Following on their motto that “where women are, the better things are…implied, if not spoken”, AASRA, the Asian American Support and Resource agency epitomized it in the only way possible, at the Arpana festival at MIT Kresge on July 5th- by being there in full tour de force and making the inaugural event a grand celebration..

The evening seemed promising from the very beginning. The lobby of MIT Kresge wore a festive artistic look with eye catching display of art and friendly, lively and helpful AASRA members everywhere. As hosts for the opening day, AASRA showed its tremendous organizing capacity and enthusiastic support for the event. Most amazing was the rapport shared by all its members who contributed to its terrific success. Here were a group of women and men who seemed almost as family coming together to espouse a cause that they believed in strongly. Besides being a sponsor of many of Arpana’s activities, the most brilliant idea was the silent auction that was put out by them. A lovely display of fine jewelry, stunning colorful silk saris , elegant pieces of art and even a few artistic wall décor were the highlights of the auctioned items. An added touch of elegance were the dramatic addition of decorative art sculptures and brass pots that helped create an atmosphere of a strong cultural identity to the surroundings. Each silent auction had a description of the item attractively displayed for best view. It was a great start and there were bids on most items reinforcing, that the idea did appeal to many at the show.

While photographers merrily clicked at the happy members of AASRA along with Jothi Raghavan and some of the dancers at the festival, Lokvani managed to get a few words out from some of its members. Anu Bandopadhayay, an active member was smiling and her enthusiasm was infectious “We are proud to present Kanya”, she gushed .“It was the right combination for both of us.” “As a support group we want to provide a connection for women here.” Kamal Mishra , in her introductions said “AASRA and Kanya are both building bridges in the community. Kanya is a tribute to all women strong and uncompromising in their values. Kanya speaks and dances and communicates in the strength of women in Draupadi, Sita and Shakti.

Radha Jalan , also of AASRA admitted that AASRA and Kanya coming together was the most natural thing in the world. “Just as Kanya is trying to build bridges through art, AASRA is doing the same with support”. she explained. “ We want to bring in the awareness that AASRA is a support agency that you can depend on. There has been no membership drive yet. We have sponsored various events in the past and had a great response. AASRA develops solutions within a supportive framework that values the individual and the community”. Archana Singhal, another active member who had meticulously prepared the descriptions of the auction item and the display panel of AASRA said that most of the items for auction had been generously donated by individuals. There were plenty of interested people crowding the table where she had a display panel of AASRA information and brochures.

The group also provided for 150 artist free meals, sales of ticket to the event, brochure advertisement and contributed to an article on Artists patent rights in the Arpana Brochure. AASRA actively participated in the ‘Invisible Thread’ cultural panel discussion and publicized and promoted the event. The food was sponsored by the well known Bombay Club along with AASRA. Nalini Goel of 'Nalini Creations' did the major part of the decorations.

The members of AASRA are a committed, dedicated and dynamic group who organize seminars on health,nutrition,immigration and finance. It is a resource agency that provided family support and assistance. AASRA is a non-profit organization with tax exempt status under 501 (C) 3 code. Any amount of your donation to help AASRA to carry out its mission will be tax deductible.

For more information on AASRA and its activities visit www.AASRAnewengland.org or call AASRA at toll free number 1-866-92AASRA.

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