July 2025

July 16 2025

Event Recaps

iaofgb July 2025

“Pehnawa – Weaves of India”

A Cultural Tapestry comes alive in Billerica

On one unforgettable evening, the town of Billerica transformed into a living canvas of Indian heritage. Through “Pehnawa – Weaves of India,” IAGB didn’t just host an event, we sparked a movement of cultural pride, storytelling, and timeless artistry.

Presented under the banner of IAGB’s Discover India Series, Pehnawa was more than a celebration of Indian textiles. It was a tribute – to the looms that have sung for centuries, to the artisans whose hands hold ancestral wisdom, and to the fierce, graceful women who became carriers of that legacy on stage.

Each saree wasn’t just worn – it was embodied!

Our radiant flagbearers – Anju, Anupama, Bhairavi, Deepa, Jayshree, Jyoti, Minal, Monika, Nirmala, Prajakta, Shilpa, Sonali, Sudha, Sulekha, Surabhi, and Vaijayanti, brought centuries of culture into the spotlight. They didn’t just walk the stage; they carried the dignity of weavers, the rhythm of regions, and the spirit of generations. Through them, Paithani whispered. Chikankari sang. Banarasi shimmered.

We are immensely grateful to the Billerica Public Library for once again opening its doors and its heart, to culture and community. Their continued partnership allows us to create immersive experiences that educate, inspire, and unite.

In a world of fast fashion and fleeting trends, Pehnawa was a poignant reminder: handwoven fabrics are not garments – they are living stories. They are poems in thread. They are resistance, resilience, and remembrance, all at once.

Thank you for making Pehnawa, Weaves of India a night to remember.

Stay connected for more from the Discover India Series.

Until then, let the threads of tradition keep us beautifully bound.

A Thank You Note from Tanu Phoenix, President – IAGB

On June 22nd, Ekta Jain’s Ekta Dance Academy (EDA) marked a phenomenal milestone—10 years of dance, dedication, and cultural brilliance, with a spectacular celebration titled “Dus Ka Dam” (Ten Steps) at Keefe Tech Auditorium in Framingham. The afternoon through evening was filled with mesmerizing performances, heartfelt reflections, and inspiring guest appearances, celebrating a decade of empowering our community through the transformative power of dance.

What a dazzling journey it has been – 10 bold steps of nurturing talent, spreading joy, and keeping the flame of Indian culture alive in New England. It was an honor to be felicitated by EDA and to receive recognition on behalf of IAGB for our continued partnership and shared commitment to community enrichment.

Ekta, your passion, discipline, and artistic leadership have touched countless young lives and families. You have built more than just a dance academy, you have created a movement of self-expression, cultural pride, and connection.

On behalf of IAGB, we wish you and Ekta Dance Academy many more years of rhythm, grace, and excellence. Congratulations on 10 glorious years & here’s to the next promising chapter!
With admiration and gratitude,

Tanu Phoenix
President, IAGB

What a night to remember at Fenway Park!!!

On July 8th, we witnessed something truly special — as 30,169 fans filled Fenway Park for the Red Sox vs. Colorado Rockies game, the stadium came alive with energy, culture, and the unmistakable pride of the Indian American community. Together, we created a celebration that beautifully blended tradition, sportsmanship, and unity.

A heartfelt thank you to Team Red Sox – especially Travis Pollio, Hannah Gailey, and Nicholas Duarte, for their unwavering trust, support, and seamless partnership in bringing the Red Sox–IAGB India Celebration to life. Their friendship and collaboration made it possible for us to share our heritage on one of the most iconic stages in sports.

A special bow of gratitude to Mr. Sushil Tuli, a decorated professional and esteemed community leader, for throwing the ceremonial first pitch with such style, humility, and grace. Your presence elevated the evening.

Kudos to our incredible performers and cultural trailblazers, led by the extraordinary Dance Enthusiasts and Gurus Shikha Vashishtha, Preethi Ramesh, Nivedita Chakraborty, and Purnima Thakre. Your vibrant showcase of India’s North, South, East, and West was not only mesmerizing but also a powerful reflection of our collective identity and diversity. Truly, a notch above!

To my phenomenal Team IAGB – their tireless dedication, passion, and ability to deliver with excellence never ceases to amaze me. Team, you embody what it means to lead with heart and purpose.

And how can we forget our adorable playball stars, Adrija Nath & Andrew Ronit Antony, whose joyful and confident “Play Ball!” officially kicked off the game and lit up the crowd!

And the cherry on top? The Red Sox won 10–2 against the Colorado Rockies! We like to think the enthusiastic cheers and goodwill from the Indian American community brought some lucky energy to the park. 😉

But beyond the celebration, this event stands as a powerful testament to IAGB’s unwavering mission – to be a unifying force between the Indian American community, the broader Asian community, and the mainstream. Through events like these, we continue our relentless endeavor to build bridges, foster inclusion, and work together toward a stronger, more connected community.

Until the official photo album is released, please enjoy this sneak peek of priceless moments and video highlights from this unforgettable evening.

With immense gratitude,
Tanu Phoenix
President, IAGB

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July 16 2025

Mindful Musings

iaofgb July 2025

Dr. Chandra Lingisetty MD, MBA, MHCM

Founder and CEO, Core Care Clinic LLC Secretary, IMANE (Indian Medical Association of New England)

Summer and Health

Summer in New England is the best of all seasons. We all will have an opportunity to increase our outdoor activities. To get the best out of your summer, the following health tips should help you stay healthy during summer.

Hydration:

Drink plenty of water: Aim at least 2 Liters of water per day and increase intake if you’re active or in the heat. Carrying a reusable, non-plastic water bottle will ensure your total daily intake. Avoiding being thirsty is a good measure for adequate hydration.
Plan your activities: Drink water 30 minutes before outdoor activities and every 10- 20 minutes during exercise in the heat.
Maintain electrolyte balance: If excessive sweating is expected, consider zero sugar electrolyte drinks or coconut water to replace lost minerals.
Consume hydrating foods: Fruits and vegetables with high water content like watermelon, cucumbers, and berries. Avoid dehydrating drinks especially CoVee, Tea, high sugar energy, sport drinks or drinks with caVeine.

Sun protection:

Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
Wear protective clothing like breathable, lightweight, light-colored clothes, a wide brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
Avoid direct exposure to sun during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Awareness about Heat-Related Illnesses

Dehydration is common during summer. Some individuals are more susceptible to getting dehydrated, and it may lead to further complications such as kidney failure. Be aware of your risk of such conditions.
Recognize signs such as excessive thirst, dizziness, nausea, headache, excessive sweating, and confusion.
If symptoms appear, move to a cool place, rehydrate, and use cold compresses or showers to cool down. See a medical professional if symptoms persist.

Prevent insect and bug Bites:

Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 on exposed skin and clothing.
Cover exposed skin with long sleeves, pants, and socks in areas with dense vegetation.
Check for ticks after spending time in wooded areas. While many tick bites are relatively harmless, certain types of ticks can transmit dangerous infections such as tick fever.

Practice Food Safety:

Practice routine food hygiene such as hand washing, cooking to adequate internal temperature etc.
Food poisoning due to spoiled / reheated food is common during summers. Keep the perishable food refrigerated or heated; do not leave it out for more than two hours (or one hour in hot weather).

Stay Active:

Individuals with certain conditions should take advantage of warm weather activities like swimming, hiking, or biking. 30 minutes of moderately strenuous exercise for at least 5 days a week has proven to be beneficial to heart and brain health.
Warm up and cool down before and after exercise.

Get Enough Rest:

Longer daylight may often contribute to engaging in excessive activity. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is imperative to stay healthy.
Take breaks to allow your body to recover.

Tailor your summer to your personal and health Needs:•

Consult your doctor about hydration and exercise goals, especially if you have chronic health conditions or are taking medications.
Be aware that infants, older adults, pregnant individuals, athletes, and outdoor laborers are at higher risk for heat-related illnesses.

In summary, a well-planned summer with a balanced diet, activity and appropriate interventions will be more enjoyable.

July 16 2025

Community Conversations

iaofgb July 2025

Shilpa Kulkarni

My path to community service was carved early in life, watching my maternal grandfather work alongside Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on social reform in India. As a lawyer fighting against the unjust Khoti system, he taught me that eloquence and action could mobilize communities for meaningful change. When I moved to the United States, this inherited passion for community work naturally led me to the Discovery Museums, where I began volunteering with children to nurture their curiosity in STEAM fields. What started as working with diverse populations, including children with special needs, evolved into something transformative—I became instrumental in developing the “Especially for Me” program, now the museum’s second largest initiative serving over 2,000 families with special needs across Massachusetts. The moment that crystallized my purpose came on my last day as Director of Community partnerships, when a young colleague approached me saying, “I am influenced by your passion, dedication and empathetic approach while working for special needs families and I want to do the same.”

Over the past decade, volunteering has been my greatest teacher in leadership and community engagement. Through my leadership roles—serving as President of NEMM (New England Marathi Mandal) and Executive Committee Member for BMM (Bruhan Maharashtra Mandal of North America)—I’ve learned to navigate complex challenges, from coordinating 111 online shows during the pandemic to supporting domestic violence cases in collaboration with the General Consulate of India and Saheli, a Boston-based organization empowering South Asian women. My extensive community volunteering experience opened doors to working with Neighbors in Need through my Master’s fellowship program, where I managed volunteer databases of 900 people delivering food to families in need. I also served as Senior Program Director at Cambridge Camping, working with trauma-sensitive youth. Each challenge taught me resilience and innovation, like when I initiated new financial models to benefit member organizations or created inclusive programs like NEMM Kids for Kids, where children fundraise for nonprofits of their choosing. These experiences sharpened my ability to work with diverse identities within communities and reinforced my belief that small acts can create profound impacts.

Volunteering has fundamentally shaped who I am today, made me more empathetic, strengthened the values inherited from my family, and carved my career path as a community engagement expert in the nonprofit sector. The recognition I’ve received, from serving on National Endowment for the Arts grant review panels to being named Volunteer of the Year for three consecutive years, validates not just my work but the transformative power of community service. To anyone hesitant about volunteering, I would say that it’s not just about giving back, it’s about discovering your capacity to create change, finding joy in unexpected moments, and building connections that enrich your understanding of the world. My vision for the future continues to be rooted in this foundation: promoting inclusive communities, empowering youth and women, and ensuring that every person, regardless of their background or needs, has access to resources and opportunities to thrive.

Vrunda Dhole

Hello!

When I moved from India to the UK for the first time, I realized the need for a community to survive in a foreign land. During this time, the uncles and aunties that I met went out of their way to make me settled. They made delicious food or opened their house to make me feel at home. When I asked them how I can return their favors. One Aunty told me, “You pass it forward,” meaning you do it for someone who may be in a similar situation like yours.

Knowingly or unknowingly, I started building a community around me, and I became a community support. Even though I wasn’t a big contributor, I definitely did groundwork to build my community.

During these early days when I probably couldn’t feed myself and my husband a decent meal, I started volunteering for “International students’ lunch at a community center”. There were students from 15/16 different countries, about 60/80 students. From very early days, I understood volunteering was a two-way street. I provided help, and in return, I got to learn about different cultures and traditions as well as the reasons people migrate. Another thing: no cause is small because, for example, an individual who may need help to cross a street to get help is huge for that individual.

Volunteering gives a strong sense of belonging; it develops a strong community bond. Even though I started volunteering as a need to develop my community abroad, helping anyone in need was a passion which I had discovered at a very young age. Maybe sharing my lunch box with a stranger, giving a ride to someone in need, or volunteering at an old people’s home were some of my small attempts at that age. After having a family, that need for community grew even more, to raise young kids abroad and trying to raise them in a mixed culture and developing a sense of belonging. One volunteering rule that I made for myself till I commit it will be volunteering, after committing it will be my responsibility to complete the task.

After moving to Massachusetts from the UK, I got involved in the Marathi community and Indian language schools. Here the community became stronger. Very recently someone introduced me to her daughter. I was someone who had stitched a costume for one of the stage shows for her. As my experience grew, I felt more at home, and the urge for volunteering grew bigger. I got involved in organizing an international cultural event. On a long-term basis, I have been a part of Leherein since a very early age. Once you get the taste of volunteering, you can’t stop. Even though I got engaged in volunteering out of my personal needs, now I feel responsible as I feel I need to give back to my community. Through the years, that community has expanded from India, the UK, to the US.

Surbhi

I have been volunteering for over 15 years in Shishubharati and another organization called MMNA and also at Satsang Center.

I started my volunteering journey with Shishubharati around 2009, and it really brought something out which helped me to even do some more volunteering with another organization. I started because my kids were little, and

Shishubharati needed some teachers. What I realized while teaching kids was, I was laying the groundwork for a better tomorrow – not only for the kids but the entire community. It brought closeness and reduced the isolation that Indian immigrants, both kids and adults, feel in the US. Seeing me volunteer in Shishubharati a few of my friends reached out and are now also volunteering in SB. The bonding of the all the volunteers in Shishubharati is a privilege which we should all recognize. Another thing I realized with by me volunteering my kids (and other kids) also do it on a regular basis both in Shishubharati and outside. This is a big impact as now we have our future generations recognizing the value of volunteering. It makes me so happy to see that the kids understand and feel this is a big win for all of us and our community.

I strongly believe that volunteering is something that everyone should strive for, but also at the same time it is not for everyone. There are certain challenges that come with volunteering, the first and foremost is capacity – know your capacity and how much can you do. Along with-it time management balancing your work with your volunteering time, but more importantly volunteering it with your family time. This takes planning and honest commitment from oneself. Support of family and close ones is needed in order to be able to do this.
I also have the honor of serving in a leadership position in another volunteering non-profit.

The organization was founded in 1983 in NY with the intent to preserve the culture and heritage and make a difference in the local communities across US.
There are certain challenges that come with the leadership. Knowing your team, building it up, understanding the motivation of volunteers and ensuring they always have the motivation. You are working with different set of people in different states with their own local organization under the same association each having their own unique issues. Working through that is a challenge but at the same time it is quite fulfilling as the work ensures that the community stays strong and resilient.

One thing I would like to say to folks who are hesitant about volunteering. If you believe you feel you can help someone and if you can commit to the time and effort, it would take you should give it a try. You can start small, try different opportunities, try to get involved with your friends, and see how you like it. There is not much to lose by volunteering; the experience will always be rewarding, and in more than one way. Never say Never till you try.

July 16 2025

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