The India Association of Greater Boston (IAGB) held its Annual General Body Meeting on Saturday, September 12, at the Belmont Public Library, where President Nilesh Agrawal presented a year-in-review covering October 2025 through September 2026, a year marked by strong community participation, historic state recognition, and expanded community programming.

Founded in 1962, IAGB is the oldest and largest Indian American organization in New England.

Historic State Recognition and Awards

For the first time in the organization’s history, IAGB received a Republic Day proclamation from Governor Maura T. Healey, recognizing January 26, 2026, as Republic Day in Massachusetts.

IAGB also received:

• The annual India Day Proclamation, issued as part of the Commonwealth’s ongoing recognition of India Day celebrations.
• A State Senate Citation from Senator Jamie Eldridge honoring IAGB and the Indian American community’s contributions to Greater Boston.
• The Community Excellence Award from the India International Film Festival of Boston.
• Two grants, including IAGB’s first-ever AAPI Commission Small Grant Award, recognizing IAGB’s growing statewide impact.

Flagship Events

IAGB’s two flagship celebrations drew strong community participation.

Republic Day 2026 — “India in Harmony: The Five Elements”

Held January 24 at Burlington High School

• 2,500+ attendees
• 150+ competitors across eight categories
• 250+ performers
• 35+ partner organizations
• 30+ vendor booths
• Distinguished guests included Dr. Purnanand Sarma, Shruthi Purushotam, and Dr. Manju Sheth
• Community Champion Award presented to Girish Mehta

India Day 2026 — “Colors of India: Stories That Inspire”

Held August 15 at NARA Park Amphitheater, Acton

• 4,000+ attendees
• 200+ performers
• 40+ partner organizations
• 35+ vendor booths
• Distinguished guests included Shri Raghuram Sastry, Consul General of India in Boston and Anu Chitrapu, Senior Vice-President and Executive at Bank of America.
• Flash mob led by Swasti Bhargava
• DJ finale by Xtreme Productions
• Kahoot trivia, interactive games, and raffle drawings

New Programs Launched

IAGB introduced two first-ever initiatives this year:

• Women’s & Men’s Tennis Ball Cricket Tournaments Champions: Warrior 1 (Women) and Desi Boys (Men)
• Hands-on 3D Printing Workshop for Youth, in collaboration with IIT AGNE

Expanded Annual Programs

IAGB strengthened several of its recurring community programs, delivering deeper engagement and broader impact:

• Discover India Series — cultural education for seniors
• Senior Expo & Cultural Exchange
• IAGB 5K Walk/Run, supporting Ekal Vidyalaya and Vision-Aid

Community Partnerships and Service

IAGB established four first-time partnerships this year:

• 23rd India Conference at Harvard
• AAPI Night at Gillette Stadium
• GBH AANHPI Heritage Celebration
• International Day of Yoga, hosted by the Consulate General of India, Boston

Through its Quarterly Giving Days, IAGB donated:

• 3,000+ lbs of food at the Burlington Food Pantry
• 200+ bags of clothing benefiting Vision-Aid Boston

IAGB was represented at 20+ community events across New England and hosted Flag Raising Ceremonies in Acton, Andover, Burlington, Salem, Sharon, and Westford marking India’s 80th Independence Day.

Sponsors and Volunteers

IAGB thanked its seven corporate sponsors and eight media partners. More than 100 volunteers supported IAGB programming throughout the year.

Looking Ahead

“Thank you for your trust and support,” said Agrawal in his closing remarks. “It has been an honor to lead our community through a year of growth, recognition, and meaningful connection and I look forward to building an even stronger future together.”

About IAGB

The India Association of Greater Boston is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (Tax ID 04-6151879). Founded in 1962, IAGB is dedicated to preserving cultural heritage, fostering inclusion, and building bridges across generations and communities.

www.iagb.org