Federation of Indian Association – New England (“FIA-NE”) Hosted Spring Gala Celebration

FIA–NE Felicitated Elected Representatives And Executive Officials, Honored Distinguished Community Members, Released Commemorative Book and Documentary, Launched OTT Platform, And Announced Exciting Plans Including “Indian American Unity Cricket League” For 2023

The Federation of Indian Associations – New England (“FIA–NE”) held Spring Gala in the evening of last Saturday, March 25^th, 2023, at the impressive McVinney Auditorium in Providence, Rhode Island. FIA-NE’s Spring Gala was attended by US Representative from Rhode Island, Mr. Seth Magaziner, Fifth Indian-American US Representative from Michigan, Mr. Shri Thanedar along with his wife, Mrs. Shashi Thanedar, East Providence Mayor, Mr. Roberto (Bob) DaSilva, and India’s Deputy Consul General in New York City, Dr. Varun Jeph. Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee’s representative, Ms. Rose Decastillo, and Rhode Island Secretary of State Mr. Gregg Amore’s representative, Ms. Eileen Sweeny, both Directors of Community Outreach in the respective offices, were also present. Lincoln’s Town Administrator, Mr. Philip Gould also joined over 300 members of the Indian American community.

After beautiful renditions of the American and Indian national anthems by Mrs. Sonali Doshi, the attendees observed a moment of silence to honor the life and memory of a beloved community member, Dr. Paromita Das Asija. Members of FIA-NE’s executive team, New England business owners, performing artists and talented students then welcomed and felicitated the guests of honor with beautiful garlands and bouquets.

Ms. Rose Decastillo, Director of Community Outreach for RI Governor Daniel McKee, read the Governor’s message to the Indian American community with his best wishes for Holi. US Congressman Seth Magaziner also spoke about the valuable contributions of the Indian American community in Rhode Island and how people of Indian origin have enriched Rhode Island’s cultural and culinary scene. US Congressman from Michigan and only the fifth Indian American member of the US House of Representative, Mr.  Shri Thanedar, thanked FIA–NE’s President Mr. Abhishek Singh and Vice President Mr. Sanjay Gokhale for inviting him and his wife to attend the Spring Gala and told the inspiring story of his life, which is an example of success through integrity, perseverance and hard work. India’s Deputy Consul General, Dr. Varun Jeph, emphasized the shared values and shared goals between India and the United States, and expressed confidence about continued growth and strengthening of collaboration and friendship between the world’s two largest democracies.

The highlight of the Gala was the launch of “Indian American Unity Cricket League” (“IAUCL”) by FIA–NE, with legendary Cricketer and Captain of India’s first World Cup winning team, Mr. Kapil Dev, as IAUCL’s brand ambassador! East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva made this announcement during his speech at the event. His announcement was received with great excitement and cheer from the audience. Inaugural Cricket matches of IAUCL will be held in the first week of September this year. The announcement was followed by US Congressman Seth Magaziner, US Congressman Shri Thanedar, Mayor Bob DaSilva, Deputy Consul General Dr. Varun Jeph, Lincoln Town Administrator Philip Gould and Governor’s Representative Ms. Rose Decastillo batting against bowling by Captains of four New England based Cricket Club teams, on the stage.  The audience encouraged elected lawmakers and representatives of executive officials with loud cheer! Cricket legend and IAUCL’s brand ambassador, Mr. Kapil Dev, then delivered his recorded video message, expressing his excitement about IAUCL promoting Cricket in America, and thanking RI Governor Daniel McKee and East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva for their support. 

FIA-NE facilitated donation of a set of high quality books on India and India’s history, culture and art, as a part of India Corner initiative, to HARI Vidya Bhawan, a nonprofit school in Rhode Island, which has been teaching Hindi language and Indian culture to next generation of Indian American children. Ribbon cutting for the book donation was done by all the guests of honor at this event. They also launched FIA-NE’s commemorative book, The Journey So Far.  FIA-NE’s documentary on Celebration of India’s 75^th Independence Day in Boston and Providence was also released at this event. The documentary highlights the planning and execution of the celebration of India’s 75^th Independence Day in August 2022. That celebration in the heart of Boston and at the Rhode Island State Capitol Building in Providence was attended by more than 10,000 people in person, and over 8 million viewers online. FIA-NE’s OTT platform, FIA-NE Connect, was also launched at this Spring Gala event. It is available for download at the Google Play Store. Finally, FIA-NE’s executive team for the years 2023-24 were publicly sworn in by the all the guests of honor, including US Congressman Thanedar, East Providence Mayor DaSilva, India’s Deputy Consul General Dr. Varun Jeph and others, by administering an Oath of selfless and excellent community service.

Several distinguished members of the Indian American community were recognized and honored for their dedicated service, at this event.  They include:

·        Mr. Hans Maheshwari, Founding Director of HARI Vidya Bhawan, for teaching Hindi language and Indian culture to next generation of Indian Americans

·         Dr. Dinesh Patel, for over five decades of medical service

·         Mr. Subu Kota, for entrepreneurship and philanthropy

·         Mr. Mahesh Goyal, Trustee of Rhode Island Hindu Temple Society, for community service

·         Dr. Sattar Memon, Oncologist and Author, for medical service and contribution to literature

·         Mr. Abhishek Singh, President of FIA-NE, for leadership and community service

·         Dr. Neelam Sahni, Faculty at Northeastern University, for contribution in education and community service

·         Dr. Monie Malhotra, for contributions in the fields of medicine and art

·         Mrs. Mukta Munjal, for community service in the field of women empowerment

The Gala celebration concluded with dance performances by talented children from Sanjana Dance Group and Mass Magalir Group.  FIA-NE provided complimentary snacks, delicious dinner and masala chai from Woodlands restaurant in Westborough, Massachusetts, and also after-dinner Paan from Rasiya Paan, to all guests. FIA-NE’s Spring Gala 2023 was a grand event attended by more than 300 members of the Indian diaspora at the majestic McVinney Auditorium in Providence, Rhode Island.

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