The India Association of Greater Boston is planning to celebrate India's Fifty-Fifth Independence Day at the Hatch Memorial Shell on Storrow Drive, Boston on Sunday, August 18th, 2002 at 5:00 pm. The celebration is a grand event that expects to attract over seven thousand people.

The central attraction is a cultural program showcasing the various talented music and dance groups in the area. To bring fresh ideas to the group, IAGB picked a cultural committee consisting of college and high school students. "We are very excited about the event" says Shruthi Voruganti, who along with Mugdha Oak, Nidhi Shah and Amrita Saigal is part of the cultural committee.

The MIT and Boston Bhangara groups which are always a hit will be featured this year as well. "There will be food stalls. We will have plenty of activities for the whole family. Saheli, a woman's support group will be setting up Henna, face painting and other stalls for children" says Usha Vakil, the Vice-President of IAGB.

Every year this event is a huge success and I think it is worth a visit. Since there is no entry fee, everyone is welcome. "Our goal is to make this an event where everyone can come and celebrate their love for Mother India irrespective of their ethinic origin or religious affiliations" says Ram Voruganti, the President of IAGB.

To find out more about this event, please check out the IAGB website at http://www.iagb.org.

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