Time 9.30 p.m. Crowds inching out of the Burlington High school Auditorium. There is a sudden burst of conversation that reminds one of exiting a movie theatre and discussing the film in question. In this case it is the IAGB sponsored Republic Day cultural show. Overheard a conversation which went something like this:

“How was the program?”
“I had a great time.”
“You just arrived from LA today morning. Do you wish you had stayed at home and slept.”
“No way, I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. What a Show!”

Borrowing a line from the Emcee at the IAGB Republic day show, the cultural extravaganza succeeded in wiping the arctic winter blues of a cold January night. How could it not when milling crowds desperately tried to get a glimpse of a show that had a wonderful balance of the classical and the modern. There was a program to fit every kind of an audience, the young hearts beat fast with new numbers of the globally emerging Bollywood and the older folks not to be daunted enjoyed the old and the new with equal gusto. IAGB Republic Day function at the Burlington High school was a blast!

January 25th, 2003 dawned bright and sunny; the chilling temperatures that had plagued the State that week lessened, setting the stage for the beautiful backdrop of the Republic day extravaganza to welcome the roughly 1000 to 1200 Desi goers. As the evening progresses, it was truly inspiring to see the place come alive. Each component of the Republic Day show was enjoyed by all who attended.

Entitled 'Many expressions, One Spirit :Indian,' a prevailing sense of Unity was provided in the show this evening. The mood was upbeat, the audience receptive and enthusiastic and the performers at their best. The riot of colors and spectacular display started with a welcome address by Ram Voruganti, President who spoke about the significance of the event and the goal of the IAGB to colloborate with various Indian American Organizations. He also expressed concern on issues such as International terrorism and cultural challenges facing India today. Mr. Bob Mercer, Administrator, Burlington complimented the community on their involvement and expressed amazement at the excellent turnout. He urged the Indian community to be active political participants in the affairs of the country. Mr. Albert Fay. Jr, Vice-Chairman, Board of Selectmen, Burlington also addressed the audience and Mr. Ashok Tomar, Deputy Consul General and Consul (Commerce), Consulate General of India, NY read out excerpts from a message by Dr. Abdul Kalam, President of India.

Patriotic songs,scintillating dances choreographed to popular Bollywood music, classical dance ballets in Kuchipudi and Bharathanatyam, and a graceful Mohiniattam were performed by local cultural organizations and area music and dance schools as far as Rhode Island. A lively and boisterous Bhangra in the end satiated the spirits of one and all. At one point the crowds went wild in true Desi fashion with whistles and claps as a group of boys of the popular Leherain group danced to a song from Saathiya. There were new faces and newer items and IAGB needs to be commended for giving local artists an opportunity.

A special mention must be made of the singers at the Cafetaria. While Bombay Classic Cuisine doled out delicious Indian Food, singers Chitra Dixit, (who rendered a excellent rendition of o mere vatan ke logo), Manjunatha Boriah, Ishmael Kapadia, Ajitabh Ranjan regaled the participatory audience to try Karoake. This year also saw the halls of the school displaying various non profit booths displaying their credentials. PTI Media, a company ready to launch their first ever Television and media launch on the East Coast, with a one hour program titled “What is up” grabbed a sizeable number of the lingering audience attention by inviting many to appear on their makeshift screen with an impromptu show. Saheli, a well known woman’s support group came out in with their entire crew publicizing their literature and offering delicious dhoklas and snacks for their fundraiser. AID, ASHA, NS Foundation, Bollywood Talent, ISW, UIA, IAFPE, IDRF,TIE-Boston, AAINA set up their own booths to promote their agenda. A health fair organized by IMANE and YPS proved very popular.

To be fair in the interests of the viewers there are a few areas that can make this event more enjoyable. I asked a number of people in the audience on the night’s show and many were happy to be there. Some commented that they wished the hall was bigger to accommodate the entire audience. Ever so often people walked up and down the aisle blocking of an enthralled viewer who had to hush and ask them to move away from their line of vision. However, the enthusiasm of the audience could not be missed. Commented Pratima Koppakka, a resident of Rhode Island “The organizers have done a great job. This is kids participation at its best.” Mr. Ram Krishna Venkatachalam who was visiting from India had this to say, ”The program is excellent with lot of effort on part of the organizers and representing all parts of India. Excellent Coordination.”
All in all IAGB succeeded in providing a platform to showcase New England’s talent, repertoire and cultural diversity.

|