Sept 2022

September 1 2022

Upcoming IAGB Events Sept 2022

Web Admin Sept 2022

Title: College Admissions Webinar

Date: October 6th, 2022 at 7.30 pm ET

Sign-up link: https://form.jotform.com/222416382741150

Description:

An overview of today’s college admissions landscape and how families can best prepare for success in the process. In this webinar, you will learn how your child’s applications will be read, how to stand out in the application pool, why some applicants do not get in, how to find the right fit for your child, a

parent’s ideal role in the process and how COVID-19 has impacted college admissions.

Presenter: Stephen Friedfeld.

Stephen is the co-founder and COO of AcceptU. He received a BA from Cornell University, an MA from Columbia University Teachers College, and a Ph.D. from Rice University. Prior to founding AcceptU, Stephen was an Assistant Dean of admissions at Cornell for four years and an Associate Dean of graduate admissions at Princeton University for six years. Stephen is an IECA Associate Member

September 1 2022

Community Conversations Sept 2022

Web Admin Sept 2022

IAGB community celebrated the 75^th anniversary of India’s Independence with great enthusiasm. We had flag-raising ceremonies in towns across MA and NH. Indian diaspora gathered at the famous Hatch Shell in big numbers and also welcomed other communities with open arms. Here’s what this community of stakeholders has to say about it all:

Heide Lee (Presenter of a Chinese dance at the Hatch Shell event)

It was such a pleasure to be in the midst of your Independence Day celebration. Very impressed by such a huge and organized activity. Enjoyed watching so many different types of Indian dances. Thank you very much for such an inclusive introduction to our group performance and glad that we were able to participate.

Lidy Chan (Presenter of a Filipino dance at the Hatch Shell event)

On behalf of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) MA Dance Troupe, I’d like to express my gratitude to you for inviting us to join your cultural performances showcasing our Asian culture during the India Independence day celebration. We were ecstatic to have been invited to perform at such a grand venue, i.e. Hatch Memorial Shell in Boston. When we got there we were greeted by the IAGB ambassador. Prior to our performance, the audience approached us and were interested in learning about our culture, many taking photos with us. Overall the experience was amazing and we are truly grateful that we had this opportunity to collaborate and make history as the first Filipino dance troupe to be a part of this celebration. Personally, the collaboration tells us something about a fundamental human & cultural experience – appreciating the kind things that other people and other Asian organizations do for us – and they offer insights as to why collaboration is important. It was refreshing to see Filipino and Chinese culture included as part of the India Day celebrations. I hope this collaboration will inspire other Asian organizations to join forces and continue to showcase our Asian culture.

Somnath Mukherji (Association for India’s Development)

Association for India’s Development (AID) always participates in IAGB’s annual India Day event because that way we can reach the larger diaspora. It’s an effort to keep focus on the grass root issues in India and the difficulties marginalized communities face. It is also an opportunity to inform people about the efforts being taken to address those social justice issues. We make new connections at the event which help us get support for our activities and sometimes, new volunteers!

Madhu Akkihebbal (Samarthanam USA)

A spectacular music event ‘Nazraana’ was held recently as a fundraiser for Samarthanam Trust for Disabled, India. This amazing musical spectacle was presented by many organizations joining hands for a noble cause. Samarthanam USA was happy to have IAGB as one of the organizers. Close to 1300 people attended the concert. Thank you for your help and support.

Sumeet Mehta (Performer at the Hatch Shell event)

When I learned about the IAGB event I decided to participate in it to balance the cultures of two countries for my daughters. My younger daughter has an intensifying interest in dance, and we got the precious opportunity to present a mother and children performance. That incredible journey of one and half months has given all three of us a memory to treasure, along with old and new friendships. We are looking forward to more bonding opportunities and are so thankful to IAGB for putting in their valuable time into building this great organization.

Rituparna Mukherjee (Group lead of the performers at the Hatch Shell event)

It was a well-managed program on a beautiful day and the venue was just perfect. We appreciated all the backstage help and coordination, to ease our nerves. The audience was engaged and paying attention which made it even better.

It was a thrilling experience to perform where other great artists have performed as well. Thank you for the opportunity!

Will Morrison and Arav Thikekar (Young volunteers)

We had the opportunity to volunteer at the annual India Day event and helped the attendees get to the location without a hassle. Very happy about that experience. Being there was a great way to connect with Indian culture, and we highly recommend it to others! The event was very well organized.

Prabhu Venkataraman (Flag-raising ceremony attendee)

I would personally like to give a huge ‘thank you’ to all who made this year’s India Independence Day celebration such a big success in Grafton. IAGB has been the driving force behind these celebrations in collaboration with BVIS in Grafton and they did a wonderful job organizing it. The active participation and the energy this year was unlike anything I can remember in our town’s history. This was a well observed celebration for our larger community after all that we have gone through in the past few years. I also wanted to thank our Town of Grafton and the representatives for their active support for the event.

Mary D (A Boston resident, Hatch Shell event attendee)

It was a glorious summer day by the river, but fortunately not as hot as Delhi or Mumbai. Beautiful saris and fabulous dancing. I especially liked the Gujarati groups’ costumes. The color, the sounds, the delicious food.. Regret the line was too long, but I did get some Jalebi, yumm.. a special treat for me! Friendly people, fun boutiques. Only wish there could be a henna hand painting booth. And a ‘how to wrap a sari’ booth for simple tourists like me. Happy 75th India! Thanks to you and all who make it happen each year. A lot of work for many and so appreciated by all who attend.

September 1 2022

IAGB Spotlight – Off-Kendrik

Web Admin Sept 2022

Good theater connects the past to the present to the future. And this is what the Boston audience got to witness during the first South Asian-American Theater Festival in New England organized by Off-Kendrik. The festival hosted many theater groups, young adults, professional theater personalities, and storytellers having roots in the south Asian region and from across the USA. As much as it was a celebration of diversity, it was also an opportunity for dialogue and building partnerships between the communities.

This is exactly what ‘Off-Kendrik’, a local nonprofit organization deeply committed to theater, strives to achieve. Its artistic director Sankha Bhowmick, along with a small group of likeminded people, produced their first play ‘Bijoner Chayer Cabin’ in 2008. Since then the organization has grown to be able to provide a platform for people of diverse backgrounds to come together and share a bond of unity through the medium of theater as well as other forms of visual arts.

As they say, theater is the mirror of society. Being true to that, Off-Kendrik is interested in and focused on bringing out the immigrant experience through their work. The group is primarily an experimental Bangla theater group. Off-Kendrik’s insistence on originality in their work makes them address various contemporary issues and not get trapped in just the past. Even when they worked with the literature of masters like Satyajit Ray, they adapted those for the current audiences.

From the minimalistic approach towards the production they have slowly expanded to mainstream production styles as well and primarily perform in spaces at local universities and theater spaces. Most of their productions are original plays in Bangla, yet they have consciously chosen to make their work accessible to audiences beyond one language. Production of a show of ‘Voices’ with Tapati Lahiri, Jhumpa Lahiri’s mother, prompted them to start translating the content and provide super-captioning in English for the benefit of a wider audience.

Sankha Bhowmick comes from the culturally rich and progressive environment of Jadavpur University in Kolkata. Hence, no big surprise when he looks at the theater activity as a powerful medium to address social justice issues and to stand with the marginalized communities. Along with psychological dramas, absurd comedy, mystery dramas, Off-Kendrik has produced intense social dramas as well. As an art form, he believes theater can be transformed into a universal language, like music or dance. And that that universal language will help break the barriers to get passionate people together. Off-Kendrik’s ‘Voices’, a story-telling platform, started in 2016 and it invites the larger South Asian community members to have a dialogue about their dreams, aspirations and a search for identity!

The Off-Kendrik team is trying to offer a wholesome theater experience to the viewers and communities. Theater activities, including the different workshops they hold, serve as an educational crucible. Sankha and the team yearn for a future when the local South Asian communities come together through theater to preserve our culture and existence.

Let us hope we reach that place soon!

September 1 2022

Dharohar Sept 2022

Web Admin Sept 2022

An integral part of India’s legacy and heritage (dharohar) are its cities, towns, and villages. History awaits at every corner of India, whether it is a lost legend, a well-preserved palace, or a village bazaar. Through our ‘Dharohar’ section we bring to you some of India’s treasured places.

This month we showcase Leh, the joint capital of Ladakh, a union territory of India. It is located on the bank of the Indus, with the mountains dominating the landscape. Leh is known for its stunning scenic locales, temples and pristine environment. Barren mountains with brightly painted gompas (or monasteries), fluttering prayer flags, rocky ridges, tiny settlements, and the Indus River add to the overall charm of the region.

In the month of September, Leh is busy due to the Leh Ladakh Festival. The large-scale festival showcases the cultural richness of different communities and tribes of Ladakh. The main aim behind this festival is to revive and promote the rich culture, traditions, and folk heritage of Ladakh. The event includes traditional folk dances and songs, vernacular sports like polo game and archery contests, exhibitions of thangkas and handicrafts, monastic dances, food fest.

The most popular tourist attraction is Pangong lake which is one of the highest altitude lakes in the world and is famous for its color changing water, from blue to red and green. From camping to lakeside bonfire, a wide variety of activities can be enjoyed here. During the winter months, the lake can be seen completely frozen, which is a delightful sight.

Sitting on top of a hill, Leh Palace is one of the finest examples of medieval architecture. The palace is made of stones, wood, mud, and sand. The walls of the palace provide warmth in winters and create a cool ambience in summers.

The Shanti Stupa is a white-domed monument built on top of a steep hill. Facing snow-capped peaks is meant to be a symbol of peace. Being at a vantage point, the stupa affords unadulterated views of the valley below. Lit up at night, it acquires a beauty of its own.

Another popular destination lies in Khardung La pass – the world’s highest motorable road. It is located at a staggering altitude of 18,380 feet. It almost feels like a winter wonderland, because everything around from rocks to roads to mountains are draped in snow.

Another spectacular site to witness is Sangam, the confluence of Indus and Zanskar Rivers. It is located 35km from Leh, on the Leh Srinagar highway. The two rivers can be separately seen meeting at this point. While the Indus River appears as shiny blue, Zanskar River appears muddy green. It is a spectacular site to witness.

There are two ways to reach Leh – by road via Manali or Srinagar, and by air with a flight to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee airport located just 4 km from Leh city center.

Set amidst the epic Himalayas, Leh is a rustic and heavenly beautiful travel destination. The rugged valleys and mountains, winding roads coupled with the vibrant cultural life maintain the exuberance and charm of this region making it an exceptional tourist destination.

Sources:

September 1 2022

Art and Music Spotlight Sept 2022

Web Admin Sept 2022

Medhita Sinha

Acton Boxborough Regional High School

This month’s youth spotlight is a rising junior emphasizing the prevalence of Indian art in the state with her awards and accolades. Medhita Sinha is a rising junior at ABRHS, and she has been learning and practicing Madhubani and traditional Indian art for the past 6 years with her teacher, Ms. Sunanda Sahay.

Some of the places Medhita’s art is displayed are at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Cancer Center of MGH, and West Village Gallery to name a few. Recently one of her paintings won first place in the Congressional Art competition, which meant she had to send her painting to be displayed at the Capitol Hill building in Washington D.C for one year. She was recognized at the reception in Washington recently, and received several praises and acclaims from various public leaders including the speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi. Currently, Medhita has submitted a public bench art design along with her teacher and she won the grant for her bench design. Besides all of her amazing work in the Indian art community, Medhita graduated from Shishu Bharti and has been volunteering as a teacher for 2 years.

In her interview, Medhita’s teacher stated that it’s “commendable that Medhita has been pursuing this 2500 year old artform for such a long time with so much passion. She tries to understand the ancient symbols and stories behind the painting.” Medhita is an inspiration to the younger generation by making the effort to stay connected to her roots, heritage and legacy and help it spread all around by practicing and teaching it to the younger kids. She has actively and consistently participated in many of the workshops and exhibitions related to this artform. Medhita has not only painted the stories from Indian epics, she has also tried to paint the fusion of eastern and western world by painting Eiffel Tower and similar modern themes, thus bringing both the worlds together by her art practices.

Meditha says, “Mithila/Madhubani painting through its intricate and colorful designs showed me a world of cultural and historical stories which helped me connect to my Indian heritage.”

September 1 2022

IAGB Youth Opportunities

Web Admin Sept 2022

IAGB Youth Spotlights:

Who: 25 and under

When: Submissions are due by September 15th.

Nomination form: https://forms.gle/yNMAZNBDeNB9c14SA

Inviting nominations for December IAGB Youth Spotlights! The IAGB youth initiative spotlights talented local youth who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to art, sports, or the community! Nominees must be 25 years of age or younger, and they must have lived in the New England area.

United Tutoring Volunteer Opportunity:

Who: High school and college students looking for a way to earn volunteer hours virtually by tutoring, or contributing to the organization in many different ways.

When: Apply to be a tutor or team member year round.

Apply here: https://unitedtutoring.wixsite.com/unitedtutoring/get-involved-1

The pandemic has made getting volunteer opportunities and hours extremely hard for high school students, however United Tutoring allows students from all over the globe to earn verified hours from tutoring and helping out with behind the scenes assignments with a registered non-profit. Learn more at https://unitedtutoring.wixsite.com/unitedtutoring

Zenerations Massachusetts Volunteer Opportunity:

Who: High school and college students (ages 13-24) looking to make a local change and bring education to all parts of the state!

When: Apply to be a contributing member of the team anytime of the year and decide how much you contribute!

Apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScoGbYtXTBs-RRAqulXaeF81Sxe_NbqiM2DGpcTK1Iq3Ohl5Q/alreadyresponded

“ZENERATIONS is an organization by Gen Z, for Gen Z. We work to showcase the unique talents of today’s youth as writers, artists, activists, change makers, and risk-takers. With articles, fundraising events and Instagram posts about current events, pop culture, politics, and more, Zenerations strives to inspire youth everyday! As a branch, we, ZENERATIONS MASSACHUSETTS, are shining a spotlight on the youth of Massachusetts. We cover local information while also keeping tabs on global news! We also organize fundraisers and volunteer events to help out the people in our community! Please apply if you are ready to help us make a difference locally!”

Learn more with their Caard: https://zenerationsmass.carrd.co