The ISW Symphony Dhol Tasha Lezim (DTL) team reached a significant milestone with its 25th public performance as it participated in the recent India Day 2024 celebrations organized by the India Association of Greater Boston (IAGB). The event took place on Aug 17th at the iconic Hatch Shell Memorial in Boston, a venue renowned for hosting significant cultural gatherings and this was a proud moment for the DTL team. It highlighted the reach and impact of the group, not just within Worcester but across the wider region.

Since its inception in 2021, the DTL team has consistently delivered performances that resonate with the community, performing across various locations from Connecticut to Boston. This group is uniquely diverse, comprising women, children, and senior citizens. This appearance at the IAGB India Day was a strong demonstration of community spirit, engaging the audience with powerful rhythms and coordinated movements.

Sanket Gurao, one of the founding members of the group, added his experience: “The whole atmosphere gave me great vibes, especially being right next to the historic Charles River. Performing in front of such an energetic crowd was exhilarating. The event was very well organized, and the DTL team did an excellent job managing to play a variety of patterns. This experience boosted our confidence and helped us set even more intricate patterns.”

ISW's involvement in IAGB India Day reflects its ongoing commitment to cultural exchange and collaboration within the Indian community in the greater Boston area. The organization regularly partners with various groups in the region to promote Indian heritage and provide a platform for cultural expressions. These partnerships are crucial in continuing to share our cultural heritage and in strengthening ties within the community.

Volunteers:

Tasha: Kaustubh Sahasrabudhe, Manoj Gera, Parag Kunte, Sanket Gurao, Vinay Vyas

Dhol: Ayaan Sahasrabudhe, Arjun Sahasrabudhe, Cyrus Bhada, Meenakshi Vaze, Rajesh Khare, Siddhant Pawnarkar, Sonia Gera

Taal/Flags: Sarita Deshpande, Shamsnaz Bhada

Zhanj: Ashok Kale, Sharat Amin

---Kirti Nagpal

We organized our Annual Humrahi Picnic on 7/27/24.

It was at the Dean park in Shrewsbury .

The weather was “Goldilocks perfect” just the right amount of Sun with a gentle pleasing soft breeze . The Gazebo at the park was nicely decorated with clusters of white and pink balloons interspersed with crepe paper streamers!!! The American and Indian flag with our Humrahi banner was fluttering softly and conveying the message of integrity in diversity!!

We started the day with some introduction and then dived right into playing some group games like passing the parcel ,a modified version of Antakshari .All our senior friends were engaging with full vigor and enthusiasm and exhibited lively and positive spirit when it came to things like “walk like a duck “ or “ do a chicken dance “ as part of the tasks in the game.

Narayan ji and Sharat ji were skillfully managing the music and sound department and helping with the games.

We had an extensive array of delicious snacks and desserts.There was chick pea salad , pasta salad ,Dhokla, sandwiches , poha ,laddoo, brownies and biryani just to name a few . Of all the different culinary delights Sev Usal was by far the most popular choice among the attendees!

The whole atmosphere of fun and play and Masti was quite tangible!!

Everyone enjoyed and savored the sun and fun through the 3hrs we were at the Dean park .

The incredible turn out we had for our picnic is a testament to the growing popularity of our ISW Humrahi clan. We are a family and we are growing . Lots of gratitude to the volunteers that helped with the organization and execution of the plan . And of course heartfelt appreciation for all the people who attended .we look forward to see you all soon

---submitted by Sonia Gera

ISW at the Hot Night in the City event

Worcester Center for Crafts organized their annual Hot Night in the City event on Friday, July 19, 2024. Every year, it celebrates the traditions and processes of art in a fun way with music, dance, and fun. ISW participated in this event where we showcased the rich cultural heritage of India.

Mrs.Carolyn Passey’s beautifully curated artifacts displayed at the booth presented a range of artforms of India and gave the visitors a glimpse of the amazing Indian art and culture. Elegant traditional clothing mounted on mannequins, decorative woodwork and mirror-work handicraft items spoke volumes about the tireless dedication and passion of so many artisans back home. The models of various Indian musical instruments alongside an elegant Taj Mahal plate represented the bountifulness of our art and creativity. Beautiful Barbie dolls in Indian attires fascinated the young girls! The booth was interactive and the visitors seemed impressed by the information presented about the Indian flag, the Taj Mahal, facts about India, and the Indian musical instruments. The handouts included coloring sheets for kids, puzzles, and information about the upcoming India Day at DCU.The volunteers at the booth proudly shared the information about ISW and its active role in bringing the community together through its various handles such as ISW-PEN, Humrahi, IYG, WEW, ISWU, Symphony, etc. 

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By Mica Kanner-Mascoloelly

WBJ Updated: July 22, 2024

The India Society of Worcester is thrilled to announce the celebration of India Day 2024, marking the 61st anniversary of the organization. The festivities will take place on August 10, 2024, from 12 PM to 7 PM at the DCU Center in Worcester, bringing together the community for a day of cultural immersion and celebration.

Who: The India Society of Worcester
What: India Day 2024 - Celebration of 61 Incredible Years
When: August 10, 2024, from 12 PM to 7 PM
Where: DCU Center, Worcester, MA

Theme: "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam - One World One Family."

This year's India Day promises to be a spectacular event, featuring a variety of cultural performances, traditional Indian cuisine, art exhibitions, a business expo, job fair, free health stop, activities for youth, bazaar, and music. India Day at DCU is more than just a cultural celebration; it's also a chance to explore job opportunities, participate in a business expo, showcase your talents, and connect with the community. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience the diverse traditions of India.

Come to enjoy and participate in ISW's remarkable tradition of India Day celebrations, promising a fulfilling day. Calling out all choreographers, vendors, sponsors, and advertisers.

This free event is open to the public, and everyone is invited to join in the festivities.

Contact:
India Society of Worcester: ID24@iswonline.org
For more information, please visit:
https://iswonline.org/event-5704780

India Day 2024 Advt Sponsor Signup Form 

India Day 2024 Vendor Registration Form 

India Day 2024 Choreographer/Cultural Form

 ISW India Day 2024 Career Fair Booth Registration

India Society of Worcester mourns the passing of Dr. Athan  Flessas.  

As a cardiologist, Dr. Flessas  was a long standing volunteer of the ISW Free Health Stop from 2015 to 2022.  

He passed away on June 30th, 2024. His generosity, kindness and irrepressible sense of humor will be missed.  In lieu of flowers, his family requests you consider a donation to the ISW Free health stop. 

Obituary of Dr. Flessas

Donation in memory of Dr Flessas 

ISW Graduation Satsang was held on June 30, 2024

Puja was conducted by Usha Verma, outside on our Patio, and our 2024 graduates were felicitated by friends and their family.  Prasad sponsored by Sahdev and Carolyn Passey. 

Religion Team

Geetanjali, Nisha and Carolyn

---submitted by Kirti Nagpal

India society of Worcester’s Humrahi group in collaboration with VFS ,a nonprofit organization from South Easton hosted a talent show for seniors on 6/22/24.

The event was held at Indian center in Shrewsbury.It was attended by people from different parts of New England area.

The energy and vigor that our senior citizens brought to the stage was incredible .

Our Humrahi group and VFS members showcased diverse range of talents including melodious singing ,graceful dancing ,heartlfelt poetry, nostalgic dialogue narration , ballroom dancing , fashion walk and so on .We even had a participant who did tarot card reading for the people who attended the event. All the performances were well received .The group dance and melody show was a true testament of bonding and camaraderie between our Humrahi members.

The event including the Garba dance was very lively and entertaining so much so that the audience jumped in and started to dance to the beats of “Dholida “Bollywood song .

The interesting element was that some teenagers from the party at our rental hall were so enthralled by our seniors dancing to peppy songs that they also joined in and had their own groovy moves to our Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhonsle songs.

Rajay Goel and Haren Ji 's soulful singing ,Sharat ji ‘s light-hearted and humorous performance, Amita ji and Vijay ji's impressive dance moves ,Monie ji's elegant and graceful ball room dance routine and Veena Kohli 's and Raj Nagpal's poetry rich in wisdom are a few highlights of the event .

The whole collaboration between ISW and VFS was an astounding success evident by the energetic and uplifting aura felt at the event .

Our very talented MCs Mr Narayan Sharma and Ms Manisha Parmar kept the show entertaining and engaging for the audience .

I would also like to acknowledge all our volunteers whose efforts, and dedication helped us coordinate this event flawlessly.

We would like to express our gratitude to Ms Pratima Penumarthy and Ramakrishna Penumarthy for their altrustic efforts and dedication for the seniors in our community. We hope to continue our alliance with VFS towards our mutual goal and vision of empowering our seniors and helping them live life to the fullest.

Award ceremony held as part of Graduation Satsang on June 30, 2024

“The heart of a volunteer is not measured in size, but by the depth of the commitment to make a difference in the lives of others.” - DeAnn Hollis.

Facebook pictures Link

Congratulations on the PVSA award for volunteer work in 2023. You dedication to volunteer work is indeed exemplary, and ISW recognizes your hard work

2023 Teens 11-15
1. Gold Aditi Jayendran
2. Gold Arush Jagan
3. Gold Mahati Jayendran
4. Gold Sohan Hegde
5. Silver Priancka Ika
6. Bronze Ayan Mishra
2023 Young Adults 16-25
1. Gold Aadi Dixit
2. Gold Dhruv Jagan
3. Gold Kunal Chauhan
4. Gold Maurya Virmani
5. Gold Tanushree Nekenti
6. Gold Tara Chintapalli
7. Silver Aaditya Yadav
8. Bronze Prachet Mahawar
9. Bronze Samvriddhi Shukla

2023 Adults 25+
1. Gold Ekta Jain
2. Gold Geetanjali Virmani
3. Bronze Ashwani Virmani
4. Bronze Priya Vaidya

---submitted by Usha Yadav.

On June 21st ISW celebrated International Yoga Day workshop. The theme for this year was ‘Yoga for self and society’ this highlight that the benefit of yoga practice not only enhance personal health and well-being , but it also helps foster positive awareness and participation as a society. Community members came together at the ISW center to enjoy yoga despite the heavy rains.

The workshop began indoors with a series of yoga poses, sun salutation and an introduction to varieties of breathing techniques. Narendra ji our yoga instructor demonstrated and explained about the Jal-Nethi technique. He explained how practicing jal-nethi helps people with allergies as these techniques help cleanse the nostrils and daily practice helps prevent colds/allergies in kids and adults. He ended the session with teaching some meditation techniques and ‘Om’ chanting.

This yoga workshop was run by our amazing volunteer Yoga instructor Narendra Karapurkar and the event was coordinated by Usha Yadav. More than 50 people participated in this event and practiced yoga, pranayama and learned about Jal-Nethi techniques.

Thanks to all who participated in this workshop.