Indian Tradition Meets Civic Appreciation as Kapasi Family Celebrates 50 Years in Newton and Honors City Leaders
The traditional safa and shawl ceremony brought together current and former city officials, family and community members to celebrate service, cultural heritage and five decades of friendship and community ties.
NEWTON, Mass. — In a celebration blending Indian cultural tradition with civic appreciation, Drs. Chander and Onaly Kapasi honored Newton’s current and former mayors, city officials and community leaders with traditional Indian turbans, known as safas, and ceremonial shawls at their home on September 19.
The gathering marked the couple’s 50 years in Newton, MA, where they have lived in the same home since 1976. For the Kapasis, the milestone offered an opportunity not only to celebrate five decades of family, friendship and hospitality, but also to express gratitude to the leaders who have served their adopted hometown.
Those honored included Mayor Marc Laredo, former Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, City Council members, Police Chief Tim Cohoon and former State Representative Kay Khan. The presentation of safas and shawls reflected a longstanding Indian tradition of showing respect and honoring those whose contributions are valued by a family or community.
The ceremony also offered guests an opportunity to experience Indian customs firsthand, underscoring the role cultural traditions can play in bringing communities together.
In a reflection on the event, Mahesh Sharma, a former dean, described the ceremony as a meaningful exchange that honored both Indian heritage and Newton. He noted that introducing local leaders and younger guests to these traditions could help foster greater cultural understanding, respect and inclusion.
The celebration brought together family members, longtime friends and leaders from the region’s Indian American community. Among those attending were Neena Gulati, founder of Triveni School of Dance; Dr. Sanjay Aurora, president of the Indian Medical Association of New England; and Neela Gandhi, president of the United India Association.
Married for 55 years, the Kapasis have made their Newton home a gathering place for generations of guests, including governors, senators, ambassadors, musicians, relatives and friends. Their anniversary celebration continued that tradition, with guests sharing food, drinks and memories.
Former State Representative Khan sent a warm message thanking the couple for the invitation and recalling fond memories of the family. Former Mayor Fuller also sent a handwritten note expressing her sentiments.
Assisted by their son, Dr. Sameer Kapasi, daughter Sameera Kapasi Mahendru, and grandson Milan Kapasi, the couple welcomed guests for an evening centered on gratitude, connection and cultural exchange.
After 50 years in Newton, the Kapasis’ celebration reflected a simple but enduring message: honoring a community means recognizing the people who serve it while sharing the traditions and values that make it richer.
