More than 400 people filled the Auditorium at the Brookline High School to celebrate the festival of lights – Diwali, organized by the United India Association on November 7^th 2004. The Stage was well lighted and colorfully decorated and brought out the festive spirit of the occasion. Diwali at this time of the year is especially beautiful because it spreads cheer and festivity. This program was no different and the performers outdid themselves with a cultural variety program that brought big applauses from the audience.

The program started with a Ganapati vandana and Bhajan by Kumkum Dilwali, Shasha Khetarpal and group. This was followed by a Ganesh Pancharatnam by the students of Jayshree Bala Rajamani, Bharathkalai school of Dance. The performers danced beautifully in the Bharatnatyam classical style.

A singing group called Sangeetayan rendered Bhajans with soulful music and ably supported by Debayan Kanjilal on Tabla and conducted by Sagarika Kanjilal. There were three Dance solos that displayed the talent of these artists to wonderful songs from well known films. These were by Megha Agarwal, Smriti Malik and Mehak Shah who regaled the audience with her dance from Devadas.

A number of groups danced to popular numbers and the evening also saw Punjabi Bhangra group and the Lexington Bhangra group drawing the crowds to a roar  with their robust movements and  exhilarating music.

Mr. Puran Dang, felicitated members of the community who have made outstanding contribution to the Association. They were Mr. Moolraj Mathur, Mr. Jitendra Sharma and Mr. Kedar Vaid. Mr. Dang also made a special mention of  Mr. Albert Sherring, retired teacher of Curry College as the’ heart and soul’ of the community.

Ms Eileen Mehta, executive member said that a lot of thought and effort goes into the evening’s event. ‘We also update our member list in the brochure, solicit ads and work on the program sheet to bring out the commemorative brochure for the occasion”. Shobha Khetarpal, President of the Association thanked the participants profusely for their commitment and hard work and said that it would not have been possible without them. She also invited the Executive committee and the Advisory board to come on the stage.

Awards were presented at the end of the evening and India Paradise, a local restaurant provided delicious food at a nominal cost.

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