The India Association of Greater Boston celebrated the 61st anniversary of India’s Independence Day on August 17 2008 at the Esplanade. Over 15,000 people attended the event.  Food, informational and commercial booths and a grand entertainment program featuring over 150 performers made it a special event where the young and the young at heart had a great time.

Mr. Rajiv Laroia, Director of IAGB presented a welcome address that was followed by an invocation by Ganesh Davuluri.  Noura Khan and P. Kalinga Rao sang the US and Indian National Anthems.  President Rita Shah honored past IAGB President Dr. Bijoy Misra with the Distinguished Service Award for his work in the community.  Yogini Patel of Saheli , gave an overview of the activities of that organization. Dr. Subramanium Swamy, former minister of Law & Commerce  was the chief guest for the evening. Kumu Gupta, Advisory Board of Asian American Commission, presented IAGB with Governor's Proclamation declaring August 15th as India Day in Massachusetts, which she requested from the Governor's office and presented on behalf of Governor Patrick who could not be present.


Aditi Taylor and Arun Saigal served as Emcees for the cultural program which had “India: Kal Bhi, Aaj bhi” as a theme.  They entertained the audience with interesting tidbits about Indian history and culture.
Stotranjali, under the direction of Dr. Bijoy Misra presented Adityahrdayam a composition of  Sage Valmiki from the Ramayana.  Swathi Panda’s group followed with a classical music medley. The members of the Aligarh Muslim University association presented Saare Jahan Se Accha under the direction of Fawad Reza. Rhythms of Boston under the direction of Jignesh Sonchhatra presented a medley of patriotic and Bollywood numbers.
The dance section opened with Vinayaka Prarthna by students of Neena Gulhati.  Jayashree Mohapatra and Kruti Thakkar’s students presented Ramji Ki Nikli Savare.  Thanuja and Parija  Meenakshinathan’s students presented Pushpanjali.  Minakshi Biswas’s students presented Mukunda Mukunda Krishna.

“Kal Ke”  a bollywood number was presented under the direction of Sunita Malhotra. Mere Dholna was presented under Mitali Biswas’s direction.   Bhangra numbers were presented by Reshma Singh’s group, Kudiyan Punjab Diyan, Truskool Folk, Boston Bhangara, Heera Punjabdiyan and the ever popular MIT Bhangara group.

Umbrella dance was presented under the direction of Shobha Hiremath, while Bandish Fusion was presented under the direction of Bharati Biswas.  Boston Summer Garba  group presented a wonderful Garba piece.  Umass Amherst group presented Mass Masti.  Fusion Bollywood under the direction of Vyju Gopalan and Priya Zivaramamurthy presented a medley. Diya Dance by Satsang Center, History , Hips and Hits by the Jhumka dance company and flavor of patriotism by Rhythms rounded of the evenings performances.

The perfect weather helped made this an evening to remember.

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