FIA – New England and IAFPE organized joint celebration of International Women’s Day and Holi, with nearly 125 elderly Americans at the Northborough Senior Center in Massachusetts

The Federation of Indian Associations - New England ("FIA-NE") and the Indian American Forum for Political Education ("IAFPE") jointly celebrated International Women's Day as well as Holi, the Springtime Indian festival of colors, at the Northborough Senior Center, located at 119 Bearfoot Road in Northborough, Massachusetts, this afternoon. IAFPE was represented by Mr. Gope Gidwani, Mr. Arun Malhotra and Dr. Monie Malhotra. FIA-NE's team led by Mr. Abhishek Singh and other members including Mr. Sanjay Gokhale. Mr. Rakesh Kavsari, Mr. Anand Sharma, Mr. Nick Wadhwa, Mr. Ajay Pulaparthi, Mr. Girish Soni, Mr. Raj Uppalapati, Mr. Gautam Patel, Mrs. Archana Soni, Mrs. Mukta Munjal, Mrs. Jyoti Singh, Mrs. Anu Raghav and Mrs. Meenu Sharma managed the event and welcomed all the guests, especially nearly 125 senior citizens who joined. 

The program started with the singing of the American national anthem. Massachusetts Senator Mike Moore then addressed the audience and conveyed his appreciation of contributions by women in society and his best wishes on the International Women's Day. Following Senator Moore's remarks, Mrs. Mukta Munjal held a panel discussion, with participation of several highly accomplished women, including Meghan Kilcoyne, Massachusetts State Representative; Dr, Monnie Malhotra, Harvard trained Neurologist who held medical faculty positions at Tufts and Brown University, and owner of Malco Art Center; Sandra Fryc, Shrewsbury School Committee member; Kendra Faldetta, Director of Northborough Senior Center; Archana Soni, entrepreneur and social worker; Sonali Doshi, founder of "Rahat" a charity engaged in pandemic relief; Pratima Penumarthy, founder of Volunteering for Seniors Inc.; and Michelle Guerrero at Citizens Bank. 

IAFPE and FIA-NE sponsored a sumptuous lunch for all attendees at the Senior Center, prior to felicitating all women with fresh long stem roses and tiaras. Many of the senior ladies stated that they felt like Princesses.  The big smiles and joy on everyone's face was priceless and deeply satisfying to the organizers and all the volunteers.

Since the International Women's Day also coincided with Holi, the Indian festival of colors marking beginning of Spring, the attendees also participated in celebration of Holi to conclude this joyous and memorable event.

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