Community Conversations Sept 2023
IAGB community celebrated the 76th anniversary of India’s Independence with great enthusiasm. We had flag-raising ceremonies in some of the anchoring towns across MA and NH. Here’s what these community members have to say about it all:
Rita Kapadia (Carlisle,MA)
It was a glorious event and a thrill to see the Indian Flag flying along with the American flag in our Carlisle Town Center! My children, now mature adults, were born, raised and educated in Concord-Carlisle schools. Along with American values we have given them our Indian heritage. They have shared it with their friends in school. It was a good opportunity to meet and chat with State Rep. Simon Cataldo, who was in the same CCHS Concord-Carlisle High School. I felt appreciated and proud of my Indian Parsi heritage culture during this event. I run a blog to share recipes and author cookbooks on ParsiCuisine.com. Thanks to all who worked hard for this event.
Minal Amonkar (Billerica, MA)
On August 12th, I had the pleasure of attending the India Day Flag Ceremony at Billerica Center. I was inspired by the numerous speeches given about the celebrations of the 77th Independence Day of India and the history of my motherland. It was great seeing the diversity of people coming together to celebrate such an important day. Thanks to IAGB for hosting the event and raising India’s flag in celebration of its independence.
Ajita Bhat (Andover, MA)
The auspicious day of Indian Independence Day was beautifully celebrated at Chinmaya Mission Boston on the 15th August, 2023. It was a pleasure to have IAGB help with the Flag raising event. The IAGB directors were extremely respectful and kind, making it possible to run the event. Almost 250 people attended the event and each of us felt proud in our hearts when the flags were raised and both the US and Indian national anthems were played. It was a memorable evening to have celebrated Independence Day in the presence of CMB’s Global Head, Swami Swaroopananda-ji, who was the chief guest of this festive occasion and to hear His exclusive speech on unity among diversity. Again, many thanks to IAGB for their guidance to run this event smoothly.
Pankaj Kulkarni (Nashua, NH)
This year and in the past, I have attended IAGB flag hoisting ceremony in Nashua NH, to celebrate India’s Independence Day. Every year Nashua city mayor attends the event as chief guest. After the flag hoisting, we get to sing America’s and India’s national anthem. Being in the US for many years, I always used to miss the ceremony of hosting India’s flag on Independence Day and singing India’s national anthem. Now every year IAGB has given us all the opportunity to continue to be part of India’s Independence Day celebration. I am so thankful to IAGB and its committee for it. As an Indian American I look forward to this event every year!
Minal Singhavi
I am grateful to IAGB for organizing the Flag raising ceremony at Burlington Commons to celebrate India’s 77th Independence Day. It is a wonderful feeling to be able to pay tribute to our glorious motherland on the American land that we have adopted as our home. I wish India many more years of success, development and prosperity. Jai Hind!!