BOSTON—Sounds of India founder Harish Dang, who has left an indelible mark on the Indian community in New England over the past 50 years, 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.
“I am thrilled and humbled by this gesture,” Mr. Dang told INDIA New England News when he was told about the inaugural Legacy Award. “It is very nice to be recognized by the community.”
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.
“It is with great excitement that we are announcing the launch of ‘Legacy Award’ at New England Choice Awards,” said Dr. Manju Sheth, co-founder and president of INE Multimedia. “We are honored to commence it with Harish Dang for his 41 years of keeping Indian culture alive and thriving with Sounds of India.”
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.
“Harish Dang is a true visionary, who conceived the idea of Sounds of India radio program about 50 years ago and worked tirelessly to produce his weekly Sunday radio show without any interruption,” said Philanthropist Desh Deshpande. “He kept his show running for 41 years. He deserves the inaugural Legacy Award.”
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.
“To many of us ‘recent’ emigrees (and by recent, I mean a mere ~30 years ago), conversations with Harish Bhai about his early days in Boston are bemusing. Those who’ve arrived even more recently might be forgiven for thinking that he sailed over on a boat – because airplanes clearly couldn’t have existed back then. Which is, of course, false,” said Prashanth Palakurthi, tech entrepreneur, music enthusiast, philanthropist and CEO of Juju Productions. “I had, literally, a front-row seat at countless cultural events he supported, where he brought us together and helped reconnect us to our roots, heritage, and, of course, the occasional plate of stale samosas. To see him recognized for his incredible contributions to this community legacy fills me with joy.”
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.
“Harish Bhai’s deep sense of community probably comes from an umbilical connection to the refugee camps where he was housed as an infant, surrounded by families that had lost everything – where neighbors took ownership for each other’s wellbeing,” added Mr. Palakurthi.
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.
Harish Dang’s Sounds of India has been heartbeat of New England’s Indian American Community for over four decades, said Leader Bank Chairman and CEO Sushil Tuli.
“I fondly remember the early days of Leader Mortgage and Leader Bank when Harish was a constant presence, offering his support and encouraging our growth. His commitment to building bridges within the community and supporting small businesses like ours is a testament to his vision and generosity,” said Mr. Tuli. “Harish has not only chronicled the journey of our community but has also played an integral role in its development. It is fitting that he receives the inaugural Legacy Award at NECA, as his work has left an indelible mark on all of us. Congratulations, Harish, on this well-deserved honor. Your legacy is a shining example of service, dedication, and community building.”
Mr. Tuli added that Mr. Dang has been a pillar of Indian American community in New England for over 41 years through his extraordinary work with Sounds of India.
“At a time when there were limited channels for communication and cultural expression within our community, Sounds of India was more than just a radio show; it was a lifeline that connected families, promoted Indian culture, and brought the community together,” said Mr. Tuli. “Harish’s tireless dedication ensured that the voices and stories of Indian Americans in New England were heard, and his efforts laid the foundation for the vibrant, interconnected community we see today.”
Mr. Dang’s efforts not only helped promote new ventures but also gave budding local singers and artists a platform to showcase their talent, many of whom have gone on to entertain audiences even today.
“We tend to take star shows for granted these days, especially when the warm weather rolls around. It’s easy to forget that in 1980s 90s Boston did not even feature on the travel map when US tours were planned for Bollywood stars and artistes,” said Praveen Misra, a professional in AI and Data Science. “All that changed when Harish Dang began organizing shows for the Indian community in the Greater Boston area. Needless to say Harish Dang was among the first to bring Indian singers to the Boston area for concerts.”
In the mid-1990s, Mr. Dan and his wife Binita took on an ambitious project: bringing renowned Indian musical talent to Boston. Frustrated with the need to travel to New York’s Madison Square Garden to enjoy Indian mega-concerts, they took the initiative to organize such events in their own community. Negotiating with the Lowell Memorial Auditorium, the Dangs brought legendary artists like Kumar Sanu, Alka Yagnik, Udit Narayan, Jagjit Singh, and many others to the region, making high-quality entertainment accessible to Indian families in New England.
The logistics and financial challenges of organizing these concerts were significant, yet the Dang couple overcame them with dedication and hard work, even hosting artists like Hemant Kumar and Mukesh in their home when resources were limited. These annual concerts became highly anticipated events that enriched the cultural lives of countless Indian families.
Although now retired, Mr. Dang continues to contribute to the community. He serves as a mentor to local Indian singers and artists, actively participates in organizing community events, and holds a trustee position at the Indian Association of Greater Boston (IAGB), having previously served as a trustee for the New England Hindu Temple in Ashland. His humble, generous, and kind-hearted nature has made him a beloved figure and an inspiration to many.
“Harish Dang is a pillar in the Indian American community in New England. He has played a vital role in in the establishment of many organizations including Hindi Manch,” Hindi Manch President Preetesh Shrivastava. “His Radio Show became the voice of Indians in New England and their connection to India. He has been a mentor for many community leaders like me.”
Mr. Dang is more than a community leader. He has woven the fabric of Indian culture into the lives of those in New England. His legacy is one of resilience, compassion, and an unwavering belief in the power of community. His influence will continue to be felt for generations, ensuring that the rich traditions and culture of India remain vibrant and alive in the hearts of those living abroad.
“For his outstanding contributions, tireless service, and unwavering dedication to fostering community and cultural ties, we at INE Multimedia, INDIA New England News and on behalf of our readers and the Indian American community, we’re honored to bestow the Inaugural Legacy Award to Mr. Dang,” said Upendra Mishra, co-founder of INE Multimedia and publisher of INDIA New England News and its sister publications IndUS Business Journal, Life Sciences Times, Boston Real Estate Times and Hispanic Business Journal. “His efforts have not only brought joy and connection to countless individuals but have also ensured that the legacy of Indian culture thrives, even in a foreign land.”
