Jai ho! The ISW contingent of more than 250 members was in full force come rain or shine at the first ever ISW India Day at Fenway with the Red Sox. After years of persuasion, ISW President Ragini Seth was pleasantly surprised earlier this year to hear back from the Red Sox. The initial anticipation paid off with the Red Sox providing a block of tickets for the India Society of Worcester for the August 29th home game against Toronto. In addition, as the first Indian community organization to participate at Fenway, the Red Sox organization also agreed to hold Indian Heritage Day at Fenway.

As part of the package of activities commemorating Indian Heritage Day at Fenway and recognizing ISW for its community service, ISW was given the opportunity to throw the first pitch and to sing the national anthem. In addition a team of dancers was to dance on the field as part of the pre-game show. The dancers, ably led by Mitali Biswas and her mother Bharati Biswas, practiced long and hard.

Regardless of the pouring rain, the ISW folks were undaunted and a large contingent left the ISW India Center in school buses and enjoyed a lively time on the way to the park. The opportunity to throw out the first pitch was raffled off and the lucky winner, Ravi Lakshmikanthan, Assistant dean at Brandies University had a chance to see himself on the Fenway Jumbotron. ISW’s own Minakshi Biswas led the Red Sox audience with a heartfelt rendition of the national anthems of both Canada and US that was appreciated by the entire audience.

ISW was recognized by the Sox for their community service as well as by the Governor in a proclamation that named August 29th Indian Heritage Day. ISW Treasurer, Rajiv Dayal, and ISW President, Ragini Seth, handed over a check for $500 from the money raised through various Red Sox related fund raising activities to the Red Sox Charity, as a token of our support. And guess who said "Play Ball". At the last minute, the Red Sox Special Events Manager was scrambling for some one to start the game with the iconic call, when he turned to young 5-year old Sanjul Seth. It was Showtime for Sanjul as he was the center of attention for his minute of fame at Fenway.

Of course ISW was supported throughout the planning by the Red Sox Event planning staff. Finally, ISW really would like to thank the sponsors of the India Day at Fenway without who's support this might have not been possible.

•    One World Cuisine, Restaurant Group
•    Dr. Nikhil Lavana, DMD and Dr. Archana Karkhanis, DMD of the Family Dental Group of Paxton
•    Leader Bank
•    Quality Kids Kare
•    Sonit Seth of Remax
•    Sangita Joshi of the Bulfinch Group
•    Alankar Event Planners and Decorators
•    Printing and Graphic Services

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