| |
|
|
|
eNews
A monthly communiqué
December 2016 No. 5
|
|
|
Seasons Greetings and Best Wishes for a Happy New Year!
|
|
|
A Holiday Luncheon to Look Forward To
Thank you to everyone who promptly sent their RSVPs to attend India Association of Greater Boston's complimentary holiday luncheon. We are excited that the event is at capacity and we are eagerly looking forward to meeting and mingling with our guests. Watch for details in a separate communication and please plan to arrive no later than 11:30 am on Saturday, December 10.
IAGB Joins Fight Against Hunger
As part of our Community Service agenda, IAGB has undertaken to join the Fight Against Hunger. Our food drive is currently in progress and will continue through our Republic Day mela on Saturday, January 28, 2017. Please support this important cause by bringing any non-perishable food items with you to the holiday luncheon. Thank you in advance for your generosity!
See You at Republic Day Mela
If you have not been able to meet our deadline for the luncheon, we look forward to seeing you at our first all-day Republic Day mela on Saturday January 28, at Burlington High School. More details about our Republic Day mela will be coming your way soon.
|
|
|
IAGB's Republic Day Mela Features its First Antakshari
Make
sure to mark your calendars for IAGB's all-day Republic Day mela on Saturday, January 28, 2017. As we reported in the November issue of eNews, the highlight of the event will be IAGB's first-ever antakshari competition. We are happy to announce that the antakshari got off to a great start with the preliminary round on December 4 in Burlington, MA. The next round will be held on Sunday, December 11, in Shrewsbury, MA. There is no fee for the preliminary rounds.
We are also holding several other contests and activities, an initiative that has received an overwhelming response from the community. We are still accepting entries. Contests and activities include:
- Patriotic Theme Art
- Kite-Making Competition
- Science Quiz for Kids
- Chess Tournament
- Geography Bee
- Patriotic Sonnet/Poem Writing
- Trivia Quiz
- Essay Competition
- Cultural Program
The contests will culminate with the grand antakshari competition finale. A program of group performances, of the kind that our audience expects to see every year, will follow the grand finale.
|
|
|
A view of the gathering on the steps of the Massachusetts Court House.
Photograph: Syed Ali Rizvi
|
|
|
ADL Holds "No Place for Hate" Rally on MA State House Steps
"In response to the alarming number of hate and bias fueled incidents across the country and in Massachusetts," the Anti-Defamation League held "No Place for Hate," a rally on the steps of the Massachusetts State House on November 21. The intent of the gathering was to send a message that this kind of behavior is simply not acceptable. Directors Avinash Patil and Syed Ali Rizvi represented IAGB.
Several organizations supported the event and several elected officials were present: Mayor Marty Walsh, Attorney General Maura Healey, Treasurer Deb Goldberg, Massachusetts Senate leaders, City Council members, various NGOs, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Massachusetts Immigrant Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA), and hundreds of protesters who braved the cold and biting winds to stand firm and tall, sent a strong message that there is "NO PLACE FOR HATE." The placards said it all, "Jews Love Muslims," "Peace for All," "Equality," "Love thy neighbor as thyself." Speakers from all communities spoke eloquently and forcefully and sent a strong message that "we are all together." The mainstream media came out in large numbers to cover the event.
In a post-event letter to the president of the ADL, Rizvi also commented that "we all stand against hatred and divisiveness between the American people. We are a tolerant, inclusive, diverse and peaceful society. We will not allow the social fabric of our dear country be torn by bigotry and hatred. As Americans, we stand for peace, tolerance and friendship with one another and share the vision of strengthening our society through understanding, valuing diversity and a true respect for each other. Our focus is in working together with all communities, faiths and government bodies including statutory and voluntary organizations...
Yes, we are together and will not tolerate any form of discrimination against Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Blacks, Latinos, and members of the LGBTQ community."
|
|
|
Information Session with Indian Consulate Held
Global Indians for Bharat Vikas, Milan USA, and The Foundations TV hosted an information session with a visiting delegation from the Consulate General of India, NY, at the ATFS Learning Center in Shrewsbury. The delegation met with Indian Americans from the Boston area and had a discussion on:
- Civic and social issues faced by the Indian community in Massachusetts.
- Facts on the demonetization of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 notes.
- Visa, passport, and OCI-related queries.
|
|
|
Vidyaarambh with Shankar Mahadevan: December 12
Shankar Mahadevan is coming to Academy of Creative Arts for Vidyaarambh, exclusively for ACA+SMA-enrolled students, on Monday, December 12, from 5 pm-6 pm at 12 A Street, Burlington, MA.
Enroll today and get a free class with Shankar Mahadevan,
the master himself.
|
|
|
Editor: Zehra Khan, IAGB Communications
Contributors: Suzana Naik, Avinash Patil, Syed Ali Rizvi, Aditi Taylor, Jayashree Voruganti
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
