Community Conversations
IAGB just held its annual Republic Day Mela with great enthusiasm. Here’s how some community members articulated their experience:
Bakul Sakhrekar (Cultural Program Participant):
It’s always a beautiful way for us to start a new year with IAGB’s grand event. The mela here is just perfect! We always have a lot of fun and look forward to attending and participating in the IAGB RD event.
Raja Shaikh (Cultural Program Participant):
This is my first time here and I’m really really glad to be here. I’m one of the few male performers who’ve performed today and I encourage more men to be on the stage and compete with the women. As a performer, I’ve been greatly pleased. As an audience, I’ve been immensely thrilled to watch everybody perform. What I witnessed here is a lot of diverse culture that so well represents the Republic of India. And I think the organizers have done an awesome job inviting people, and getting them all on the stage. You must know that music, culture, and Bollywood really unite us all. And this is what you’ve actually done. Thank you IAGB!
Sarala & Sunil Kumar (Family Attendees):
Our son performed in the cultural program on the stage. We enjoyed his and all the other performances as well. Kids have done really well, their hard work shows. We can see how much our kids have enjoyed this event.
Aditi Taylor (Past IAGB President):
IAGB’s Republic Day celebration is one of a kind and it’s a quintessential component of what IAGB is all about. I have been associated with this mela since 2005. Rarely do I ever get a chance to be on this side of the stage and actually enjoy it, so I’m doing my part today.
Ramesh Radhakrishnan (President, TMM):
When you come here, you see diversity – every nook and corner of the Indian community coming and performing on one stage – that’s IAGB! As a community leader, I know how difficult it is to organize such a big event. This program is nicely organized. Another important thing I experienced here is how all the community leaders are honored by IAGB. That gives the leaders a sense of recognition, much needed motivation. Thanks to IAGB!
Lauren Rowles (Booth Vendor):
I think the response we got today is really great. We had a lot of kids at our table. The Rubik’s cubes were a big hit. And we had a lot of kids who really enjoy math.. so that was cool to know. And that some were really interested in being challenged and even taking up some tutoring. We are really hopeful that they sign up! This experience is definitely worth the money and we’ll definitely do it again.
Gopika Sutaria (Booth Vendor):
I met a lot of new people here who were interested in exploring everything we had to offer at our booth. We had good sales. My experience here is very nice. Worth the money we put in. Next year we’ll come back again.