When the office of Hillary Clinton called Rita Shah to find out about IAGB's (Indian Association of Greater Boston) two biggest crowd pullers, the Republic Day and the Independence Day celebrations, Shah was simply thrilled: “It is a great honor and a testimony to the significance of the growth of the Indian American Community. We are here and we can make an impact” she says and that is what IAGB hopes to achieve in her term at office. As the newly elected President of IAGB, she hopes to expand and build on some of its existing programs and retain its hold as perhaps one of the oldest and premier organizations in Greater Boston. ‘Each year, the numbers for our two events grow steadily and that means we can reach to a bigger audience for all our programs” she says. This year the Republic day event to be held at the Lexington High School on January 26th hopes to attract more than 1200 people. “The cultural programs have increased and there are more than 30 items that evening. It requires careful planning, lots of hard work and good execution. All this happens because I think IAGB as well as Saheli, have been fortunate to have a great team that works together” and she adds “You cannot be a leader alone. You need the support and the energy of a team to do well”

Rita Shah, has also been on the board of Saheli, the partner organization to IAGB. Shah has been involved in Saheli since its early beginning working alongside Usha Vakil. While working at the Bank of Boston, she was successful in getting six grants for Indian organizations including SAHELI, Satsang, Shishu Bharati, etc.  As a Saheli, she has empowered women through programs that have made women economically independent, set up English Language classes and citizenship classes for senior citizens. She has also been an active member of Satsang Center in Woburn and life member at ISKCON in Boston.

As for the plans for IAGB for this year, Rita Shah says the focus will be on three areas: Getting the youth involved, designing programs for the senior citizens and along with Saheli’s help work on issues about women. “ Ambika Wali is on our Youth Committee and brings in lot of energy and ideas. The contribution of young people and others like her will be vital for the future growth of this organization. We hope that they will implement projects that will help communities, families and enrich the Indian cultural heritage in this country. IAGB second focus will be on Senior citizens in this country who feel isolated and lonely at times.  IAGB hopes to design programs that will make them feel involved and interested. This could be weekend getaways or social gatherings or even community service. I am fortunate that a large family of mine lives in this country and in and around Burlington. So I understand this particular need and many others feel the same. Lastly as a longtime member of Saheli, I feel that the two organizations can work together on issues facing women, educating them on their rights and identifying their problems”.

Finally to her it is all about the community and the urge to make a difference, Values like service  and extending a helping hand have been instilled in her since early childhood. Shah adds,” My father always said,  Your worth on this earth is measured only when you make a difference in even one person’s life and it is a good motto to follow”.

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