IAGB launched its 50th Anniversary Celebration at the Annual Independence Day event held at the Hatch Memorial Shell on Aug. 14 2011. The highlight of the event was a special thematic Unity in Diversity program created in honor of the 50th Anniversary that brought together groups representing all parts of India and paid tribute to the great leaders.  

Despite the uncertainty of the weather, large crowds turned up to witness a wonderful talent showcase by local talent. Local merchants and non-profit organizations put up stalls and attendees enjoyed a lovely fair like atmosphere.

The stage event opened with a welcome by Amrit Soni. This was followed by National Anthems by Ragini Jawa  and Sowmya Rao and invocation by Priest Tejasvi. Rabindra Sangeet by Swaralipi,  Odissi by students of Jayashree Mohapatra, Aaj Nachale choreographed by Irthika Kumari and Manvi Sharma, Kuchipudi dance by students of Neena Gulhati, Lagaan choreographed by Bina Morparia, Jigisha Pandhi and Kruthi Thakkar, Odissi by Orissa Association of New England, Bollywood Dance by students of Neha Parikh, Gopala choreographed by Shivani Patel and Reena Patel, Ganesh Vandana Fusion Dance choreographed by Nikita Punjabi, Medley choreographed by Shaila Verma, Ayla Re Ayla choreographed by Shubh Agarwal and Nidhee Krishnan, Kolatta choreographed by Renuka Rao, Thillana by students of Jayashree Bala Rajamani and joint presentation by Nazar and Boston Bhangara were featured in the first half of the talent showcase.

President Mohan Dali and Golden Jubilee Chair Shiv Sheel spoke about IAGB and introduced the chief guest for the event, Consul (Head of Chancery) Mr. Pramod K. Bajaj from the New York Consul General’s office.  It was a special treat to have actor Victor Banerjee address the crowds.  Niru  Bhatia, Co-chair of the Saheli Fundraising committee talked about the upcoming Saheli event to be held on Oct 2.

The unique presentation Unity in Diversity featuring the dance and music from the Hindi Belt, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Bengal and the four Southern states of Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala was represented. The participants offered tribute to the various leaders including VOC Chidambaram, Mohammad Abdul Rehman, Alluri Seetha Rama Raju, Kittoori Chennama, Jhansi Ki Rani, Shivaji and Mahatma Gandhi.  The event ended with all participants dancing to the same tunes.  Choreographers Jeyanthi Ghatraju, Ranjani Saigal, Vyju Gopalan, Kiran Lokhande, Nikita Punjabi, Rahul Ray, Anindita, Swapna Ray and Deepa Talwalkar’s hard work was clearly visible as pulling of such a complex event is not trivial. It was much appreciated by the audience. Qawwali presentation by the Hindi Manch (coordinated by Preetesh Shrivastava) followed and was a hit with Qawwali aficionados. 

Pariyan Inkorporated choreographed by Abhi and Chirag Sethi, Khatarnak by BU dance team, Apsara Aali by students of Jasmin Shah, Jai Jai Money choreographed by Shikha Bajpai and Priti Shokeen, Boston Garba Choreographed by Kiran Lokhande, Desi (RED) and MIT Summer Bhangara choreographed by the team members were featured in the second half of the showcase.

Noura Khan, Eshani Shah, Vyju Gopalan and Rashmi Kumar served as EMCEES for the event. . Praveen Mundkur gave the vote of thanks and brought to a close a wonderful event that ran seamlessly thanks to the blessings of the Rain Gods.

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