Lokvani wishes all its readers a very Happy Father's Day on Sunday June 21st.

by Suman Adisesh
The second edition of Natya Samaagam, a community‑centered Bharatanatyam festival built on the tenet “Art over the Artist,” concluded this past weekend (June 12, 13, and 14) after three days of vibrant performances by local dancers. Conceived by Bharatanatyam artist Suman Adisesh (Spandha School of Dance and  Creative Arts, Acton, MA) and curated by Suman and Sangeetha Prasanna (Natya Rasika School of Dance, Acton, MA), the festival continues to advance a new model for artistic collaboration in New England.

Boston witnessed a remarkable fusion of spirituality, music, and philanthropy as Ekal Vidyalaya's Boston Chapter presented UTSAV – Bhajan Clubbing for a Purpose, a first-of-its-kind event that transformed traditional bhajans into an energetic community celebration while raising awareness and support for rural and tribal development in India. [more]

Access Life America provides families of children from rural areas suffering from cancer resources to stay near hospitals during the treatment period. The group is organizing a gala to support this effort on July 13 at the Burlington Marriot. [more]

by Dr. Indrajeet Tyagi and Dr. Iranna Hirapur
Today, what we recognize as Cystic Fibrosis finds striking parallels in Ayurvedic descriptions of Kapha-dominant disorders of the Pranavaha Srotas (respiratory channels). While Ayurveda does not name “Cystic Fibrosis” explicitly, its principles offer a deep, functional understanding of the disease process and its systemic impact.

Vision-Aid will stage its much-anticipated 2026 annual event, “Brothers in Arms: The Lions of Sivaganga,” on Sunday, July 26, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Collins Center for the Performing Arts in Andover, Massachusetts. The Broadway-style dance production is the U.S. premiere of acclaimed choreographer Kalaimamani Madurai R. Muralidaran’s newest creation, “Marudhiruvar,” and continues a sold-out community tradition that has anchored New England’s summer calendar for 18 consecutive years.

The India Association of New Hampshire (IANH) successfully hosted Vasant Festival 2026 at Nashua High School South, bringing together approximately 750 attendees for a vibrant celebration of Indian culture. 

by Amandeep Singh
On May 31st, the New England Punjabi Association hosted a Kavi Darbar and musical program dedicated to Sufi poetry, filling the air with a sense of spirituality (or ruhaniat).

The Connecticut chapter of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO-CT) celebrated its 20th Anniversary with a grand Annual Awards Banquet at the Water’s Edge Banquet Hall, Darien, CT on June 13, 2026, recognizing Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox,  Anil R. Diwan, Nitin Mhatre, Hemchandra M. Shertukde, and Ajay Ghosh for their civic and professional excellence.

Sri Lakshmi Temple cordially invites all devotees to join us for a Grand Aani Thirumanjanam celebration honoring Lord Shiva over three sacred days, June 19–21, 2026.

Satsang Center will celbrate International Yoga Day on June 20th from 9:00 am - 11:30 am.

Satsang Center and Gayatri Pariwar New England invites you to celebrate Gayatri Jayanti on June 27th in Woburn, MA.

Bina Negandhi and her group presents 'Prem Pratima', a musical dance drama presentation featuring over 40 artists, on June 28th in Woburn, MA.

UIANE invites you to their Summer Potluck Picnic (7/12) and Spirit of India and International Youth Day (8/9).

Vision Aid warmly invite you to our signature annual event on Sunday, July 26th from 4 to 7:30 pm. Immerse yourself in the Broadway Style Historical Spectacular "Brothers in Arms: The Lions of Sivaganga" — a breathtaking dance production honoring the unsung heroes of the Indian Independence movement. [more]

Registration for Vivekananda Family Camp 2026 from 8/16/26-8/22/26 in Dublin, NH (lovely and beautiful Monadnock Region of New Hampshire, right on the border of MA and NH) is now open. [more]

TiE Boston is proud to announce that PulseAera, the 2026 First Place team from TiE Boston’s TiE Young Entrepreneurs (TYE) Academy, won the Best Execution in its competition track and the Best Maker Faire Award among 17 U.S. teams at the TYE Global Finals in Seattle. The PulseAera team includes Chetan Pisupati, Shaurya Bedre, Arjun Singhania, Zaid Rana, Diya Nair, and Vihaan Tripathi. PulseAera developed a smart HVAC air filter solution designed to reduce costs, improve indoor air quality, and help prevent allergy and asthma symptoms.

The New Hampshire Chapter of Ekal Vidyalaya recently celebrated a significant milestone with its first youth-led robotics workshop, bringing together STEM education, leadership, and community service in support of Ekal's mission of holistic development in rural and tribal India. Ekal continues to make an impact across 100K villages in India, ably supported by over 50 Chapters across US. The initiative was led by Rakhi Grover, Youth Director of Ekal NH.

Bold ideas from three Massachusettsstudents are among just 60 semifinalist submissions selected from over 3,700 nationwide to pitch at the Mott Million Dollar Challenge, June 15-16 in downtown Flint.

by Pallavi Nagesha
What happens when classical dance theater steps into the realm of cosmic wonder? In her latest solo choreography, Adbhutam, presented at the Boston Center for the Arts Black Box Theatre, dancer Suman Adisesh ventured into the vast expanse where physical science pauses and transcendent experience begins. Mentored by Guru Padmini Ravi, the production was an earnest testament to Adisesh’s rigorous physical conditioning and deep-seated commitment to her craft, filling the intimate space with an infectious, high-energy dynamism.

TiE Boston announced the appointment of Ameeta Soni as Chair and Vikram Venkatasubramanian as Co-Chair of TiECON East 2026, the region’s largest entrepreneurship conference, taking place on Friday, October 2, 2026, at the Burlington Marriott Hotel in Burlington, MA. This year’s conference theme, “The Next Growth Playbook: Product, Market and Capital in the Age of AI.”

South Asian communities across New England are celebrating a milestone moment in American civic leadership as Nithya Raman, who spent her formative years in Burlington, Massachusetts, has emerged victorious in the Los Angeles mayoral primary and will advance to the general election against incumbent Mayor Karen Bass. [more]

by Geetha Patil and Sunil Kumar D
Father's Day is celebrated around the world as a tribute to the men who guide, protect, and inspire their children. While the traditions surrounding Father's Day may differ between cultures, the essence remains the same: honoring fathers for their love, sacrifice, and unwavering support.

Father's Day arrives once more
A day of memories I can't ignore
Though years have passed since you went away
I think of you every single day

In the quiet strength of your hands 
I see stories of मेहनत and grace
Like the rising sun each morning
You bring hope to our little space ...

Why do we celebrate Father’s Day?
a) To go to school
b) To thank dads for their love and care
c) To watch TV
d) To clean the house

by Madhumati Tyagi and Geetha Patil 
A creamy, mildly spiced North Indian dish that feels festive and indulgent—perfect to treat your dad at home. Paneer Butter Masala represents warmth, indulgence, and celebration—just like the role of a father in Indian families: strong yet comforting. Serve hot with Butter naan or roti, Jeera rice, A simple salad.

Why did the student eat his homework? Because his teacher said it was a piece of cake.

Grandeur!

“One day we must come to see that peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but that it is a means by which we arrive at that goal.” — Martin Luther King,