For the last time in my tenure, it is my singular privilege to report to this General Body the state of the India Society of Worcester. We continue to be an organization that is as resilient, vibrant, and diverse as India herself ! Despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted our events and revenue, I am proud that the India Society has responded with an indomitable spirit that brought the community together; offered cheer, support, and solace - all while completing the biggest capital project in the history of our society!
Ashish Cowlagi, President, ISW
Click here to read for the details in the online ISW Annual report.
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ISW Annual General Body Meeting |
The India Society of Worcester elected Puneet Kohli as President along with a full slate of officers and Executive Board members at its Annual General Body meeting on Sunday, January 31st. Outgoing President Ashish Cowlagi presented the State of the Society, reiterating the completion of all 10 major objectives laid out as part of the ISW 2020 vision and culminating in the current expansion of the ISW India Center. Incoming President Puneet Kohli shared the vision for ISW 2025 to leverage the expanded ISW India Center and make it a true year-round community asset open to all. In support of this, he described the 4 new initiatives being introduced under ISW 2025. Read the full report here.
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ISW Harvest Festival 2021
Saturday, February 13, 2021, 2:00 - 6:00 pm
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We invite you and your family to join us in celebrating ISW’s third Harvest Festival event and to kick off this year’s events. Let’s begin the new year with positivity, prosperity, and happiness! In Indian mythology this festival marks the end of an unfavorable phase and the beginning of a holy phase. Across India in villages of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Himachal, West Bengal, and Punjab, people celebrate the harvest of new crops with bonfire, carnivals, songs, dances, kite flying, and rallies.We invite all performers and choreographers to participate in the Harvest Festival Cultural Program.
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ISW SEMINAR SERIES: COVID update for the community
Real Experts answer your questions about the Pandemic, new Vaccines and the Rollout plan.
ISW, in partnership with the City of Worcester and the UMass Medical School, is hosting a webinar with experts from the healthcare system to answer your questions about the vaccine rollout. Have a question? Ask it on our website and look out for details on date and time.
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SAYAA marks BLACK HISTORY month
February 20th, 2021
SAYAA is recognizing Black History Month in February by channeling resources to help those who are disproportionately affected. Throughout the month, SAYAA is encouraging you to donate to organizations such as The Boys and Girls Club of Worcester. SAYAA will screen "The Hate U Give" in an online Movie Night, Saturday, February 20th and donate the funds collected. Click here for more info or contact sayaa.eb@iswonline.org with any questions or inquiries.
Save the Date!
March 6th, 3:30 - 5:00 pm
SAYAA (South Asian Youth Activists and Allies) is co-sponsoring a panel as part of the "Let's Talk" Conference series through the Harvard Graduate School of Education! This panel will discuss the topic of "Stigma and Mental Health in the South Asian Community" and will feature panelists from across the field providing their insight and answering questions. We hope to see you on March 6th from 3:30 - 5pm for this free virtual event!
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In Memoriam: Kirit G. Upadhyaya |
It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we share the news of the demise of Kirit Upadhyaya who passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 23rd, 2021 surrounded by his immediate family. Kiritbhai was recognized in the community for his dedication to volunteerism working with many cultural and regional organizations. He was the original architect behind the plans for the new ISW India Center and devoted hours of his time with selfless spirit of service. We will miss his compassionate and warm personality. His spirit will live on thru his work at the India Center and his contributions to numerous other organizations. May his soul rest in peace and may the bereaved family find a measure of solace at this difficult time. |
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ISW CULTURAL & LANGUAGE SCHOOL NEWS |
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ISW School celebrates Republic Day
ISW school kids had an informative and fun session on Indian history with a presentation on "Pioneers of Modern India", on the meaning of the Indian Flag colors, and followed by a hands on demonstration making tricolor slime from scratch to recreate the flag. Read more about it on the school page.
Ruchi Chauhan & Shiamin Melville
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ISW Puzzle Session 2 challenge, starting Feb 12
Join the fun during February break with the Second Puzzle Challenge. Compete to finish a 1000 piece puzzle or Lego set. Join the Puzzle Library and exchange puzzles. Click here for more info.
Snehalata Kadam & Lucky Hoque
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Navigating the College Application Process Recap
Almost 60 parents and students attended an online panel discussion to learn about the college application process first hand from parents, professors, and students who have navigated the process before. The informative session provided tips and suggestions ranging from strengthening extracurricular activities to subject and college selection. A PDF of the presentation and a video recording is available on the website. Future sessions on more detailed topics are planned. Interested parents and students can find details on the website.
Mayank Jaiswal & Poonam Hingorany
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ISW Tutoring Match Program
Looking for Homework Help? The ISW Tutoring Match Program can help. If you are looking for help with your child’s online homework or course work in any school grade, please fill out the info at this link.
If you are a student in grade 9 to 12, who is interested in being a volunteer teacher,
Mansi Gera, Krishnaa Amin, Shubh Agrawal, Ruchi Chauhan & Shiamin Melville
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Imposter Syndrome - Part 2
by Ragoo Raghunathan
In the previous issue, we talked about Imposter Syndrome and how to deal with it. One of the questions that often comes up is how do real imposters deal with their feelings? What are some lessons we can learn from that? Read on for the second part in this series by Amber Naslund, a Principal Content Consultant at LinkedIn. Click here for the article.
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The MBTA
By Pravin Trivedi
A young man's commute riding the rails leads to a chance encounter with unintended consequences. Helping a stranger might get you into more than you expected. Click here to read the rest of the story.
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Greater Worcester COVID 19 Survey
Help local community groups in the Worcester area plan programs and services during the pandemic! Take this anonymous survey about how the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has affected your life. The survey is in 9 languages - English, Spanish, Portuguese, Albanian, Russian, Vietnamese, Twi, Arabic and Urdu. The link to the survey is: https://worcestercovid19survey.com/.
Amy Borg, MPH, MEd, Research Project Director II
UMass Worcester Prevention Research Center
Free Covid Testing
For those interested in getting tested, this is a list of upcoming Free Covid-19 test locations and times that are available in the Worcester area.
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Contact Information
India Society of Worcester
Mailing Address: PO Box 136, Shrewsbury, MA 01545
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Answering Machine: 508-842-9795
Website: www.iswonline.org
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