FIA – New England and Indo-American Community Celebrate India’s 75^th Republic Day and Ram Janmabhoomi Moorti Pran Pratishtha in Ayodhya in the Grand Hall of the Majestic Worcester Union Station!

Worcester Mayor Joseph M. Petty and Massachusetts State Senator Mike Moore Extend Heartfelt Congratulations to the Indian American Community in New England Region

On Saturday, January 20, 2024, the Foundation of Indian Americans – New England (“FIA – New England”) organized celebration of 75^th Republic Day of India, and the upcoming Ram Janmabhoomi Moorti Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya, India, in the Grand Hall of the majestic Union Station in Worcester, Massachusetts.  The Mayor of the city of Worcester, Mr. Joseph M. Petty, and Massachusetts State Senator, Mr. Michael Moore, along with over 500 people from all parts of Massachusetts as well as the neighboring New England states of Connecticut, New Hampshire and Rhode Island participated in this celebration, despite severe cold and snow. Among the prominent members of the Indian American community in New England who were present at this event were Mr. Mukesh Chatter, Mr. Subu Kota, and Mr. Sandeep Asija.

Acknowledging the significance of the occasion, Mayor Petty congratulated all Indians, and issued a formal proclamation.  He emphasized the importance of adopting Shri Ram's principles, encouraging individuals to focus on their duties rather than merely asserting their rights. Mayor Petty highlighted the shared values between India and the USA, underscoring the natural alliance between the two nations.

Massachusetts State Senator, Michael Moore, echoed Mayor Petty’s sentiments, emphasizing the natural alliance between India and the United States. He expressed optimism that the peaceful resolution marking the end of over 500 years of struggle would herald an era of happiness and prosperity for all the people of India.

The President of FIA – New England, Mr. Abhishek Singh, expressed gratitude towards both the dignitaries for joining the celebration. Mr. Singh envisioned the start of a new era of Ram Rajya, characterized by adherence to Maryada Purushottam Bhagwan Shri Ram's principles and a period of peace, harmony, progress, and prosperity.

Mr. Mukesh Chatter said that the consecration of Ram Janmabhoomi temple allows us to connect our past, present and future.  He said that when the temple was destroyed 5 centuries ago, we lost confidence in our civilization and became apologetic.  The consecration will help restore our confidence.

Mr. Kaushik Patel read the names of people who made significant contributions towards the construction of temple at Shri Ram’s birthplace, including the names of people who were martyred during the centuries long struggle.  A moment of silence was observed in honor of all those at the forefront of this long struggle for justice.

Several temples in the greater Boston metropolitan area were gifted with collection of various books on India to start or add to libraries at these places of worship and learning under a Bharat Corner initiative.  Mr. Abhishek Singh also announced a similar gift of India book collection to the Worcester Public Library.

The celebrations also included devotional songs and classical dance performances. All invited guests received woolen shawls from India, with Shri Ram Ji’s image embroidered on them as well as boxes of Prasad and vegetarian dinner for all.

This event, steeped in cultural significance, saw the attendees dressed in traditional festive attire, creating a vibrant atmosphere at a majestic venue. The celebrations reflected the joy and anticipation surrounding the Moorti Pran Pratishtha at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, fulfilling centuries-long aspiration of hundreds of millions of people. 

Special thanks to:

Pandit Jagadeesan Ji (Sidhivinatak Temple) 
Pandit Sivram Ji (Shri Radha Temple)
Pandit Sasanand Ji ( (Shri Radha Damodar Temple)
Shri Pankaj & Shrimati Sunita Adaval Ji (Shri Radha Temple)
Shri Sanjay & Sangeera Saxena Ji (Gayatri Mantra)
Shrimati Neelu Sharma (Sarvdev Temple)
Shri Keshav Sharan Ji (Braj Dham Temple) blessed the special Ram Aarti and participated in FIA- New England’s ‘Bharat Corner’ setting up library program 

Amudha Shri dance academy & Nivedita Dance group performed traditional dance and Kiran nath ji, Ranjani ji  and team performed Ram Bhajan with the audience. 

Foto Duniya & Joyfully LLC for the pictures & celebration decorations.  

To watch the program, visit https://tinyurl.com/ShriRAM75

About Foundation of Indian Americans - New England FIA_NE (fiane.org):

“FIA – New England” is a community organization active in the 6 states of New England, committed to not only serving nearly half a million Indian Americans in New England region, but also striving to strengthen bonds between the Indian American community and the broader American society. We also strive to promote better understanding and stronger relationship between India, our Janma Bhumi or country of our birth, and the United States, which is our Karma Bhumi or our country of work, by being the informal Ambassadors. To these ends, FIA- New England not only celebrates India’s Independence Day by organizing a parade in Boston Harbor area highlighting shared values and aspirations of India and the United States, but also organize food donation, blood donation drives when we celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, marking victory of the Good over the Evil.  FIA – New England organizes Consular Camps, adopts highways, donates books to libraries, and honors our Veterans, Firefighters, Police Officers, and First Responders including Hospital Emergency Room workers. We have also organized and supported initiatives for victims of terrorist attacks, natural disasters, and supply of medical equipment and N95 masks etc. during Covid pandemic.

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