Photo by Audrey Anderson
Group of children who portrayed historic Indian leaders
By Audrey Anderson
Hometown Weekly Reporter
On Sunday, August 17, the Indian Community of Needham (ICON) organization presented a colorful and joyous musical, historical, and cultural celebration in honor of Indian Independence Day in Powers Hall. A large crowd of all ages attended to enjoy the program, shop with vendors for jewelry, take chances in a raffle, see a gallery of children’s art, buy Indian specialty foods, and visit with friends.
To begin the program, an all-ages group sang a rousing Indian national anthem, and then a pair of teenage girls sang a lively American national anthem. The President of ICON, Sujata Sarda, and the Vice President and Sponsorship Chair, Hemanth Chowdhary, spoke about how their India Day show is a way to teach children about their ethnic culture and customs, and then introduced the rest of the enthusiastic board members.
A group of three students, led by their teachers, sang Indian songs. A solo oud player offered beautiful instrumental pieces, accompanied by an electronic drone. A medium sized group of singers, a violinist, guitarist, and percussionist performed popular songs, while the audience sang and clapped along with them.
Children and some adults mimed historical Indian figures in a pageant, while the original figures delivered speeches, or their words were read, on video. Each presenter portrayed the characteristics of the historical figure they represented, and they dressed in the appropriate era’s costume.
The historical figures included Kapil Dev Nikhanj, “the hero of Indian cricket”; Swami Vivekananda, a figure who “opposed discrimination, promoted women’s education, and emphasized service to the poor and downtrodden”; Rajamata Jijabai, mother of Shivaji Maharaj, who herself left “a legacy of courage, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to the cause of Swaraiya,” while her son Maharaj “fought religious tolerance [and was] a military genius who established the Maratha empire,” Savitribai Phule, “a poet and the first female teacher in India”; and Bhagat Singh, a “revolutionary [who was] executed in 1931 at age 23,” among other important cultural heroes.
Other dance performances and musical performances were presented during the program, and two women exercise leaders presented a Bolly-X workout, while the enthusiastic audience went through the routines with them.
According to their website, “ICON is a non-profit organization aimed at celebrating and preserving the culture and heritage of India and surrounding South Asian countries; fostering friendships and unity among community members; advancing the educational, cultural, and charitable interests of the community; and representing the community to the people of Needham, MA, USA and beyond.” The group plans several events throughout the year. You can find information at iconneedham.org.
