IAGB Reviews Year of Expanded Programs, State Recognition and Community Outreach at 2026 Annual Meeting

BELMONT, MA — The India Association of Greater Boston (IAGB) held its 2026 Annual General Body Meeting last month, at the Belmont Public Library, where President Nilesh Agrawal presented a review of the organization’s activities from October 2025 through September 2026.

According to the organization’s year-in-review report, the past year included two large-scale cultural celebrations, new youth and sports programs, community service initiatives, expanded partnerships and several forms of recognition from Massachusetts organizations and officials.

Founded in 1962, IAGB describes itself as the oldest and largest Indian American organization in New England.

Republic Day Proclamation

A major development highlighted at the meeting was what IAGB described as the first Republic Day proclamation it has received from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

According to the organization, Governor Maura T. Healey proclaimed January 26, 2026, as Republic Day in Massachusetts.

IAGB also reported receiving an annual India Day Proclamation, a State Senate Citation from Senator Jamie Eldridge recognizing the organization and the Indian American community’s contributions to Greater Boston, and a Community Excellence Award from the India International Film Festival of Boston.

The organization also received two grants during the year, including what it identified as its first AAPI Commission Small Grant Award.

IAGB reported substantial participation at its two major annual celebrations.

Its Republic Day 2026 program, themed “India in Harmony: The Five Elements,” was held January 24 at Burlington High School. According to IAGB, the event attracted more than 2,500 attendees, with more than 150 competitors across eight categories, over 250 performers, 35 partner organizations and 30 vendor booths.

Among the distinguished guests were Dr. Purnanand Sarma, Shruthi Purushotam and Dr. Manju Sheth. The organization presented its Community Champion Award to Girish Mehta.

IAGB’s India Day 2026, themed “Colors of India: Stories That Inspire,” took place August 15 at the NARA Park Amphitheater in Acton.

The organization reported more than 4,000 attendees, 200 performers, 40 partner organizations and 35 vendor booths. Guests included S. Raghuram Sastry, Consul General of India in Boston, and Anu Chitrapu, Senior Vice-President and Executive at Bank of America.

The India Day program also included a flash mob led by Swasti Bhargava, a DJ finale by Xtreme Productions, Kahoot trivia, interactive games and raffle drawings.

New Youth and Sports Programs

The organization launched two initiatives that it identified as first-time programs during the year.

IAGB organized Women’s and Men’s Tennis Ball Cricket Tournaments, with Warrior 1 winning the women’s competition and Desi Boys winning the men’s tournament.

It also introduced a hands-on 3D Printing Workshop for Youth in collaboration with IIT AGNE, adding a technology-focused educational component to its community programming.

Several recurring programs were also expanded, including the Discover India Series, which provides cultural education for seniors; the Senior Expo & Cultural Exchange; and the IAGB 5K Walk/Run, which supports Ekal Vidyalaya and Vision-Aid.

Community Partnerships and Service

IAGB reported establishing four first-time partnerships during the year involving the 23rd India Conference at Harvard, AAPI Night at Gillette Stadium, the GBH AANHPI Heritage Celebration, and International Day of Yoga, hosted by the Consulate General of India in Boston.

Through its Quarterly Giving Days, the organization reported donating more than 3,000 pounds of food to the Burlington Food Pantry and more than 200 bags of clothing benefiting Vision-Aid Boston.

IAGB also said it was represented at more than 20 community events across New England during the year.

As part of India’s 80th Independence Day observances, the organization participated in flag-raising ceremonies in Acton, Andover, Burlington, Salem, Sharon and Westford.

Volunteers and Sponsors

The organization credited its network of volunteers and sponsors for supporting its programming. According to the report, more than 100 volunteers contributed during the year.

IAGB also acknowledged seven corporate sponsors and eight media partners.

In his closing remarks, Agrawal thanked members and supporters for their participation.

“It has been an honor to lead our community through a year of growth, recognition, and meaningful connection,” Agrawal said, adding that he looked forward to building on that work in the future.

The annual meeting provided members with a review of IAGB’s activities during the 2025–26 organizational year while outlining the breadth of its cultural, educational, sports and community-service programming.

The organization’s report showed an emphasis on large public celebrations alongside programs aimed at seniors and youth, charitable activities and partnerships with institutions and organizations across Greater Boston and New England.

IAGB is a nonprofit organization established in 1962 and organized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It says its mission includes preserving cultural heritage, fostering inclusion and building connections across generations and communities.