By Madison Butkus
Hometown Weekly Reporter
The Indian Community of Needham (ICON) came together this past Sunday, August 27th to celebrate India Day. This is India’s own Independence Day and is celebrated annually on August 15th. This day marks the end of the British rule that happened in 1947 which was brought about by the Indian Independence Act of July 18th of that same year. Through this Act, an establishment of a free and independent Indian nation was born.
In terms of the event, social chair of ICON, Bala Muthukaruppan, went on to mention, “This year, we are hosting the event at Powers Hall and have sold out our entire registration. We have kids activities, henna artists, food for sale, ethnic clothing and jewelry vendors. There are also cultural performances which will include traditional dances, instrumental music, singing, fashion show, and an interactive BollyX session which is always a crowd pleaser!”
Family and friends gathered together to celebrate this joyous holiday and it sure was a packed crowd! There was certainly no shortage of entertainment for anyone who attended the event. From an array of craft tables for children, to stunning clothing and jewelry on display, and everything in between, there truly was something for everyone.
When starting the event, Bala additionally stated, “It is my pleasure and honor to welcome you here today. The ICON team is thrilled for our third annual India Day celebration here in Needham. We feel blessed to be part of such a wonderful community. Thank you all for the support. This day is not just another day in the calendar; it is a symbol of India’s courage, resilience, and indomitable spirit. And today, we are here to celebrate all of that by coming together as a community, showcasing our diversity and rich culture!”
It is events like these that ICON really strives for. When discussing upcoming events, President of ICON, Shalini Jha, stated, “We want to be able to make ICON the absolute best experience that it can be. In order to do that, we are asking for your help. Please share with us your thoughts and ideas on how we can make ICON better for all of us. We want to do what we can to improve!”
As a whole, “ICON is a secular, 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 and beyond.” It is ultimately events like these that have the power to bring the community together and show the importance of these kinds of traditions and holidays.
The work they are doing at ICON is incredible. There is more they look forward to doing and it can be said with ease that many are hopeful this organization keeps growing!
