Event Recap-IAGB State House India Flag Raising

Boston, MA – August 15, 2025

It was a moment that took the breath away.
In the majestic Great Hall of the Massachusetts State House under its soaring glass dome, amidst marble floors and the banners of all 351 towns of the Commonwealth – two flags rose together for the very first time in history.

The vibrant saffron, white, and green of the Indian Tricolor unfurled beside the bold red, white, and blue of the Stars and Stripes. The crowd, a stream of proud faces draped in tricolors stood still, many with hands over their hearts, some with tears of joy in their eyes.

For us at the India Association of Greater Boston (IAGB), this was more than an event. It was the culmination of decades of community building, six years of grassroots Flag Honoring Ceremonies, and months of determined effort to make this historic “first” possible. It was also a love letter to two nations – one, the ancient land of heritage; the other, the adopted home of promise.

IAGB President Tanu Phoenix welcomed the packed hall with a voice full of emotion:
“Today, we celebrate our roots and our wings, the traditions and values that ground us, and the freedoms and dreams that lift us. We do not have to choose between them. We are proud Indians, and proud Americans, carrying forward the best of both worlds.”

Honorable Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll graced the occasion as the presiding dignitary, delivering heartfelt remarks that highlighted her special connection with IAGB, a bond that dates back six years to her tenure as Mayor of Salem. She fondly reminisced about the warmth of hosting an India Flag Hoisting during the pandemic and the pride of doing the honors at IAGB’s spirited ‘India Flag Raising’ event in Salem. Her inspiring words on unity, resilience, and the invaluable contributions of immigrant communities drew warm and sustained applause. The presentation of a proclamation to IAGB, on behalf of Governor Maura Healey and herself, was truly the crowning moment of the celebration.
As the flags reached their peak and the hall echoed with applause, the symbolism was unmistakable – two democracies, born of revolution and resilience, standing together in mutual respect. Two remarkably gifted youth, Anuprabha Dandapat and Preanshi Charnalia, rendered the National Anthems of the two countries – oh so beautifully, that their powerful and poised voices echoed through the walls of the Great Hall!
The ceremony seamlessly flowed into a vibrant cultural segment – meaningful poetry, soulful songs, and graceful dances by talented artists, along with delightful performances by two wonderful children. Each act added a new thread to the tapestry of the day, weaving the rich traditions of India and America ever closer together.

• 7-year-old Shinjinee Khan, who sang Vande Mataram, acapella
• Poetry recitation by IAGB’s very own poetess par excellence, Poppy Charnalia – “Modern India in Every Beat”
• American and Indian Patriotic Songs Medley by rising youth Suhani Saxena
• Patriotic Dance Medley by 6-year-old Nikshit Agarwal
• Indian Classical Dance by Nandini Lal
• Patriotic Songs by Mamata Banerjee & group
• Patriotic & Classical Dance medley by Moumita Banerjee
• Patriotic Bollywood Dance Medley by Rishika Garg and Adrita Saha
• ‘The Song of Reflection’ by Preanshi Charnalia

The sharing of Indian sweets and savory treats, accompanied by traditional beverages, evoked a wave of nostalgia — transporting many back to the cherished childhood memories of India’s Flag Hoisting ceremonies, complete with the warmth, flavors, and festive spirit of home.

For many, the day’s significance will linger long after the last note faded. “History isn’t just in books,” Phoenix reminded the audience. “It’s in moments like this, when we stand together, heart to heart, and rise together.”

From its humble beginnings during the pandemic with over 50 towns, IAGB’s Flag Honoring movement has grown into a regional tradition in 14 anchor towns and cities. But on this day, in the heart of Massachusetts’ most storied building, the movement reached new heights, one flagpole, two flags, one shared heartbeat, as IAGB continues its relentless pursuit to work together, in inclusiveness and solidarity, towards building a stronger community!