The India Society of Worcester (ISW) has been celebrating its semi-centennial this year. The organization has been buzzing with activity all year as the community  celebrates this momentous milestone. India Center this year has been a colorful beehive of activity. 

Over 150 students attend the language and cultural school.  Weekly Yoga classes and the Free Health stop, share space with activities ranging from the youth of IYG to the seniors of Humrahee.  This year  Monthly satsangs, a rich portfolio of annual cultural and religious events, Bollywood nite, garba, antakshari blended in with professional seminars (and a newly established partnership with TIE Boston) helped create a cultural environment that is as diverse and vibrant as India herself.

Walk into an Indian grocery store Shrewsbury and you will see evidence of the explosive growth in the Indian Communities in the area. The Indian community was the fastest growing among large minorities in Massachusetts in the last decade.  Shrewsbury and neighboring towns in particular have seen explosive growth, as is evident from census numbers

Another interesting feature of the growth demographics is that the new Indian community is a lot younger compared to the rest of the population.  Many of these are young families with elementary and middle school age children..

ISW’s community center – the India Center started with 3 buildings, 2 of which were existing ‘old buildings’ on the property when we acquired it. Building codes have mandated that we cannot use these two old buildings for ISW activities.  A year long effort to seek a variance to use these buildings for school and other activities was finally rejected by the zoning appeals board last year.

The needs of the community are changing as well - with a sharp increase in the number of young families with kids and the India society needs to grow and adapt its activities to bring in these newer community members into our own extended family.

School activities now need to be split across 2 days - splitting up a potentially wonderful community development opportunity.  Many events either have to be capped for attendance or moved to a different venue because of size limitations.

The India Center itself will complete its first decade next year. As we gear up to set a strong foundation for the next 50 years, it’s unarguable that we need to grow and evolve to meet the needs of this growing Indian community

Celebrating the past 50 years and looking forward to the next 50 – the India Society  will wrap up the year in grand styl with the Semicentennial Grand Gala.

“Its going to be a  magical evening of Comedy, Classical Dance and Music.” Says Anjali Arora – the Cultural Chair of ISW â€œ We will have emcee and comedian Dan Ninan,  Music by our very own ‘Aaroh’ and Classical dance performances featuring the area's best dance teachers - together on stage!  And in the majestic setting of Mechanics hall – its an event not to be missed”

Tickets are available for sale and sponsorship enquiries are gratefully welcomed at iswonline.org

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