The heat wave that has engulfed Boston hit the high 90s on Sunday, August 14, 2016. However it did not deter thousands who gathered at the Hatch Shell to celebrate India’s 69th Independence Anniversary. This event has now become an annual ritual for Indian Americans as they come with their families, sit on the lawns, see an Indian talent showcase, enjoy Indian meals and have a good time.
The show opened with welcome remarks by Jeyanthi Ghatraju and the National Anthems being rendered by Sonika Vaid, the American Idol finalist. A lovely talent showcase followed with Indian Fusion being the theme. Young MCEES Arth Joshi, Ashna Parikh, Alia Rizvi and Prisha Naduthota did a fabulous.
Syed Ali Rizvi introduced Mr. Ashraf Dahod. “Mr. Ashraf Dahod is known as a brilliant technologist and a very successful entrepreneur. But more importantly, Mr. Ashraf Dahod is a generous philanthropist,†said Syed Ali Rizvi, Dahod is president and CEO Altiostar. Before founding Altiostar, he had co-founded Starent Networks, which was acquired by Cisco Systems in 2009. Prior to Starent, Dahod had co-founded NetCore Systems, Inc, Sigma Network Systems, Inc and Applitek Corporation. Ashraf Dahod talked about the importance of preserving the Indian culture.
IAGB also recognized the service of Anil Saigal, former president of IAGB and founder of Lokvani.com. “It is wonderful to receive the award from your peers, many who worked hard with me during my tenure to bring back the IAGB celebrations to the Hatch Shell,†said Saigal. The organization gave IAGB Volunteer Award to Jatinder Sharma, who joined IAGB as a volunteer in the early 1970s.
The President Jayashree Voruganti introduced the EC members to the audience and expressed her delight at the wonderful event that was put together.
Despite the weather and the technical difficulties, the event truly was special. Celebrating our Indian heritage sitting on the banks of the Charles will always be a special moment for all Indian Americans. We look forward to the event again next year.
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