FIA-New England's Grand Diwali Celebration with East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva and India’s Consul General Binaya Pradhan as Chief Guests: A Night of Unity, Service and Music, with gratitude to India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his announcement of opening a consulate in Boston!

Last Week, East Providence High School transformed into a vibrant hub of cultural celebration as the Foundation of Indian Americans - New England (“FIA-NE”) hosted its Grand Diwali Celebration. The event featured a spectacular music concert by renowned singer Kailash Kher as well as a massive food donation drive inaugurated by East. Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva and Consul General of India, New York Binaya S. Pradhan to spread the bounty and joy of Diwali to the broader American community.

Announcement of Indian Consulate in Boston

A Gratitude was expressed towards India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his recent announcement to establish the New Consulate in Boston to serve the New England states.  

There is a good size of Indian and Indian origin students, scientists, researchers, and academics from India in New England, particularly in Boston. Similarly, there is a high number of Indian professionals and business persons who are actively working in the India-US economic corridor. With the improving relations between our two great democracies, travel, tourism, business , technology and talent collaboration are on the rise. The demand for visa services, passport renewals, OCI cards and other consular services is increasing. In this backdrop, the announcement by Prime Minister of India Mr Narendra Modi to open a Consulate in Boston is a timely intervention. Hon Consula General Mr. Binayak Pradhan said that the new Consulate  would facilitate easier interface between Government of India and both American friends and Indian diaspora members leading to better Government to Government and people to people contacts -

There are several reasons why the Indian-American diaspora has been advocating for this consulate. As you know, Boston is a global hub for education, healthcare, high-tech industries, and history (notably the Boston Tea Party).

Mr. Abhishek Singh of FIA – New England said expressed  heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for this initiative, which underscores his commitment to strengthening India’s diplomatic reach and fostering closer ties with the U.S.

Dr. Dinesh Patel MD – (Retd )– said that this consulate will undoubtedly serve as a bridge between our nations, enhancing cooperation and understanding and was long overdue .

Earlier Governor Weld and Secretary of Economic Affairs Gloria Larson led a trade mission to India, which laid the groundwork for enhanced bilateral relations.

Mr. Anand Sharma of FIA New England said that The Indian-American community in New England was seeking the establishment of a Consulate in Boston for many years so this is like dream came true.

Given the rising demand, the efforts by Foundation of Indian-Americans (FIA) New England and its partner organizations in discussions with the current Consul General office and the Prime Minister of India have led to this important decision. Establishing this consulate will significantly benefit students, businesses, and visitors alike, fostering mutual growth.

Celebration with Generosity

This year's Diwali celebration was especially meaningful, with the Indian American community in New England coming together to donate over 20,000 pounds of non-perishable food items to local organizations, such as: Good Neighbors, Rhode Island Community Food Bank, Better Lives Rhode Island, Blackstone Valley Emergency Food Center, Northern Rhode Island Food Pantry, Your Neighborhood Food Pantry, Robert Rock Senior Center in East Providence, Cumberland Senior Center and Lincoln Senior Center. This initiative exemplified the spirit of Diwali—sharing the light of hope and joy with those in need.

Tribute to Late Shri Ratan Tata Ji

The evening started with a tribute to esteemed businessman and philanthropist, Shri Ratan Tata with a moment of silence.

Dignitaries and Special Guests

The celebration was graced by dignitaries including East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva and his wife, Karina DaSilva, along with Consul General of India in New York, Shri Binaya S. Pradhan and Mrs. Pradhan, who led the "Lighting of the Lamp" ceremony, illuminating the venue in the tradition of Diwali. Other esteemed guests of honor, including Ravi and Ranju Batra, Ram and Meetu Gupta, Sandeep Asija and Kaushik Patel joined the Mayor and the Consul General in this ceremony.

Recognizing Community Heroes

Mayor DaSilva presented a special citation to Kailash Kher for his musical achievements and to FIA-NE for its dedication to community service. Mayor DaSilva also acknowledged Mr. Subhash Agarwal for three decades of his volunteer community service. Certificates were also presented to community leaders by the Consul General of India in New York, alongside businessman Sandeep Asija. Honorees included members of the Kailasha Band, Sonali Doshi of the Raahat Foundation, Kamlesh Patel, Roney Salhi, Apna Bazar, Samarthnam, and Nilesh Patel, all of whom have made significant contributions to the community.

Night of Entertainment

With more than 1,000 attendees, the event was filled with energy and excitement. Guests enjoyed a vibrant Diwali Mela, showcasing an array of culinary delights. Attendees enjoyed dance performances by members of Ekta Dance Academy. As the evening progressed, the crowd was captivated by the musical concert of the gifted singer Kailash Kher and his highly talented Kailasha Band, whose enchanting music enhanced the festive spirit of the occasion.

Grateful Community

FIA-NE President Abhishek Singh, along with the FIA executive team—Sanjay Gokhale, Deepak Rathore, Nikhil Wadhwa, Anand Sharma, Ajay Pulaparthi, Amol Penshanwar, Archana Soni, Rakesh Kavsari, Chanukya Rao, Pranita, and Abhnav Yadav—expressed heartfelt gratitude to all community members, cultural partners, and the East Providence School District’s supporting staff, including Diana Mn Clarkin (Director of Operations) and Steven D. Laughlin, as well as all custodians. Special thanks were extended to East Providence Law Enforcement Authorities, including Sgt. Kelvin Cabrera, and vendors for their support.

Jyoti Singh and Sonali Doshi served as the Masters of Ceremony (EMCE). Marisha Silva provided IT support. Onboarding and logistics support was managed by Mohan Krishna Sonti, Santosh Thawani, Sapna Gupta, along with Sarvesh Sahashtrabudhe, Nimish Vaidya, Rushikesh Jatap, Sanjeev Kumar, RK Joshi, Akshata Deshmukh, Rutuj Mane, Rewati Dehankar and Yash Naik. The event was captured by photographers and videographers, including Promod Kumar, Anil Nair, Ravi Mehla, and Sumanth, with Lights and Tech Rider managed by Athy from AA Lighting and Jonathan Robinson.

FIA-NE also expressed gratitude and appreciation to longstanding partner organizations: Jamson Hotel Group, Sankalp, and Kinnera for their generous food contributions as well as ongoing support.

The Grand Diwali Celebration not only showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Indian community but also emphasized the importance of service, unity, and gratitude. As the lights dimmed and the last notes of Kailash Kher's music lingered in the air, attendees left with a renewed sense of community and the joy of giving, embodying the true essence of Diwali.

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