Events

India Association of Greater Boston (IAGB) wrapped up a unique event on Sunday, April 6, in Burlington, at the Treasury Indian Kitchen – an exclusive luncheon event named “Inter-Community Unity Gala: “Together as ONE”.

Our hearts are full, and our spirits are lifted after the incredible success of our trendsetter “first time ever” Inter-Community Unity Gala: Together as ONE. We’re still feeling the powerful energy from our first-ever Inter-Community Unity Gala – a groundbreaking, purpose-driven celebration that brought together leaders, changemakers, and community members from across cultures, communities generations, and sectors.

This special Gala aimed to bring together members of the non-Indian, diverse communities at large, to celebrate unity, collaboration, and shared values. As an advocate of community collaboration, trust, open communication, shared goals, mutual respect, shared responsibility & accountability, IAGB designed to bring together diverse communities outside of the Indian diaspora to celebrate collaboration, understanding, and shared values. IAGB President Tanu Phoenix said, “The gala aimed to foster relationships, build bridges across different groups, and promote inclusivity, respect, and unity.”

IAGB Vice President Nilesh Agrawal said, “As a trailblazer that it has always been, IAGB takes pride in being the pioneer of a unique event in the New England area – the Inter-Community Unity Gala – Together As ONE is a “FIRST TIME EVER”, special event emphasizing both celebration and collaboration!”

The gala stands as a trendsetter and a powerful testament to the importance of fostering inclusivity and solidarity among all. The gala was attended by elite individuals, organizations, and cultural groups from various communities (primarily non-Indian) to understand the ethos of the Indian American community and celebrate diversity, promote mutual understanding, and strengthen social bonds.

IAGB President Tanu Phoenix added, “At the heart of our gala, was a commitment to fostering collaboration and unity. Through mingling, sharing thoughts, cultural performances, guest speakers, and eating together, we celebrated unique traditions, values, and perspectives of the participating communities.”

“IAGB’s Inter-Community Unity Gala was not only a celebration but a statement of solidarity, embracing the beauty of diversity while emphasizing the importance of working together towards common goals”, commented IAGB Vice-President Nilesh Agrawal.

While sharing the optics of the gala, IAGB Director Arpita Pathak said, “The afternoon featured welcome drinks, mouth-watering appetizers, an extensive Indian Fusion lunch, networking, mingling, a uniquely designed live entertainment segment, an IAGB presentation advocating its work within and beyond the community; along with, speeches from Keynote speakers & acknowledgements of the invited guests.”

IAGB Director Shital Bhammar added, “This was an exclusive, ‘Individual Invitation only’ purpose driven, impact gala comprising a distinguished gathering of individuals and organizations (primarily non-Indian) committed to making a positive impact on the mainstream community, and thus served as a platform for people from different backgrounds to come together, engage in meaningful dialogue, and enjoy a fulfilling afternoon of shared experiences.”
The gala provided an opportunity to meet leaders and individuals (primarily non-Indian) who have made significant contributions to promoting peace, understanding, and social harmony such as:

• Community leaders and co-leaders from various cultural, ethnic, religious, faith-based and social backgrounds.
• City Mayors and Town Selectboard members
• Community leaders, activists, and influencers.
• Leaders of local businesses and organizations committed to such inter-community developments.
• Senators and State/Government representatives who support such inter-community engagements.

“A dream endeavor saw its meaningful fruition when over 60 elite guests from across communities joined us for this momentous occasion that shone through as a memorable and inspiring afternoon”, said President Tanu Phoenix.
“Sunday April 6th afternoon left us inspired and more connected to the broader community and confirmed our motivation to work together to build a stronger community.” – said Vice President Nilesh Agrawal.

Arpita Pathak added, “We are overflowing with gratitude for Dr. Kohal Das for his unique Non-Classical dance presentation, Poppy Charnalia for her brilliantly written poetry ‘Blending’, to young musician Anaya Joshi for her western classical and Indian patriotic vocals and the classical dance performance by the super talented students of the 3 best dance Gurus we have, namely, Mouli Pal, Jayashree Balarajamani and Moumita Banerjee.”

Shital Bhammar added, “A huge THANK YOU to our incredible food, space & decor partner Dev Patil and Sujata Patil from The Treasury Kitchen for creating such a welcoming, vibrant environment at our Inter Community Unity Gala — from the delicious bites to the stunning setup, they helped turn this gathering into an experience. And to our super talented volunteer Deepa Agrawal for creating the classy photo booth and transformed this corner into a space of unity, culture, and celebration.”
From the powerful voices of the keynote speakers to the joy on every face in the room, the afternoon was a true celebration of connection, culture, and collective impact. From the inspiring chats with inter-community leaders to the unforgettable live cultural presentations, to the delectable spread satisfying our appetites, every moment of the afternoon served as a testament of what’s possible when like-minded change makers from across communities come together—not just side by side, but as ONE.

IAGB thanks all the inter community of changemakers, leaders, and supporters who came TOGETHER across differences to stand united for a shared future rooted in equity, inclusion, and love.
Team IAGB thanks everyone who made this moment possible—every guest, volunteer, speaker and performer, for making this gala unforgettable. “We witnessed what unity looks like, what ONE community feels like. We thank leaders across communities for being part of this bold and beautiful beginning. Let this be the first of many. Here’s to continue the work, together. The movement continues…….” – concluded President Tanu Phoenix.