Events Recap

It was such a pleasure for IAGB to have conducted this event at the beautiful Billerica Public Library on Thursday May 22, as we celebrated something truly special — a vibrant cultural journey through the Dances of India, as part of our Discover India Series, curated by IAGB.

The event was a reflection of IAGB’s enduring commitment to sharing, celebrating, and educating through culture.

As we welcome spring, a season of renewal, energy, and light, there’s no better time to explore the rich tapestry of India’s classical, folk, and contemporary dance forms. Indian dance is not just about movement; it is storytelling, spirituality, celebration, and community expression, passed down through generations, yet alive with new meaning every time it’s performed.

But the evening is about more than dance. It was part of a broader initiative called the Discover India Series, a program that we, at IAGB, have developed and presented for over a decade across libraries throughout New England. This unique series was born from curiosity, from questions like:

• What makes Indian festivals so colorful?
• Why are Indian weaves globally admired?
• How does India balance tradition with technology?
• What’s the story behind those intricate henna designs?

And so, we answered those questions by creating engaging, educational, and accessible programming for everyone, whether you are discovering India for the first time or reconnecting with your roots.

The goal was simple: To bring communities together through stories, culture, and shared experiences, whether it’s through food, music, language, or, like the Thursday night, dance.

We were especially excited because there was something magical about seeing a library, a space for learning, become a stage for culture. This beautiful collaboration between IAGB and Billerica Public Library reflected everything that makes this country special: diversity, inclusion, and the celebration of heritage, not in silos, but together.

We are proud to be Indian, and equally proud and deeply grateful to call the United States of America our home and call ourselves Indian American, where cultures don’t just coexist, they thrive and enrich each other.

Tanu Phoenix, IAGB President says…

I want to extend a special thank you to the library leadership and staff for believing in this vision and making this program possible. I also encourage other libraries and community organizations to consider hosting their own Discover India sessions. We offer a wide range of topics and formats, tailored to your interests.

Let’s continue to explore, exchange, and celebrate. And let’s remember that every time we do, we build bridges of understanding, one story, one dance, one experience at a time.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Urmi Samaddar for the stunning Kathak presentation she anchored, and to Preethi Ramesh for the Bharatnatyam, Mohiniatyam and Kuchipudi presentation at the “Nrityakala – Dances of India” event at the Billerica Public Library.

The presentation was not just a display of technical brilliance — it was storytelling in motion, infused with grace, expression, and a deep connection to tradition.

Urmi and her beautiful dancers transformed the library into a living, breathing space of heritage and expression, and left a lasting impression on everyone present. We are truly grateful for their time, dedication, and artistry.

Preethi Ramesh’s classical dance ensemble presentation was equally captivating — a powerful blend of geometry and grace, storytelling and spirituality. Every gesture, every movement held meaning, and it was a privilege to witness her artistry through her poised, expressive dancers.
Medha Pal’s performance brought the lyrical elegance and spiritual depth of Odissi to life. Intensively trained by her mother, Mouli Pal, founder of Upasana Odissi Inc., and mentored by renowned Odissi exponent Nandini Ghoshal from India, Medha’s presentation was a true gift, adding grace, power, and promise to the evening’s depiction of ‘Nrityakala’.
Her presence on our stage was a true gift, adding grace, power, and promise to the evening’s celebration.

Together, these remarkable artists brought alive the spirit and depth of India’s classical dance heritage, transforming the library into a sacred space of culture, beauty, and connection. They reminded us all why dance is not just performance, but a living tradition that speaks across generations and borders.