BURLINGTON, MA— Annette Philip, an Indian vocalist, composer and faculty member at Boston’s esteemed Berklee College of Music, is the 2016 Woman of the Year. She was crowned with the coveted Woman of the Year title at the 14th Annual Woman of the Year Awards gala organized by INDIA New England News on June 3rd at Burlington Marriott Hotel in Burlington, MA. (Photos: Dyuti Majumdar)
In 2003, Philip founded Artistes Unlimited in New Delhi, one of India’s largest and most diverse performing arts collective. Now based in Boston, she is the Founder-Director of Berklee’s immensely popular Indian Ensemble. Philip is also Creative Director and core vocalist of the award-winning international a cappella quartet, Women of the World, who were the 2014 USA National Acapella Champions.
“Annette has been responsible for transformational ideas and programs in two continents. From Artistes Unlimited in Delhi to the Women of the World acapella group that performs in 31 languages and won the 2014 US championship, she has brought bold new ideas to the preforming arts,” said Dr. Brian Pereira, M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Visterra, who served as the chairman of an independent panel of judges. “Her leadership roles at the Berklee College of Music School are a due recognition of her talents and achievements. She is an inspiration to young men and women who are planning careers in the performing arts.”
Philip believes in collaborative action through music and thrives on experimenting with the human voice.
“I’m so honored and humbled to be bestowed the title of INE Woman of the Year 2016. Simply being nominated among such an illustrious group of women was in itself a privilege and blessing,” said Philip. “I was incredibly inspired learning about each of the 20 honorees, and the far reaching positive impact their work has had, and continues to have on our society.”
Twenty outstanding women from various fields, including business, academia, philanthropy and community service, were honored during the awards gala.
“The women in my life—my mother, my gurus, my mentors—have always been tireless in their efforts to bring about positive change, be inclusive, and be nurturing. It is truly commendable that Mr. Upendra Mishra, Dr. Manju Sheth, and the India New England team has created this platform,” said Philip. “May we continue to work hard in each of our fields, support each other, encourage progressive thinking, and together, create a more loving, peaceful and accepting society for the next generation of Indian leaders.”
UMass Lowell Chancellor Jacqueline Moloney, the first woman to serve as chancellor of UMass Lowell in the 121-year history of the institution, was the chief guest and keynote speaker. Sylvia Ferrell-Jones, President and Chief Executive Officer of YW Boston, was the Guest of Honor. Jasmine Shah of Nashua, NH, received Lifetime Achievement Award. American Idol star singer Sonika Vaid performed during the gala. Anjali Nath and Shefali Jain from Chandika presented a kathak dance.
Dr. Manju Sheth, a community leader and president of INE MultiMedia, a non-profit company, served as the hostess of the evening.
“It was truly a magical night where all the stars were aligned beautifully and every detail was executed flawlessly with the help of a fabulous organizing team,” said Dr. Sheth. “I am truly overwhelmed with the out pouring of love that the community has bestowed upon us and their faith in the quality of our event which was completely sold out event with a long waiting list. Congratulations to Annette Philip, our WOY 2016 and our lifetime achievement winner Jasmine Shah.”
Dr. Sheth thanked the key members of the organizing team that included Mandy Pant, Jharna Madan, Deejay Yogi of Boston Sound and Light Company and Shobha Shahstry of Alankar Decorators and Wedding Planners.
“We would like to thank Gourmet India for providing excellent food and Dyuti Majumdar for photography,” said Dr. Sheth. “In addition, I would like to congratulate the 20 Outstanding Women 2016 and thank our esteemed introducers and presenters Desh Dehspande, Geet Aiyer, Anandini Sekhar, Meenakshi Kulshreshtha, Kiran Mani , Shaleen Sheth and most importantly seven judges.”
The independent committee of judged consisted of Tara Anand, Dr. Nahid Bhadelia, M.D., Puran Dang, Neena Gulati, Dr. Brian Pereira, M.D, Dr. Prem Shekar, MD and Punita Sinha.
The Platinum Sponsor of the event was BMW of Sudbury and its General Manager Pranav Gill. Other premier sponsors included the Boston Group, Desai Foundation, Gourmet India, Burlington Marriott, Dr. Manju Sheth. Supporting sponsor were Boston Sound & Light Company, Alankar Decorators and Dyuti Majumdar & Associates Photography.
