IAGB celebrates Indian Independence Day 2022 with multiweek long celebrations- Flag Raising events, Bharat Parikrama at the Hatch Shell, and a Fundraiser Concert in Worcester

IAGB (India Association of Greater Boston), established 1963, celebrated India’s 75^th anniversary of Independence with several events during August 2022. Being a special year IAGB wanted to bring a variety of events to the New England community, getting them involved in patriotic fervor through flag raising, cultural activities, educating folks in India’s rich culture and contribute to charitable causes too.

Flag raising began on 6^th August at Billerica, Acton and Somerville. Over the week and the next the tricolor was raised at Westford, Sharon, Salem, Nashua, Manchester, Burlington, Ashland, Worcester and finally on 20^th at Grafton. The highlight of these events was that community members from neighboring towns were also invited and they too attended in large numbers. Mayors, Select Board officials and town representatives attended in many of these colorful events. National anthems of the motherland and the adopted land heralded the celebrations, with children and adults rendering them in many towns.

On 13^th August it was time for the mega celebration at the iconic Hatch Shell next to the Charles Esplanade in Boston. The event began with the National Anthems of India and United States. About 6000+ community members got a chance to immerse themselves in an Indian experience at Heritage Day Mela that began at noon. Kids and adults were invited to immerse in Indian Arts and culture with various hands-on workshops like ART, Hindustani classical and dance along with Indian tattoo art. This year IAGB also featured a unique ART exhibition ‘Paint the town Tiranga’ inviting art donations from the local artist to present any India-themed art, which was auctioned for charity purposes. Which was followed by a group yoga session. At 4 pm there was an elaborate flag-raising ceremony.

IAGB’s featured  BHARAT PARIKRAMA” - Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav –Path around India a grand celebration to commemorate India’s momentous completion of 75 years of Independence showcasing India’s diverse culture and rich heritage with cultural programs. Many groups across New England participated in the cultural segment. There were classical dancers from South India, dance art forms from North East, and Bollywood performances. There was also a beautiful Independence Day Poetry recitation, which was enjoyed by many. ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ with this mantra in our hearts, this year for the first time IAGB showcased South Asian dance troupes. An instrumental band Treble Clef led by young musicians played a medley of Indian and Western numbers.

A sumptuous spread of Indian food was supplied by the renowned Indian restaurant Treasury Indian Kitchen topped off with a live jalebi counter and freshly squeezed sugarcane juice. About 25 vendors put up colorful stalls displaying Indian merchandise and many of them educate the public about their charitable, cultural, and community service activity. IAGB also honored three Indian American seniors who have showcased exemplary achievements in the areas of community service, academics, arts, and music sports with the Community Youth Leadership Award. Along with this IAGB honored its first graduating batch of the IAGB Youth team. IAGB also presented a community partnership award to Burlington Public Library and Roopesh Mathur and Vineet Kumar for their contributions to featuring IAGB Discover India Series across many Public libraries in New England. IAGB was also pleased to present community recognition awards to many community organizations for their continuous support to the Indian American community.

IAGB spends time and effort in bringing various community organizations together. Organizations like ISW, TAGB, BVIS and many other local organizations participated in flag-raising flag raising events and the Hatch Shell extravaganza.

This year IAGB teamed up with Samarthanam, an India based organization that helps the differently abled and many who are visually impaired, to raise funds through a concert “Nazraana”. This concert was held at the Hanover Theater in Worcester on 20^th August. This event was jointly promoted by Samarthaman, IAGB and ISW (India Society of Worcester) The concert featured the renowned Grammy Award winning singer Vijay Prakash and New England’s own Anuradha Palakruthi “Juju” on stage with a 40 member band of musicians from India led by the musician Kamlesh Bhadkamkar. The concert was a grand success with over 1600 people attending, enjoying the thumping music and songs in various languages. All the proceeds from this concert ticket sales went to Samarthanam for its charitable initiatives for the differently abled.

IAGB conducted these events with the help of hundreds of volunteers, about 15 local community organizations and Samarthanam. The events were very fulfilling, bringing thousands of people, local town leaders, local population, and organizations together over the whole month. “Since 1962 IAGB Boston has celebrated and hoisted the Indian flag in Boston on Independence and Republic days. This year as we celebrated 75 years of India’s Independence and the Diamond jubilee year for IAGB - we wanted to mark this unforgettable occasion with grand celebrations. These unique events across MA and NH provided the opportunity for each and every Indian American to join, and celebrate. As we celebrated IAGB’s Diamond Jubilee year this year, we are very proud to build upon the history of togetherness, the history of trust, and mutual respect among us, and among the organizations. And in our quest to bring communities closer, keeping generations tied together, we have extended these friendly gestures with other south Asian immigrant communities with the goal to create camaraderie. Together we can always achieve more” said Vaishali Gade IAGB President.

In addition, On the occasion of India Day celebrations, IAGB released an India Day 2022 Magazine online. This magazine contains messages from dignitaries, exciting content from community leaders and youth comprising art, culture, poetry and many other aspects of Indian life. 

Access the IAGB India Day Magazine at https://www.iagb.org/id-2022-brochure/ 

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