Jayashree Voruganti, is Life Member of the India Association of Greater Boston (IAGB). She is a Bio/pharmaceutical professional with Master’s degrees in Chemical Engineering and Biology and has worked in the Greater Boston area for over 30 years.
She joined IAGB in 1995 as a Director during Dr. Kaplesh Kumar’s presidency and served for two consecutive terms. She then returned in 2012 as Director. She is the wife of Ram Voruganti, who has also served as the President of IAGB in the past. She is a resident of Burlington, MA. She is the seventh IAGB President from the Town of Burlington.
Congratulations on winning the first IAGB elections in 20 years. Why did you feel it was important to contest for the post of President of IAGB?
Although IAGB evokes “all-inclusivenessâ€, thanks to the founders, the
Association is far from it. At present IAGB is primarily a “two-event†organization, and the EC basically functions as a Culture Committee. Yet, I believe that only IAGB has the potential to unify the diverse Indian-American communities of New England. I contested for the position of President to change the present mode of operation and bring IAGB back to the community. I would like to make it the premier Indian-American organization of New England.
What was the secret of the success of your campaign?
Team work! We functioned as one unit. Thanks to my advisors and their superb directions, we were successful in winning the elections.
What excites you about IAGB?
The name India Association of Greater Boston (IAGB) and the proud feeling of being Indian American associated with it is very exciting. It is always thrilling to see thousands of people gathered at the Hatch Shell to Celebrate India’s Independence Day conducted by IAGB. I am very excited to be a part of IAGB family that is dedicated in serving our community.
You have served as Director for the past two years. How do you expect IAGB to work differently under your leadership?
I have not only served as a Director for the past two terms, I was also a director and Culture Committee chair for two terms in 90s (1995-1999).
Our new team is comprised of people who represent the diversity of India: religious, ethnic, linguistic, and professional. They are professionals in their careers, visionaries in their outlook, and have proven track record of dedicated service through their community organizations. They share my vision and passion for IAGB. They would be empowered to lead various activities associated with unifying and representing our community at all levels – civic, cultural and government, etc.
What is the opportunity for IAGB that you would like to explore first ?
I would like to invite the heads and members of all regional and cultural
associations to join IAGB to become “one voice†so that we gain the visibility we deserve at local, state, and government levels.
You are also the spouse of a former President and potentially have a clear understanding of the Presidency of this organization. What challenges do you foresee in your Presidency and how do you plan to tackle the challenges?
The challenge I felt in 90s, when Ram was president and we still face today is integrating our fragmented community under IAGB umbrella and presenting a unified front as “one communityâ€. Though community organizations are essential for each community, and will remain so, they lack visibility at local, state, and federal government levels since they do not represent the entire Indian-American diaspora. Uniting them to project our strength is a challenge.
Our plan is to actively engage in a dialog with all Indian communities and organization, seek and provide cooperation in community services and crisis situations, liaison with local, state and government offices, host dignitaries and introduce business, networking and technology platforms under IAGB auspices.
Any message for the community?
Please join IAGB to support our vision of integrating our community and speak in ONE Voice of “Indian Americansâ€. Become an IAGB member, get involved in IAGB, and make a difference in our community.
What is the matrix of success you have set for IAGB that we can measure the success of the current committee in two years?
* Establishing subcommittees for the four categories mentioned earlier and ensuring that they become functional. Progress is going to be incremental, spread over the next few years.
* Appointing the "Advisory committee" to provide continuity to the organization and its goals.
* Increase membership by 25%
* Establish a committee to update by-laws and have them approved during the next general body meeting.
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