The India Society of Worcester (ISW) has raised over $385,000 at its annual gala, held on 21st September 2024, at the historic Mechanics Hall in Worcester, Massachusetts. The event marked a pivotal moment for ISW as it celebrated its rapid growth, overcoming the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the expansion of its community facility, which has doubled in size since its completion in 2021.
The funds raised during the gala will be used to pay off the remaining loan taken out to finance the 8,000-square-foot expansion of the India Center in Shrewsbury. The centre serves as a vital hub for cultural, educational, and social activities for the Indian-American community in Greater Worcester and beyond.
“We are immensely grateful for the generous support from our community,” said Dr Sanjay Shah, Gala Fundraising Chair. “The money raised at this year’s gala will allow ISW to become debt-free, enabling us to fully focus on growing our services and programmes without financial constraints.”
The evening opened with a tribute to the major donors, recognised for their continued commitment to the organisation. The night’s entertainment featured performances by the ISW Symphony Ensemble, as well as the renowned Berklee College of Music Indian Ensemble, whose unique blend of contemporary Indian sounds has earned them international acclaim. The music had the audience on their feet, dancing and celebrating throughout the night.
Guests were treated to traditional Indian appetisers and refreshments, including sugarcane juice, before enjoying a dinner that featured a variety of authentic Indian dishes. The evening concluded with a selection of desserts, leaving attendees with a taste of the rich culinary traditions of India.
Reflecting on the gala’s success, Puneet Kohli, President of ISW, said, “We were honoured to host this event at Mechanics Hall to celebrate our volunteers and community members, whose dedication has supported us as we expanded our India Center. Achieving debt-free status from the expansion loan is a significant milestone for us, and we are thrilled to have shared this moment with so many supporters.”
The funds raised will enable ISW to continue its broad range of services, including a weekly free health clinic, a senior support group, crisis counselling, and a language and cultural school that teaches seven Indian languages. With the expanded centre, ISW has also introduced new initiatives, including a Dhol Tasha Lezim group, 3D printing classes, college preparation workshops, professional networking events, a women’s empowerment group, and sports activities such as pickleball, table tennis, and chess.
The gala also celebrated ISW’s commitment to hosting annual cultural and religious events, such as India Day, Diwali, Garba, and Durga Puja, making the organisation a cornerstone of the Indian-American community in Worcester.
Kamlesh Khilnani, Chair of the Gala Organising Committee, praised the event’s success, stating, “This year’s gala was a shining example of community spirit, highlighting local talent through a musical extravaganza that had everyone on their feet. The dedication of our Executive Board, volunteers, and youth team made the event planning seamless and enjoyable for all.”
With its debt nearly cleared, ISW can now focus entirely on its mission of fostering cultural, educational, and social growth for the Indian-American community in Greater Worcester and MetroWest.
For more information on ISW and its programmes, visit www.iswonline.org.
