--Submitted by Pooja Srivastav

We are thrilled to share that our recent ISWU Heartfulness meditation workshop was a wonderful success, filled with warmth, connection, and the spirit of the seasons. Around 80 participants joined in, dressed in beautiful traditional attire, bringing vibrant energy and joy to the celebration.

Our community gathered from various states, including Nashua, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, Massachusetts creating a rich tapestry of cultures and traditions. 

Throughout the day, we engaged in meaningful activities that fostered both spiritual growth and light-hearted fun. We began with a peaceful group meditation session, allowing everyone to center and reconnect. Youngsters brought an infectious energy, fully participating and adding a joyful spark to the gathering.

The event was also a fantastic opportunity to bond through games. Inspiring readings and videos from Master deepened our connection to Heartfulness, and many participants were able to receive personal 1-1 sittings with a trainer.

We closed the event on a serene note with a peaceful group meditation, leaving everyone feeling calm, rejuvenated, and connected.

We’re grateful for everyone’s enthusiastic participation and for the host’s generous hospitality. This gathering truly captured the spirit of Heartfulness, reminding us of the power of community and shared purpose. We look forward to more such gatherings, strengthening our bonds and creating lasting memories.

Thank you to all who made this event so memorable!

Synopsis Humrahi 10/26/24

----submitted by Kirti Nagpal

We had a very informative session on Oct 26th, 2024. We were very fortunate to have Ms Daxa Patel the CEO of American Health care AFC and Ms Chakshu Sethi come to India center. They gave us all an insight in all the services that are available under the Adult foster care Initiative in State of Massachusetts.

It was a very productive session especially for the seniors and their caregivers in the community. Under this program the seniors are eligible to have an assigned registered nurse and a social worker to help with their specific needs. The caregivers would also be eligible for financial remuneration to help the seniors with their personal care, transportation and companionship.

If anyone is interested in reaching out to them, their tell number is 888 686 9010.

After this we have dived into getting answers for one of the Eternal questions ever - How to decide the Medicare Advantage plan and what are the alphabets A, B, C and D when it comes to Medicare.

Mr. Narayan Sharma from Eternal Health came to our rescue with a very elaborate and easy to understand session about Medicare Advantage Plans. We were able to get a lot of valuable information as to what details and criterion to look into before deciding and signing up for Medicare B and C.

Mr. Sharma was very kind and patient and answered all the relevant questions from the audience. We feel a little comfortable about navigating through this alphabetic maze when it comes to health insurance.

This session was followed by a networking and socializing session over Masala chai and delicious crispy samosas.

Our final session of the Humrahi program was our fancy-dress competition celebrating Halloween. We had Manisha Kamerkar dressed in a cute cat outfit, Sandhya ji was our powerful and dynamic Indira Gandhi, Mohan and Raj Nagpal tried to capture the essence of romantic onscreen couple Raj Kapoor and Nargis and Kirti was dressed in Japanese outfit. We had Jashu ji in a kimono and Pravin Bhai in a Thawb. It was very heartwarming when Pravin ji came to the stage and spoke about his past experience in Middle east. Mala Sharma was our beautiful bubbly butterfly. Hasumati ji was in a cowboy outfit. The grand Finale was our talented Sharat Bhai dressed up as the dashing Khalnayak.

The Audience thoroughly enjoyed the whole program which was a great mix of learning information and fun.

Would like to thank all the humrahians who attended . With this session of Humrahi we were able to follow one of the popular Mantras in life - Get up, dress up and Show up

----Submitted by Dilip Bhavsar

Mr. Dilip Bhavsar is a long-time volunteer for ISW. Among his many contributions, he was the first webmaster for ISW's original website.  In this entertaining piece - he writes a story that many of us can relate to - the tailoring of his first suit. 

Year was 1975. It was little over one year since graduating from Kharagpur and beginning work at Larsen and Toubro. Plans for the most significant event of my life were already in motion. Wedding date was settled, Wedding Hall was booked. Reverend Priest already appointed and committed. Parents, immediate uncles and aunts on both bride and groom sides had their hands full with myriads of pre-wedding activities. They all were having time of their life. Afterall it was the wedding of first new generation kids on both sides.

Unlike weddings of today where bride and groom play active role in planning and orchestrating own wedding event, both of us were largely uninvolved and life was good. Then one fine day I was told that my wedding suit will be coming from my in-laws, and it will be the choice of my would-be better half. And we must hurry. Wedding date in December was hardly a month away. Thus began the project “Dilip’s Wedding Suit” on priority.

Project was kicked off with the quest for suitable fabric for suit. The thought of ready-made suit did not even cross our minds. All my trousers and shirts to-date were custom-tailored. The ready-made garment industry was non-existent or in infancy. Raymonds ready-made dress pants perhaps may have just surfaced. However, ready-made suits were not heard of.

Crawford market was recommended for fabric shopping. We were not disappointed. We found a whole street full of shops selling fabric for suiting. All shops were popular as they were all bursting and overflowing with crowds of shoppers. It certainly confirmed that we were amid the high wedding-season.

We pushed our way into one of the shops. It was just a tad easier than pushing us on board the local train at Bandra station earlier on the way to shopping. Subtracting out the crowd, we could feel that we were surrounded by walls of nicely stacked bolts of suiting material. These so-called bolts are funny. They are neither round nor threaded. They are square frames around which fabric yarn is rolled for storage , transportation, and display before retail sale.

There were wools, terylenes, silks, cottons, their blends, and cross-blends, all in hundreds of colors, shades patterns and textures. We felt good that we may not have to go anywhere else.

Inching forward through layers of shoppers we eventually managed to wedge ourselves in front of the sales-display counter. At the counter we were greeted by a cheerful vista of fabric peeking from their overlapping partially opened bolts. All very inviting. All free to caress to heart’s content. All beautiful and desired. “But I can have only one! “

A familiar shiver pass through me. Have I not been in this situation before? Saint Shammi Kapur’s lines “Jawaniya Ye Must Must Bin Piye . . . Na Janu Inme Kiske Vaste Hu Mein Na Jaane Inme Haun Hai Mere Liye” sang in my ears again.

We were waiting for attention. There were many salespeople serving several customers simultaneously. Just then the magic happened. My would-be better half had eye contact with one of them. Magic of her eyes it was. He at once got drawn to us. He looked at us and seemed to calculate something in his mind. He reached out to the wall and pulled out the first bolt of fabric and spread it open for us. Then the second and then the third. Just as he pulled the fourth one and as the bolt made its flight to the counter our eyes glittered. It was “love at first sight.” Love turned into commitment as soon as we had a closer look at the fabric’s intricate pattern, and we felt the fabric. A greater excitement awaited us as Ranjana turned fabric inside out. She saw an exquisite display of deep brown, dark green and dull yellow colors in diffused clouds of patterns that appeared as if dancing in harmony in subdued store light.

“Dilip, you must use this side.”

Salesman estimated required material for 3-piece suit together with usual allowance for tailor’s comfort. . Then came the ultimate performance in fabric buying experience. Flap…flap...flap. He pulled the required length of fabric from the bolt. He placed scissors in big open “V” configuration at one end of the bolt. Within blink of an eye, Zzzzzz …he sailed scissors across the bolt. A perfect cut, without ruler, without T-square!

With fabric in hand, Phase two of “Wedding Suit” project began with search for a reputed tailor. My old tailor “Shasco” in Andheri Shopping Center had done my shirts and pants for many years. But he was disqualified unjustly as tailor for my wedding suit must be from “high fashion area.” Lord’s Tailor on SV Road in Santa Cruz was selected. It beats me today what made Santa Cruz more fashionable than Andheri.

A visit was paid to Lord’s. Mr. Lord, I no longer recall his real name, but his entire image is in my eyes. Rectangular face, short hair, dark brown frame eyeglasses, off white bush-shirt, an unfolded tailor’s measuring tape hanging almost symmetrically from around neck.

He measured me up variously. He measured me around my neck and shoulder, around chest, around waist, and around my butt too. He also measured me several places north to south. Then he asked ,

“Bottom ?”

This question may intrigue many today, including our children, and grandchildren. Bell Bottom pants were in fashion. I do not recall who set the trend and whether it was just Mumbai, just India or all over the world. If your pant did not have sharply creased enormous bottom, you felt old and out of place.

“32 inch.” My would be had already responded on my behalf.

With my vitals recorded and bottom specified, Mr. Lord turned to the fabric and measured it long and wide and remarked,

“Chalega.”

The word brought sigh of relief. It confirmed that Dilip would fit in the fabric.

As we were wrapping up, we made sure that Mr. Lord made a special note that suit is to be stitched using the reverse side of the fabric and reminded again about the bottom.

Those were the luxurious days when custom-tailoring was taken to perfection. We were asked to return for trial one week after on a Saturday.

Designated Saturday arrived. 

We returned to Lord’s. Mr. Lord shouted something to a big hole in the corner of the ceiling. A few minutes later, like a divine descent from sky, a short man descended from the ceiling with a bundle in hand we assumed my custom-tailored suit.

Mr. Lord showed us the content ad asked, “Is this yours?”

It was indeed our fabric, just as we had left with him one week ago, in one piece!

“Very sorry, Sir. We got busy. Please come again on Tuesday. I will have it ready.”

Believe it or not. We were not at all surprised, nor we were mad. It was universal experience of those days - no matter which tailor, which area, which season. First promised date was to be taken as “Please come and remind,” or find your to be tailored material and move it to the front of the queue. Phone reminders would not work for this purpose.

Tuesday re-visit was fruitful. All three pieces were ready for trial. All seem to fit nicely, although I saw Mr. Lord busy with his sharp tailor’s chalk marking things here and there. A big relief was that the wrong side of fabric was used correctly as instructed. Trousers with its sprawling bottom Impressively hid my narrow-pointed shoes. However, my would be felt that the crease was slightly off center. Mr. Lord agreed to fix it and called us for another trial on the next day.

Trial was approved on second pass. My first custom-tailored suit was ready and picked up two days after, just in time for the wedding.

With perfect fit, elegant flare of bell bottom and the unique vibrant color concoction my suit set me apart as the man of the Day at the wedding. My suit travelled with me on my honeymoon in that chilly January. It made me look my very best everywhere by the side of my even better looking half, whether we were in front of royal Taj Mahal in its magnificent white marble, or we had completely different background of majestic Qutub Minar in its fluted red sandstone.

In Shimla, my suit and I were together in an unforgettable mad adventure of chasing a monkey. We were under a tree, and I was reloading the camera with new film roll. Just then one monkey suddenly appeared , grabbed the exposed roll by my side and started running away. We the dismayed newlyweds were running behind in despair. Good hearted monkey saw us and changed his mind. He dropped the film roll, ran away to nearby woods to hide and watch smiles return to the happy couple.

My suit was on me on my first flight to the USA and when I landed in New York. It went with me on AMTRACK to Syracuse. My suit and I were the only two to disembark on completely deserted Syracuse Rail Station on that January day amidst the Blizzard of 1978.

My suit silently played its role during my immigration interview in Buffalo. It was on me for my first ever conference presentation at an international conference in Sheraton, Washington, DC. At the evening social event , the hotel lobbies and the adjoining ball rooms were flooded with army of Democrats. They had gathered for celebration, expectantly awaiting election results and victory speech by President Carter. Things did not turn out that way. But on that day, on entire floor swarming with males in Black Tie, there was one person easy to spot. It was yours truly in his unique custom-tailored suit.

My suit fondly decorated me in many more conferences and on many more occasions until about late eighties when I could no longer fit into it.

My first custom-tailored suit was truly one in millions. All the years I wore it, all the years since last use, all the years since we bought the fabric in 1975, I have not seen my fabric on anybody. nor have I seen it on sale in any regular or high-end department stores. Neither the wrong side nor the right side!

Whereas I still remember the face of Mr. Lord, the tailor, I am not able to remember what eventually happened to my first custom-tailored suit.

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?(video) 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