IAGB Upcoming Events Sept 2024
Save the Dates! More info coming soon!
- Sunday, October 6, 2024 (9:45 AM – 12:30 PM): Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Northeastern MA – Andover
- Saturday, November 9, 2024 (12:00pm – 3:00pm): Veteran’s Day Parade, Boston, MA
August 2024
Community Conversations Sept 2024
Chief Guest Dr. Abha Agrawal’s Call to Action, on India Day 2024
Response to Dr. Agrawal’s post, from Tanu Phoenix, President, IAGB
Dr. Agrawal, your compelling speech and formidable stand left me in awe. Your words added wings to the statement I was to make in my speech later in the event. THANK YOU, from the bottom of heart, for gracing the occasion of India Day hosted by IAGB, with your astute presence and your persuasive stand.
The pledge of my team and I (women & men) is to collaborate and corroborate and work together to build a stronger community, a community where each and every person feels SAFE, RESPECTED, HEARD – WHERE WE ENJOY THE TRUE PRIVILEGE OF INDEPENDENCE!
My own wish is that we have a world where everyone raises their vibes by owning HUMILITY & HUMANITY, and showing NON-VIOLENCE AND UNCONDITIONAL RESPECT to women! That’s how we will gain independence in its truest form.
Humein dekhni hain azadi
Har haal mein humein dekhni hai
Humein dekhni hain aazadi….
Response to Dr. Agrawal’s post, from Lohith Nagraj, Executive Director, IAGB
Thank you for sharing such a moving reflection on Dr. Agrawal’s keynote address. It’s both inspiring and crucial that voices like hers continue to shine a light on the injustices women face, even as we celebrate India’s remarkable progress over the last 77 years. Supporting this cause is not just about acknowledging the problem; it’s about actively striving for a society where every woman is respected, protected, and treated with the dignity she inherently deserves. The medical community, by speaking out, plays a vital role in driving change and ensuring that the slogan “Bharat Mata ki Jai” truly resonates with respect for all women, in both word and action.
Together, we must continue to demand justice and equality, making it clear that these are non-negotiable principles in a nation as diverse and vibrant as India. Dr. Agrawal’s brave stance with IAGB and IMANE serves as a reminder that the journey toward a perfect union is ongoing, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that respect for women remains a cornerstone of our society. Let’s support this cause wholeheartedly and work towards a future where every woman in India—and around the world—can live without fear and with the full dignity she deserves.
#JusticeForWomen, #EqualityForAll, #WomenEmpowerment, #RespectWomen, #BharatMataKiJai, #IndiaProgress, #SocialJustice, #HumanRights, #GenderEquality, #SupportDoctors
Response to Dr. Agrawal’s post, from Prerna Mathur, Executive Director, IAGB
Dr. Abha Agrawal’s speech was so empowering! The keynote address is always a special moment at IAGB India Day functions. Rightfully, the core message of all speeches celebrates the Union of India and yes, we have so much to celebrate!
Along with the accolades and achievements of the past 77 years, Dr. Abha Agrawal also reminded us that the idea ‘India’ is still on its path to a perfect union and has not yet reached its destination. It is heart-wrenching when we hear of incidents from back home that involve yet again a young woman who is dehumanized and degraded by the power and lust of cruelty. The follow-up is even more tragic as rather than swift justice the powers to be, get involved in cover-up.
Dr. Agrawal was brave to bring this incident in open light and demand justice and equality for all women.
Bharat ‘Mata’ ki Jai– is a slogan that is only meaningful as long as our respect for women stands out in letter and spirit in today’s world.
Response to Dr. Agrawal’s post, from Shubhada Kulkarni, Executive Director, IAGB
I really want to thank Dr. Abha Agrawal for an amazing speech!!! I truly resonated with the remark, “The biggest battle you can win [is] if you have conviction in your heart, purity in your intention,and strength in your character!” Let us all stand together with these principles to make a change by creating a world where women are respected, treated well, and rewarded as humans! #WomenForWomen
LinkedIn Post by Dr. Abha Agrawal on Aug. 18, 2024
Yesterday, I had the honor of delivering my remarks as the Chief Guest at India Association of Greater Boston’s celebration of India’s Independence Day. (Thanks Tanu Phoenix )
In the morning, I was home and was trying to write my remarks but my heart and mind continued to wander into the conference room at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata where a young duty doctor was brutally violated and murdered on Aug 9th.
As such I felt that I cannot be authentic in my words of celebration without acknowledging the grief and rage and a call for action.
Video at: https://lnkd.in/gzwz7qVX
(Kolkata incident remarks start at 2:16 minutes)
Jai Hind.
hashtag#stopviolence
hashtag#stopviolenceagainstdoctors
hashtag#stopviolenceagainstwomen
IAGB Event Recap
IAGB Red Sox 2024
IAGB Red Sox Celebration 2024
IAGB India Day 2024
IAGB India Day 2024
Boston Flag Hoisting 2024
THANK YOU note-India Day 2024
Our dearest cultural program performers, our committed vendors and our wonderful Indian American community of Greater Boston,
This past Saturday, I felt that I have come full circle as IAGB as the proven trailblazer that it has always been, hosted the grand India Day 2024 at the iconic Hatch Shell, Saturday, Aug. 17 giving and taking, mingling and getting mingling in – the event was as heartening as it could get, to the spirits of working together to build a strong community”!!!
Our Grand India Day Cultural Event this year was set to that undying spirit of giving and embracing. Filled with renewed and vibrant festivities, the theme of “Naach, To the Rhythms of the World” was as unique as a theme could get!
We got to see breathtaking performances of Indian dance forms to the tune of international music/ international song/ medley of international songs. We also got to enjoy inclusivity as we shook a leg in the kids and Bollywood segments of dances!
OUR CHIEF GUEST:
Dr. Abha Agrawal’s compelling speech and formidable stand left us in awe. Her words added wings to the statement IAGB made in it’s speech later in the event. THANK YOU, from the bottom of our hearts, for gracing the occasion with your astute presence and your persuasive call to action, by owning HUMILITY & HUMANITY, and UNCONDITIONAL RESPECT.
OUR GUEST OF HONOR:
Thank you Vishal Jayeshbhai Harsh, PIO/Consul HOC – Consulate General of India, for gracing our event with your presence.
OUR COMMUNITY HONOR RECIPIENT:
Congratulations Gurjar! We are humbled to bestow you with this award!
BRAVO to OUR PERFORMANCE GROUPS WHO ENTERTAINED EVERYONE AT THE EVENT!
- US Anthem singer Anuprabha Dandapat
- Indian National Anthem singer Shriya Sanyal
- Just like you – Uma Shridharan
- Desh Mere Teri Shaan Per Sadke – Padmini Dey
- Vande Mataram – Payel Ghatak
- Bollywood Special – Aarya Dance Academy
- Filmi Dance – Manjula Gone
- Patriotic Dance by Dazzling Diwas – Debbie Goswami
- Rangeela – Nikita Rao
- Vijayi Bhava- the spirit of dance – Padmini Dey
- Pariyo ka Jaadu – Ekta Jain
- Celebrating Indian Weddings – DFD Academy
- Indian American Dreams-Weaving Two Cultures – Nikita Rao
- Anantaal – Rhythms Without Border – Urmi Samadar
- Laavni with a twist – Ekta Jain
- Jai Ho – Payal Ghatek
- Kathak Beats – Mona Mitra
- Dhol-Tasha -ISW
OUR CONCERT:
And the grand finale of this year’s cultural program, the hearty musical concert by Boston based singing band ‘Kadak Chai’! A fond shout out and a THANK YOU KADAK CHAI, for getting us to sing, swing and sway to the ambient and groovy songs as you presented Desi hits with an international twist! THANK YOU KADAK CHAI!
- Jay
- Reshma
- Andrés
- Raj
- Ajay
- Sudha
- Praveen
OUR FOOD PARTNER:
The mouth-watering food brought to us by one of New England’s finest restaurants and our food partner, TREASURY KITCHEN was a class apart, as usual!
OUR GRAND SPONSORS:
- Atamian Honda
- Russian School of Mathematics
- Landeed
OUR MEDIA PARTNERS: A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OUR MEDIA PARTNERS:
- INE (Upendra Misra & Dr. Manju Sheth)
- Lokvani (Anil Saigal)
- TV Asia (Jharna Madan)
- Mera Sangeet.com
OUR VENDORS:
Our bright mosaic of over 40 vendors offering a variety of ethnic & international products, services and a wealth of information.
- 419 Baron Park Construction
- Brahma Kumaris
- Desi Diva Fashion
- Dhoom Entertainment
- Divi Ethnics
- Grow Infinite Financials
- Hindu Swayamsevak sangh
- House of Saaj
- IAGB
- IAGB
- India Circle of Caring
- Indian Community Church Boston
- Indian Medical Association of new england
- Indian Muslims of Greater Boston
- Isha Foundation
- ISKcon Boston
- Joy of Treats
- KalpTree Financial services
- Kanha Collection
- Kuntal’s Pitara
- Mandeepfinancial
- Mayin Arts LLC
- NE Rise
- New York Life
- Russian School of Mathematics
- Saheli Boston
- Shaadi House
- Shishu Bharati School
- Shivyog
- SREEVEN FINANCIAL GROUP
- Sunrise After Care
- TeamAID Boston
- Tie Boston
- Vaisakhi Weaves
- Vyasa Bros Inc
- Xaria Ventures
OUR VOLUNTEERS:
We are grateful for our committed volunteers! Their willingness to dedicate their time, energy, and talents allow us to keep raising the bars every year with superior quality of socio-cultural, civic & educational endeavors. THANK YOU volunteers! We bow to you for all you do!
- Deepa Agrawal
- Deepti Garg
- Seemant Mathur
- Prashant Kulkarni
- Akshay Thotangare
- Meena Saini
- Akshara Agrawal
- Shalmalee Kulkarni
- Rishika Garg
- Ananya Mathur
- Aaratrika Singh
- Ava Svirskiy
OUR ATTENDEES:
Finally, our hearts are full as we celebrate the Roaring Success of the IAGB India Day 2024, with over 4000 people adorning the luscious green fields of the Esplanade by the scenic Charles River!
It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful. So here’s a HEARTENING SHOUT OUT and a heart-felt DHANYAVAAD (Thank You) to ALL who made the IAGB India Day 2024 a roaring success – we couldn’t have done it without you – we owe our success to you!
India Day 2024 stands as a brilliant example of what can happen when we work together -so let’s continue advocating human values such as respect, acceptance, empathy, and love towards other human beings.
Let this event be a testimony of how to stay rooted to our cultures of diverse regions with oneness in mind, embrace our surrounding cultures and work together to build a strong community.