The United India Association of New England had their annual Diwali celebration event at the Brookline High School. It was a spectacular display of talent, entertainment and versatility by the performers. An enthusiastic audience of more than 550 people enjoyed the evening’s event. Puran Dang ,President, conveyed the Diwali message of the efforts of UIA to preserve, promote and nurture the values of Indian Heritage by planning and executing programs that bring the community closer.

The Keynote address was given by US Congressman Barney Frank who said, ”We have great respect for Indians and the Indian Community. India is a true representation of Unity within Diversity. “ Puran Dang spoke on the similarities that the two countries share of the traditions of democracy and tolerance, freedom and liberty. He also commented on how great leaders like Henry Thoreau , Martin Luther King and Ralph Waldo Emerson were inspired by India and its heritage.

The event featured more than eighteen items of wonderful songs and lovely dances in various Classical styles ranging from Bharatnatyam, Odissi, folk dances and the traditional Garba dance. An invocation by Mahesh Sharma and a glittering procession of lights to commemorate Diwali set the tone of the evening. The Talented Lexington Fusion Bhangra group performed a energetic Bhangra to the tune of a popular film song and enthralled the audience.

The Cultural Committee and the volunteers worked very hard and it was evident with the programs that were performed. A colorful Brochure designed by Satish Dingra, Architect, Concord with the Diwali message and the day’s program with a list of all the United India members spoke volumes on the organizing capacity of its members. The Brochure was printed by Anupam and Neelam Wali of Printing and Graphic services of Billerica, Mass.

Puran Dang who graciously talked to Lokvani told us that this annual event is followed by the very successful New Year extravaganza at the Burlington Marriott on Dec 31st. So to those of you who have yet to make plans for New Year’s Eve, this is the place to go !

|