The India Association of Greater Boston held its annual Republic Day celebration at the Burlington High School in Burlington, MA on Jan 26 2013.  In addition to the usual talent showcase, Saheli held a presentation to protest the violence against women that came into sharp focus recently with the horrible rape incidence in Delhi. 

The event opened with a welcome by Pravin Mundkur, Secretary of IAGB. The Shishu Bharati Alumni Students Band presented the national anthem of the United States of America and India. Manish Patel, Treasurer of Saheli kicked off the Saheli presentation. It was touching to see a young man passionately advocate for the work of Saheli. It gives great hope for the future. Hardeep Mann, one of the directors of IAGB read a touching poem. Geeta Aiyer, a Saheli supporter spoke about the horrible tragedy in India and followed this with a pledge taken by all present to not tolerate violence against women. 

The cultural program that followed was a wonderful display of music and dance by young and adult performers.  The event opened with Rang Manch by students of Gretchen Hayden-Ruckert in Kathak followed by Thillana by students of Jeyanthi Ghatraju in Bharatanatyam style. A lovely Saraswathi Vandana by students of Jayashree Mohapatra was presented in Odissi Style.

Goomar Re choreographed by Shivani Patel and Reena Patel, Koli Dance choreographed by Arpita Pathak, Ramba Me Samba choreographed by Shital Botadra, Punjabi Dance choreographed by Shaila Verma, Ello Jinugiruva" Dance in Bollywood Style choreographed by Shrunothra San, and Naya , Purana Radha ka Andaz choreographed by Nikita Rao preceded the highlights of the evening which were special IAGB presentations.  The special presentation was kicked off with a colorful number A Dream, A Promise, A Resolution choreographed by Jasmine Shah featuring a medley of Bollywood and folk numbers was performed by her students.  

The next presentation a Tribute to Ravi Shankar was an amazing presentation featuring live music with Sitar, Tabla Tanpura and vocal music. The piece-de-resistance was a lovely Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Kathak presentation of Ravi Shankar’s Tarana played by  the live orchestra.  Kudos to Achal Srinivasan, Harish Kumar, Isha Phadke, Koyel Ghoshal, Minerva Teli, Mouli Pal, Poorvi Somaiya, Pranav Ghatraju, Radha Rao, Rajesh Pai, Shuchita Rao, Shivani Shirvastava, Sumana Mallya, Sutapa Sengupta and Veena Teli  for working together for pulling off this complicated presentation in such a beautiful manner.  The presentation touched the soul. Kudos to Jawed Wahid, the Sound Engineer for balancing so many instruments so beautifully. 

This tribute was followed by a showcase featuring Bhasmasura Mohini choreographed by Poornima Risbud, Jai Jai Shiv Shankar choreographed by Bina Negandhi, Masti! choreographed Shivani Shrivastava. Piya Ghar Aaya Re choreographed by Dr. Sumi Manwani, Bho Shambho choreographed by Deepa Talwalkar, Bollywood Medly Group Dance choreographed by Kalaimangai, Kisna choreographed by Rani Umesh and Deepa Jacob, Ruth Aa Gaye Re choreographed by Aarthi Arvind, Desi Swag District choreographed by Shachi Risbud and Sharayu Mahale, Entertainment Entertainment Entertainment choreographed by Jasmine Shah and Nazar choreographed by Sharmeen Browarek. 

The event was very colorful and a fun event for the entire family to attend. For more information on IAGB please check out their website at http://www.iagb.org.