By Supriya Gupta
Saheli began 2017 in full swing, leading another outreach program right in the first month of the year, during the frosty New England winter. The outreach event was the Indian Association of Greater Boston (IAGB)’s Republic Day celebration, held at Burlington High School on January 28th. Hundreds of people flocked to the school to attend the day of special importance in the country of their forefathers. January 26th, 2017, marked the completion of sixty-seven years of implementation of the constitution of India.
The day witnessed extravagant performances and drew attention from young and old alike. The colorful and musical gala brought people from over hundreds of miles. The splendid celebration of music, folk dance and cultural diversity allured a crowd from all walks of life together and offered scrumptious Indian cuisine to visitors.
Saheli was excited to meet and greet all its patrons, supporters, and partners. As a sister organization of IAGB, Saheli has been endowed with appreciation and recognition in all of IAGB’s events. We thank Ruchi Agarwal, Director of IAGB, for introducing Saheli and the organization’s speaker on stage. Ria Saurabh, long-time volunteer and gender equality advocate, shared Saheli’s success in 2016 and its mission and vision with the guests and spectators.
Saheli is excited to have spread a message of hope to South Asian families and to have connected at the event with our partners at the Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence (ATASK). In addition, we were thrilled to meet Consul General of India Riva Ganguly Das, who was visiting from New York.
Saheli has relied on and is extremely thankful to all of the volunteers – Christine, Divya, Mani, Maya, Ria, and Val — for their enthusiasm and time on a frigid Saturday afternoon. Usha (co-founder and Board Member) and Katy (Program Coordinator) were kind enough to treat all the volunteers with appetizing samosas and aromatic dosa.
It was a pleasure to connect with the South Asian community and to help in further strengthening the bond of friendship and harmony in the community. Our objectives and work have resonated with thousands of people, and we look forward to your continued support and solidarity to empower South Asian women and families to lead happy and healthy lives.
Thanks so much to dedicated volunteer, Ria Gupta, for speaking at the event about Saheli’s free programs and services, and for helping share information about Saheli at our outreach table!
