by Juhie Jain

In an era where technological advancements continue to reshape the boundaries of human exploration, the race to Mars stands as a feasible idea, brimming with potential and offering a compelling return on investment. As the red planet beckons, scientists, engineers, and visionaries alike are united in their pursuit of making this interplanetary journey a reality. This collective effort represents not just a bold endeavor, but a prudent investment of time and resources that could yield substantial benefits for humanity.

Scientific Discovery and Understanding

Mars, our neighboring planet, presents a tantalizing opportunity to unlock the secrets of our universe. Its unique geological features and potential evidence of past water flows offer a window into Mars' history and the potential for extraterrestrial life. By exploring Mars' surface, scientists could gain insights into the planet's climate, geology, and even its potential to sustain human life. Such discoveries could reshape our understanding of planetary evolution, leading to breakthroughs in fields ranging from geology to astrobiology.

Technological Innovation

The pursuit of Mars has historically driven remarkable technological advances, with ripple effects felt across various industries. Developing the means to land, sustain, and return from Mars demands cutting-edge engineering and innovative problem-solving. As history has shown, many technologies initially developed for space exploration have found applications on Earth, improving everyday life. The race to Mars could thus stimulate a wave of technological innovation, creating new opportunities and industries that could fuel economic growth.

Inspiring the Next Generation

The race to Mars captures the imagination of people young and old, inspiring a new generation of scientists, engineers, and dreamers. As humans venture beyond our home planet, they become role models and symbols of what humanity can achieve through determination, collaboration, and innovation. This inspiration can catalyze an increased interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education, cultivating a workforce capable of tackling the challenges of the future.

Mitigating Planetary Risk

As humanity's reach extends to other celestial bodies, the prospect of establishing a human presence on Mars also serves as an essential step toward mitigating planetary risk. By diversifying our species across multiple planets, we safeguard against potential extinction-level events that could threaten life on Earth. The colonization of Mars could serve as a lifeboat, ensuring the long-term survival of humanity and preserving our collective knowledge and culture.

Global Collaboration

The race to Mars fosters international cooperation, transcending borders and uniting nations in a common endeavor. Collaborative efforts in space exploration have a proven track record, fostering diplomacy and understanding among diverse nations. By pooling resources and expertise, the race to Mars could facilitate not only groundbreaking scientific discoveries but also a more harmonious global community.

In conclusion, the race to Mars is not just a fanciful pursuit but a pragmatic and promising venture. It offers the potential for scientific discovery, technological innovation, and global collaboration on an unprecedented scale. While the challenges are undeniably formidable, the rewards are equally monumental. As we set our sights on the red planet, we embark on a journey that could reshape our understanding of the cosmos, drive innovation, inspire generations, and ensure the long-term survival of humanity. The race to Mars is not merely a race against time and money; it is an investment in our future as a species.

Juhie Jain is a high school student in Westboro.

 ISW India Day 2023   August 5th, 2023

 2023 Brochure for a complete listing of sponsors, and programs

Survey: we would love to hear back  from you

Link to live video on FB

Link to Videos

Link to volunteer Johanny Pineyro Productions Photos

Link to  Photos

Submitted by Balki Chandrakasan , Chair 2023

Highlights:

• Successful celebration of India's rich culture and heritage.
• Commemoration of ISW's 60th-year anniversary, adding a special milestone to the event.
• Significance of celebrating India's Independence Day highlighted.
• Generous support from EClinical, Trigent, UniBank, DCU, Polyset, Muneeza and WebsterFive 
• A diverse and engaging cultural program lasting for 6 hours.
• A total of 42 vendors offering a variety of products and services, including non-profit organizations.
• A remarkable attendance of 3500 people who visited the event.
• Special guests included Joe Petty, Worcester Mayor, and Tim Murray, former Lieutenant Governor, who attended the event.
• Scholarship awards presented to deserving students, investing in the future.
• Community service award bestowed upon IAGB, recognizing their impactful contributions.
• Recognition and honoring of ISW founders, acknowledging their vision and dedication.
• A free health stop and sports room were featured, engaging many attendees.
• The IYG room offered favorite popcorn and cotton candy treats.
• An art fair showcased an array of captivating artworks.

Cultural Programs: The event featured a dynamic and vibrant cultural program that showcased various aspects of Indian culture, including:

• Traditional dance performances representing different Indian states and styles.
• Musical performances featuring traditional and contemporary Indian music.
• Display of traditional Indian art forms, such as rangoli and henna.
• Cultural displays highlighting India's history, diversity, and contributions.
• Delicious Indian cuisine, offering a culinary journey through different regions.

Vendor Participation: The event hosted 42 vendors, including a mix of for-profit businesses and non-profit organizations. These vendors provided attendees with an opportunity to explore and purchase a wide range of products and services, including traditional clothing, jewelry, handicrafts, artwork, spices, and more. The inclusion of non-profit vendors offered attendees the chance to support meaningful causes and learn about community initiatives.

Art Fair: The art fair was a visual treat, featuring a diverse collection of captivating artworks. Attendees had the opportunity to admire and appreciate a wide range of artistic styles and mediums, adding to the cultural richness of the event.

Free Health Stop: Attendees had access to a free health stop, providing health-related information, screenings, and resources. This initiative aimed to promote wellness and raise awareness about important health topics.

Sports Room: The sports room provided a space for attendees to engage in various sports such as chess , Carom and card games 

IYG Room (Popcorn and Cotton Candy): The IYG  room was a favorite among many attendees, offering delicious popcorn and cotton candy treats. This delightful addition added a touch of nostalgia and enjoyment to the event.

Attendance: The ISW India Day 2023 celebration was well-attended, with approximately 3500 people visiting the event. This demonstrates the community's strong interest in Indian culture and their eagerness to engage in cultural celebrations.

Distinguished Guests:Notably, the event was graced by the presence of Joe Petty, Worcester Mayor, and Tim Murray, former  Lieutenant Governor. They participated in the celebration and read the proclamation declaring August 5th as India Day.

Overall, the ISW India Day 2023 celebration was a resounding success, fostering cultural exchange, promoting understanding, and creating a memorable experience for all attendees. The diverse offerings, including the engaging art fair, further enriched the event, providing an opportunity for attendees to immerse themselves in the beauty of various artistic expressions. Such events play a crucial role in celebrating diversity and strengthening community bonds.

Balki Chandrakasan 
India Day-Chair 

Feedback from Bobkat (Balloon vendor).
My wife Kathy and I wanted to let you know what a wonderful day we had during India Day for the India Society of Worcester. The Indian community in around the Worcester area has long been a rewarding source of employment for us. We saw India Day as an opportunity to give back and to share what we do with a broader number of people. While I performed a little magic for visitors to our table, my wife was delighted to create over 250 free balloon animals for them and their children. Another blessing was the large number of grateful past clients who visited and reconnected that afternoon.

by Rajesh Khare

The upcoming ISW India Day 2023 promises to be a momentous occasion, as it brings together the fusion of Dhol-Tasha-Lezim and Chenda Melam for the first time on its grand stage. With eager anticipation, performers and spectators alike await this groundbreaking collaboration that celebrates the rich cultural tapestry of India. As the rhythmic powerhouses of Maharashtra and Kerala unite, a sense of excitement fills the air, knowing that this fusion will create a unique and unforgettable musical experience.

As the performance unfolds, the thunderous beats of the Dhol and Tasha resonate with the vibrant energy of the Lezim dancers, who gracefully swirl and twirl their colorful instruments. The Chenda players take center stage, infusing the air with the divine resonance of this traditional Kerala percussion instrument. The fusion weaves a captivating tale of rhythm and melody, transcending boundaries and forging a profound connection among diverse Indian traditions.

This fusion of Dhol-Tasha-Lezim and Chenda Melam not only showcases the artistry of the performers but also serves as a powerful symbol of unity and cultural harmony. It celebrates the diversity of India's musical heritage, fostering an appreciation for the country's rich traditions and the shared passion for music that unites people from different regions.

As the performance reaches its crescendo, the audience will be immersed in a mesmerizing symphony, witnessing a historic moment that will be etched in their memories forever. The applause and admiration that follows will reaffirm the success of this fusion, leaving everyone inspired and uplifted by the magical fusion of cultures, rhythms, and melodies.

ISW India Day 2023 will be remembered as a milestone event, where the fusion of Dhol-Tasha-Lezim and Chenda Melam took center stage, showcasing the power of music to unite, inspire, and celebrate the rich heritage of India. It is a testament to the beauty of diversity and the universal language of rhythm and melody, leaving a lasting impression on all who have the privilege of witnessing this extraordinary musical collaboration.

ISW University in partnership with IIT Agne held 5 sessions of 3D Printing Workshop for Grade 1 +, advanced, plus adults and beginners  It had  3 concurrent sessions:

Beginner : Grade 1 + focused s on 3D Printing Basics, the Intermediate :  focused on building 3D models and quality of prints and the Advanced for  Automata or other moving 3D parts.  It was open to Grades 1 and higher, no previous requisites and  Parents were welcome to hangout too

Led by Ashish Cowlagi, he inspired young and old to explore the intricate workings of 3D Printing

Next session will be held  in Fall 2023

Incredible pictures

A Life That Cannot Be Lived
By Shreya Nippani, June 2, 2023

It fills me with great sorrow, to see others in strife
But in the end, it’s all a part of life
Look to everyone, care for everyone
Until I’m done
Curse my naivety, as it is not only known to me, but by all the world
My nature has me blindsighted, inevitably blurred
In return for aiding, I get backstabbing
In return for kind consent, I receive abandonment
To help is to hurt, and to care for is to curse
Friends are to enemies, as life is to death
On the contrary, what if this situation has arisen due to me?
Have I deceived myself and shown nothing but covert glee?
The mirror lies in front of me, but alas, I cannot see
As sight is to blind, but truly there isn’t a soul behind
The world is cruel, so people say; thou shall challenge me to a duel
Back and forth, our swords will sway, each time I lose a day
The soul may be eternal, but whereas that is a lie, for harming and hurting will surely make it die
A raven perched upon my opponent and to their dismay, down to Plutonian they withered away
It leaves me with questions, does good always triumph over evil?
Considering I’m still standing, is that even legal?
For a wretched person like me shall never be victorious, or so I think
My insecurities stand between me and my destiny in just a blink
They showed me my worth, they stood right before
And little did I know, there was something more
I am what I truly want to be
No one can define me or try me
Like a soaring bird, I’ll raise my wings
Before my eyes, my true song sings
“Let go of the branch” says a voice inside
“For if you let go you will find”
“A place that has your true destiny”
And that my friends is me.

Perfectly Imperfect
By Shreya Nippani, Grade 7 (May 31, 2023)

One can be proficient in many things. A teacher who instructs, a pianist who plays. An artist that paints, a celebrity that sings. A leader who leads, and a dancer who performs. All I do is mourn. I am nothing but a rusted old pearl that needs shining.

Just perfectly imperfect, all I need is trying

Ode to joy is a mantra of life, or so they say. Elixir is a necessity to get through my day. The waves rent and crash and soar at my bidding. Unless I try my hope is dwindling. Days turn to months, months into years. Try to avoid it but the pain sears.

Just my perfectly imperfect life, I try to say goodbye

But alas, throughout my struggle and strife, I sought a tunnel out of the night. Hope is like the torch towards love. A symbolic countenance in the shape of a dove. “Your triumph will not last” says the ominous betrayal voice inside. “For courage and hope inside are all a lie”. Feeling weakened and unable to persevere on, the last of my hope withers away into the abyss, all gone.

Perfectly imperfect, now reality has seeped through

“Halt, stop, pause” echoed yet again. “You are capable of more than you can”. Flustered and confused, I had the courage to carry on. All that was lost is now not gone. Tranquility, peace surrounds me, and the weight of pressure alleviates me. Exhilarated and joyful the world truly is, how could I be so foolish to let it miss.

Perfectly imperfect, now I see, my life truly is free

By Kirti Nagpal

I would like to thank all my Humrahee friends who attended the program on June 24th. We won’t be able to do any of these events without your involvement and participation.

Humrahee program started with a calming peaceful meditative Reiki session lead by Priyanka and Parag Morre. The couple is actively trying to promote a healthier life style by bringing our attention to body, mind and soul .Parag is an entrepreneur who has embarked on a journey of bringing Satvik and healthier dairy products to the community worldwide . His A2 certified products have higher nutrition and are replete with probiotics which are essential for our body. Learned Ayurvedic Practitioner Dr Sanduja joined in live through Zoom and shared some insight into Satvik foods and how A2 ghee helps nourish the body. He was also kind enough to answer our questions and queries related to the Ghee intake as it is mainly a saturated fat.

This was followed by an enthralling and mesmerizing dance performance by Ms Pooja Tiwari who is a trained Kathak Dancer. She is a science teacher by profession and teaches biology and physics to high School kids. After her dance performances she gave us a quick tutorial and danced with us on some peppy Bollywood songs.

The whole dance session gave us a good workout. 

We then got to the most awaited part of our program, the Karaoke session. We all enjoy our Humrahi friends getting up there and singing with so much passion and energy. Thanks to everyone who participated. We are all very grateful to be in company of such lively and delightful members of our community. ❤️❤️  

By Usha Yadav

Pictures link

On June 21st ISW celebrated 10th International Yoga Day workshop. This day also coincides with summer solstice -the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Community members came together at the ISW center to enjoy yoga outdoors on a perfect Thursday evening.

The workshop began 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 the adults and kids, who participated in this workshop.

By Ragoo Raghunathan

You may call this the best/most attended event of our ISW-PEN initiative since we started with over 180 registrants and 150+ attendees at the event that was organized and co-hosted by the ISW PEN and ISW-University initiatives on June 10th at the India Center in Shrewsbury. 

The panel consisted of Jillian Greenspan (School Counselor at WHS), Jennifer Cluett (Dean of Admissions at WPI), Divya Raghunathan (College Junior, UMass), Raj Kasbekar (Parent of college Freshman) and moderated by Ashish Cowlagi (Ex-President, ISW and parent of college Freshman). 

It started off with introductions of each speaker followed by very well crafted questions by the moderator around several topics including When to start the process, How to start the process, How to find a college that fits, and How to get in with discussions around Academics, Extracurriculars and College Essays.

The panelists shared their experiences and opinions about the entire process and several questions from the audience led to further discussions. The session ended at 1.30pm but the audience continued the conversations with the panelists well after the main discussion. 

Overall, the event was very successful and there have been requests to hold another session in a few months for people who couldn't make it or get some additional questions answered this time around. To compile any unanswered questions, a survey was sent after the event. Click here if you attended and would like to add your input.

You can watch the recorded version of the live event here https://fb.watch/lgdC8JQQz8/

Please feel free to join the ISW PEN  WhatsApp group for future notifications and to help plan such events in the future at: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FCugdnQFmTQ5mYygCf8hQR

On the 10th of June 2023, on the stage of Northborough Town Center, ISW Symphony performed a mesmerizing performance amid rain and shine.   

Music has no boundaries, no language barrier. Music is also a bridge between cultural heritages and different backgrounds. It was evident when Symphony Group began playing Indian folk music with Dhol, Tasha, and Jhanz.  It brought the whole audience group on their feet dancing to the tunes. The highlight of the performance was the Greek dancers performing spontaneously on Dhola & Tasha beats in Greek fashion and then slowly transitioning into Indian folk dance steps in Greek uniform.   

Northborough Cultural Council did a great job organizing this event and the team worked extremely hard to keep the stage dry and also set up gazebo when rain obstructed the performances. Symphony DTL team added a couple of new players into Dhol and Tasha including one toddler. Music goes into our heart and soul and instantly fuels life in us. No wonder why everyone in the audience started to make moves on the music with added energy.    

Dhol-Tasha, a combination of percussion instruments, has been integral part of Maharashtra State. But, now spreading it globally to entertain worldwide and bringing different cultures together to spread the joy.

article by Ashok Kale