BOSTON—Take a trip down the memory lane with Harish Dang, who founded Sounds of India about 50 years ago in Boston. On Nov. 15, he will receive the inaugural “Legacy Award” at the annual New England Choice Awards Gala on Nov. 15, 2024, at Burlington Marriott Hotel in Burlington, MA.
As a long-time resident of Lexington, MA, with his wife Binita, Mr. Dang originally trained as an architect at Harvard University and later pursued a successful career as a financial advisor. However, his passion for fostering a sense of belonging and community among Indian immigrants in New England took precedence, leading him to become a cornerstone of the Indian diaspora.
In 1974, he founded Sounds of India, a weekly Indian music radio show that would have each Indian household in Greater Boston glued to their radios every Sunday for 41 years. Mr. Dang also brought top Bollywood singers and superstars to Boston for their performances.
In an exclusive video interview with INDIA New England News, Mr. Dang takes us through his memory lane of the last 50 years. To watch the full interview, please click here, or on the image below.
New England Choice Awards, known as NECA, is produced annually by non-profit INE Multimedia in collaboration with INDIA New England News. The event is attended annually by about 400 community and business leaders, philanthropists, technologists, academicians and healthcare professionals.
Mr. Dang’s life and contributions epitomize the essence of a true legacy—one that has left an indelible mark on the Indian community in New England. His journey over the past 50 years has been defined by an unwavering commitment to building, nurturing, and strengthening the Indian cultural fabric in the region. From his pioneering initiatives to his dedication to bringing the community together, Mr. Dang has profoundly shaped the cultural and social landscape for generations to come.
Fifty years ago, when the Indian community in Boston was still in its infancy with just a few thousand people, access to Indian culture and entertainment was limited. It was during this time that Mr. Dang and his wife Binita recognized the need for a platform to connect the South Asian community.
With no CDs, DVDs, or online streaming available, they conceived the idea of creating a radio program, and in 1974, “Sounds of India” was born. This pioneering radio show became the first of its kind in New England, offering a lifeline to the community by providing not only Bollywood music but also sharing news, upcoming cultural events, and resources on where to find South Asian groceries and goods. For four decades, “Sounds of India” was more than just a radio show; it was a vital source of connection, joy, and community support.
Mr. Dang was born during Partition – when he and his family were among the lucky ones who escaped inhuman evil by taking a train to India.
Mr. Dang’s dedication went beyond the airwaves. He made it a point to keep the community news and announcements free, providing invaluable support to local businesses, temples, mosques, and cultural events.
