â€œClass of 2023” Graduation Ceremony with Extended Felicitations from the Governors of Massachusetts

Shishu Bharati celebrated its 35^th graduation ceremony for the “Class of 2023” on 17 June 2023. It was our largest graduating class with 81-students from all three campuses (Lexington, Nashua, and Walpole) together. The event was spectacular and memorable as it was a special day for the students who had worked hard for 9 years learning Indian Heritage, Language and Culture.  The atmosphere was nothing but pride for the parents, celebrating the accomplishments of the students receiving their diplomas; satisfaction in fulfilling their wishes to introduce their children to Indian Heritage. The proud Shishu Bharati teachers and volunteers were ecstatic as their dedication and commitment has paid off with another class of successful graduates. It was a glorious day indeed.

The event started with 81-gradutaing student’s language project presentations in Lexington High School gymnasium with a backdrop of Shishu Bharati tricolor banners. The packed audience appreciated each presentation and complemented all the student presentations. Our Shishu Bharati President led the procession of graduates, principals, and secretary into the auditorium to inaugurate the ceremony. All of them wearing their tricolor Shishu Bharati sash were cheered by about 500 people seated at the event. The program started with singing the American and Indian National Anthems, by Shishu Bharati choir.

Our three Principals Renu Tewarie (Walpole), Jay Pandit (Nashua) and Sulochana Devadas (Lexington),

congratulated the graduates for their commitment, diligence and resiliency to meet all requirements despite the pandemic. They also thanked Shishu Bharati community as a whole, teachers and volunteers at their respective locations and parents for their support throughout this journey.  Our President, Seshi Sompuram introduced and welcomed the Keynote speakers and honorable guests to the audience. He saluted the devotion of all our volunteers and administrative staff of Shishu Bharati. He thanked all the parents for their part in Shishu Bharati’s mission to “Perceive, Preserve, and Promote” Indian Heritage. Our President also reiterated that more and more Universities are accepting Shishu Bharati language curriculum and waiving their language requirements. He reminded the students that in addition to language and culture, Shishu Bharati has provided our graduates an essence of community and taught the importance and joy of volunteerism. Therefore, he invited and urged the graduates to give back to the community, and in turn, help themselves to balance and garner the best of both Indian and American cultures.

Dr Monika Bharel,  the former Mass State Health Commissioner was the keynote speaker. She was a key member of  the State’s COVID-19 crisis management team, bringing Massachusetts as one of the top state for COVID-19 healthcare in US. She also served as a senior advisor to Boston Mayor, Wu, and an advisor to several business firms addressing Public Health Issues. Dr Bharel, was elated, impressed, and honored to speak to our class of 2023, parents and the Shishu Bharti community. She applauded Shishu Bharati’s mission and its service to the Indian community. Dr Bharel spoke about the  service rendered by number of healthcare volunteers involved in pandemic management and how their values resonated with the culture and values we acquire at Shishu Bharati. She emphasized the benefit of these values that could be applied for personal development, community service, and the individual’s physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing.  

Our President surprised the graduates and the audience by presenting the felicitation letter from Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kimberley Driscoll. https://www.shishubharati.net.   The Governors congratulated the graduating class of 2023 for keeping the culture and multitude of languages of the Indian subcontinent alive. They thanked and appreciated Shishu Bharati for the philanthropic actions through the selfless volunteerism and a consistent commitment to the Commonwealth. They highlighted how Shishu Bharati has “grown into a strong volunteer organization that worked to impact an inclusive, tolerant approach to life and language learning”. He also announced the official launch of “Shishu Bharati Alumni Students Association”, and Dr Bharel, unveiled the 27-page Alumni Handbook. The audience appreciated and responded with a big round of applause.

Next, Shishu Bharati Alumni speaker Keerthana Duvuuri, class of 2006, shared her fond memories of her teachers, values and insights she gained during her school years. She also described how she used these values to her advantage and considered them as an additional boon to her career growth. 

Finally,  all the graduates received their diplomas from their respective principals and the president of Shishu Bharati. Selective student speakers from each location were invited to share their experience and speak on behalf of their classmates. They all felt that it was a worthy 8-years of experience, friendship and joy at Shishu Bharathi, even though, it was a Sunday commitment. They expressed their gratitude to Shishu Bharti teachers and their parents. They recognized the full worth of knowledge and experience gained at Shishu Bharati would guide them to be better person.

Soon after the program, students and families headed to Shishu Bharati Photobooth, followed by dinner.

Shishu Bharati, a 46-year-old school serving the New England area has completed another chapter with this exciting and memorable graduation ceremony.

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