

Steve Conaway, PhD
Director of Horticulture
He/Him
New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill
508.869.6111 x122
11 French Drive, Boylston, MA 01505

Please let Priya Vaidya or Shiamin Melville know if interested

Article by - Veena Dindore

ISW and Learnquest hosted a delightful concert of Moods and Melodies on Saturday April 26th at india center. 

Pictures by Govind Dindore

The evening began with a vibrant performance by a talented ISW Symphony vocal ensemble presenting folk based Bollywood songs mash‑up set in Raag Pahadi. Their melodious blend of familiar songs instantly set a warm, inviting tone for the night.

The evening turned into an extraordinary musical experience as the audience entered the magical world of the santoor, also called as Shat‑Tara‑Veena, played by Pt. Dhananjay Daithankar and his son, Ninad Daithankar. The hundred‑string instrument filled the hall with a calm, glowing atmosphere, its gentle flowing notes creating a peaceful mood that immediately engaged everyone.

The performance blossomed as the father–son duo presented a captivating santoor jugalbandi in raga Yaman, their melodic exchanges flowing with effortless grace and deep emotional resonance. Adding rhythmic brilliance to this blend was Dr. Rajendra Doorkar on the pakhvaj, and Mr. Sameer Puntambekar on the tabla, whose powerful, resonant strokes sent waves of goosebumps through the audience. Dr. Doorkar’s command over the instrument brought a majestic depth to the atmosphere, while Mr. Puntambekar added crisp, intricate rhythmic patterns on tabla elevating the entire ensemble.

Another thrilling moment of the evening was the jugalbandi between the two percussionists. Their playful yet masterful interaction showcased the dynamic possibilities of pakhvaj and tabla, building layers of tempo, texture, and excitement that had the audience completely engrossed.

 Dr. Doorkar further delighted the audience by demonstrating various side‑percussion instruments, showcasing the vast rhythmic sounds that enriches Indian music.

The musicians surprised the audience by slipping in cherished Bollywood classics, transforming the concert into an interactive celebration. Listeners joyfully hummed along, their voices blending with the instruments and creating a warm, shared musical moment. The fusion of classical finesse, rhythmic innovation, and nostalgic tunes made the evening truly unforgettable for everyone present.

Rajay Goyal 04/26/2026

Big B as Amitabh Bachchan is fondly known as, was the theme of this Manoranjan program held in ISW on this evening of Sunday, April 19.

Manoranjan is an ever-expanding community of music enthusiasts who sing and dance to the Karaoke numbers of Bollywood songs. Today was no different. People drove over an hour from many Massachusetts towns as well as from the states of Connecticut, Rhode Island and New Hampshire to participate and reminiscence Amitabh Bachchan’s songs.

True to its theme, everything was big and beautiful about this evening. More than 80 people attended this program with almost 38 singers.  The evening was filled with melodious songs, interspersed with readings from Big B’s favorite poetry Madhushala, a metaphorical poem about life itself.

While carrying the image of an angry young man that ruled the Bollywood cinema for almost three decades, Amitabh Bachchan’s romance on screen was often subtle, silent and introspective and at times unfulfilled and sacrificial. The songs chosen for this evening covered these complexities and paradoxes quite well.

There were at least a dozen people who came to ISW for the first time and many of them opted to become annual members. Some others sang in public for the first time. A lot of people made this event a success, right from setting up chairs to bringing snacks and creating positive vibes.

Congratulations to the Manoranjan Team of Mr. Narayan Sharma, Mr. Sharat Amin and Mr Rajay Goyal for conceiving, designing and executing this program; Mr Kaizad Patel for managing the audio ;   the sponsor of the evening dinner Ms. Trupti Patel and all the participants for making this program a grand success.

As always, Manoranjan – where singing is fun ® lived up to its reputation of bringing the community of music lovers of all talent levels and ages together in a fun way

-By Ashok Kale

Walpole, MA, March 19 - Happy New Year on March 19th? Yes - it’s the Marathi New Year, called Gudi Padwa. It signifies the arrival of spring and prosperity and is celebrated by hosting Gudi flags.

ISW Symphony and Sankalp Marathi Mandal joined forces to create new possibilities for sharing and celebrating our culture.

Indoor or outdoor, kids or adults - we’ve got you covered. The practices built up all the excitement. New players quickly learned the beats, syncing up with the rest of the team.

Was this the 39th public performance since inception in 2021? You bet. The team members were brimming with excitement and energy to mesmerize the audience.

Ready, set, go! From the moment the first beat was struck, the entire performance was magical. The kids performed inside the Sai Temple in Walpole. Their performance brought joy, admiration, appreciation, and gratitude.

The adults picked up the momentum and delivered flawless performances in a procession around the temple. There was magic in the air, and the Sankalp team members joined in with enthusiasm - fully engaged in performing lezim and cheering. Once more, and then another, and another - no one wanted it to end. We’ve never had so many encores. The palakhi brought devotion to the entire performance, and the traditional Marathi costumes evoked the spirit of Maharashtra.

You had to be there to believe it! What a way to celebrate Gudi Padwa, a new partnership, and our culture. The pictures offer a glimpse of this joyful experience.

A big thank you to the Sankalp team for being wonderful hosts and bringing a large, energetic audience.

As always, kudos to the Symphony DTL team for bringing in new participants, new beats, renewed energy, and reaching new heights.

The Spring Garba event at ISW held on 11th April 2026 was a vibrant and memorable celebration that beautifully brought the community together across generations. From energetic teenagers to enthusiastic adults, the event created a lively space where everyone could connect, celebrate, and immerse themselves in cultural traditions.

The evening started with Ganesh Vandana shlok by Radhi Navani and then the rhythmic beats from DJ Raunak of garba music set the tone, drawing people in and encouraging even first-time attendees to join the circle. Evening  was filled with color, music, and joy as participants dressed in traditional attire gathered on the dance floor. Laughter and smiles were everywhere, as families, friends, and new acquaintances danced side by side, creating a true sense of unity.

What made the event especially successful was its inclusivity. Teenagers brought energy and excitement, while adults contributed experience and warmth, resulting in a dynamic and welcoming atmosphere.

Beyond the dance floor, the event also offered delicious food by Chennai Express, some fun shopping with vendors Raas Ritva - who offered exquisite jewelry & clothing and Festive Collections that had amazing decor and gift items. 

This event was spear headed by Cultural committee volunteer Tejal Doshi under the guidance of Cultural committee chairs Smita Manjrekar and Komal Tanna along with her fellow members ,Rashi Khanna, Neha Ujlayan, Preeti Khilnani, Snehalata Kadam and other CC members behind scenes who all made sure the cultural festivities brought together a reason to reconnect with familiar faces, and meet new members of the community. Big shout out to our President Jagan Srinivasan and EB members Anjali Paranjape & Sharat Amin for always helping a hand.

The shared experience fostered a sense of belonging and pride, reminding everyone of the importance of cultural traditions in bringing people together.

Overall, the Spring Garba at ISW was more than just an event—it was a celebration of community spirit, cultural richness, and joyful togetherness. Its success was reflected in the smiles, the energy, and the strong sense of connection that lingered long after the music ended.

Check out photos here:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/YxcwbUT4R6XmLivMA

~ Komal Tanna

Cultural Committee Co-Chair 

Article by ~ Rajesh Khare

Holi 2026, organized by the India Society of Worcester (ISW) Symphony, brought the community together for a high-energy celebration. Despite the cold weather, the turnout was strong, with many families and volunteers staying through the entire program. This event also marked a milestone of 40 public performances by the Symphony team in under five years, showing the continued growth of the group.

The event brought together Dhol-Tasha-Lezim, dance performances, and color play in a well-paced program. From the start, there was excitement in the crowd, with many eagerly waiting for the color segment while enjoying the performances.

General Secretary Kamlesh Khilnani introduced ISW to the audience, sharing the organization’s work and community initiatives.

Jessy Haggard from Faneuil Hall Marketplace also addressed the audience and thanked ISW and attendees: “The drums, the dances, and the colors are an amazing representation of Holi. I had a great time watching all of you and hope to see you again next year.”

The event ran smoothly thanks to coordinated volunteer efforts, and the hot refreshments helped everyone stay comfortable in the cold.

Dhol-Tasha-Lezim (DTL)

The Dhol-Tasha-Lezim performance set the tone with strong and catchy beats. The group included both experienced members and several first-time performers, bringing a good mix of confidence and fresh energy.

Choreographed Dance Segments

The program included a range of dance performances across age groups:

• Color Splash Kids brought cheerful energy and got the audience smiling from the start
• Kathak Holi Dance combined classical movements with expressive storytelling
• Dazzling Divas delivered a confident and expressive group performance
• Medley by Sohum and Ishaan added a fun youth segment to the lineup
• Lavani brought traditional rhythm and strong expressions to the stage
• Tanvi and Ria Dance added a playful spring theme to the program

Community Impact

A total of 54 volunteers and performers contributed to making this event happen.

The crowd stayed engaged throughout, enjoying both the performances and the color play. It was great to see many new performers join in and be part of the program alongside experienced members.

The event reflected strong teamwork across volunteers, performers, and organizers, coming together to create a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Credits

Dhol
Aditya Ambade, Aishwarya Mungarwadi, Jui Ashinkar, Komal Kadam, Narayan Sharma, Prasanna Pawar, Raghvendra Cowlagi, Sakshi Gurao, Shilpa Parab, Sonia Gera, Sumeet Nayak, Swapnil Sundarkar, Varsha Padwalkar

Tasha
Anand Desai, Arvind Kinhikar, Manoj Gera, Sanket Gurao

Lezim
Deepali Kadu, Pallavi Chavan, Samyukta Warty, Seema Jadhav, Shilpa Kulkarni, Shweta Choudhari, Vidya Kulkarni

Zhanj
Ashok Kale, Poonam Parab, Rajesh Khare, Sharat Amin

Music
Ahan Rajhans, Archis Cowlagi

Tol / Dhumal / Ghoshana
Shirish Joshi, Akshay Rajhans, Maurya Pawar

Dance Performers
Aishwarya Mungarwadi, Avni Goal, Gargi Kulkarni, Ginni Goal, Ishaan Pattarkine, Madhura Kulkarni, Maurya Pawar, Radhika Chintapalli, Renuka Goyal, Ria Deshpande, Shivaanee Kothavle, Sohum Pattarkine, Sukanya Mishra, Tanvi Manjrekar, Tejashri Mate, Vedant Mungarwadi, Vivaan Mungarwadi

Photo & Video
Chetan Mungarwadi, Kapil Pawar

Coordination Support
Arvind Kinhikar, Ashok Kale, Prasanna Pawar, Preeti Khilnani, Rajesh Khare, Sakshi Gurao, Sanket Gurao, Sarita Deshpande, Vishakha Khamankar

Closing Note

The Holi Festival of Colors 2026 once again brought the community together through music, dance, and shared celebration. With strong participation and continued volunteer support, the event continues to grow each year.

- By Komal Tanna (Cultural Committee Co-Chair}

The ISW Eid celebration was a vibrant and joyous gathering that brought the community together to celebrate culture, tradition, and togetherness. The last weekend of March saw India Center bustling with activity. 

Our President Jagan Shrinivasan welcomed the community with warmth, along with event MC’s Komal Tanna, Umraz Syed and Shehla Eledroos.

This collaboration featured a lively cultural show filled with traditional songs and music from Mustafa Taj, Homaira Naseem, Noura Khan and ISW’s own Humrahee family. There were  Kathak dance performances that captivated the audience and set a festive tone for the evening.Ever beautiful Kirti Nagpal and young and graceful Kaayna Jain both mesmerized us with their performances. 

We also had open mic where new singing talent was discovered!  

Guests enjoyed the rhythmic beats of the  “Dholki” a pre wedding event, adding an authentic touch to the celebration, while the free mehendi station was a popular attraction, with attendees adorning their hands in beautiful, intricate designs made by Yashfa. 

A variety of vendors showcased stunning jewelry and traditional clothing, giving everyone a chance to explore and shop festive styles.

The event also offered a unique opportunity to try on elegant and traditional outfits which included Abhayas, Sharara, Khada duppatta, Shervqji,  Nawabi topi etc,making it a fun and immersive cultural experience for all ages. The photo booth and the entire India center was beautifully decorated by Yaar Events,which was a hit capturing smiles and special moments throughout the evening.

Of course, no celebration is complete without food, and attendees were treated to a delicious spread that delighted every palate. Food was sponsored by local restaurants and also prepared by volunteers.

With music, dancing, and laughter filling the space, the event truly embodied the spirit of Eid.

Organized and run entirely by dedicated volunteers, we thank the community volunteer’s, Asiya, Tabassum, Shehla,Umraz,Yasmin, Sabreena, Also ISW volunteers Shilpa, Saket, Arush, Rashi, Tejal, Smita, Neha U, Priti, Abhijeet and many more! 

The ISW Eid event was a wonderful success—creating lasting memories and strengthening the sense of community among all who attended.

Photos:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/qU4RoMNGpGLLzzNB8