That heartbeat echoed loudly across Burlington High School on January 24, as the India Association of Greater Boston (IAGB) hosted its Republic Day Mela 2026, drawing thousands from across New England for a day that blended tradition, talent, and togetherness.
What began as a celebration of India’s Republic Day unfolded into something larger — a joyful affirmation of identity, belonging, and the power of community. Families arrived early, performances flowed seamlessly from stage to stage, and the energy of the crowd remained electric well into the evening.
A Theme Rooted in Harmony
This year’s theme, “India in Harmony: The Five Elements,” provided a thoughtful and creative framework for the day. From classical dance rooted in earth, to flowing movements symbolizing water, fiery folk performances, airy musical compositions, and expansive storytelling reflecting space, the theme came alive across performances and exhibits.
The concept resonated deeply with audiences, offering both artistic beauty and philosophical meaning — a reminder of India’s ancient wisdom and its relevance in today’s interconnected world.
Recognition at the State Level
The celebration was further elevated by recognition from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In an official proclamation, Governor Maura T. Healey declared January 26, 2026, as Republic Day of India, honoring the importance of the day for the Indian American community.
IAGB expressed sincere appreciation to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and the Secretary of the Commonwealth for acknowledging the cultural and civic contributions of Indian Americans across the state — a moment that drew warm applause from attendees.
Voices That Inspire
The Mela welcomed several distinguished guests whose presence underscored the event’s significance.
Chief Guest Dr. Purnanand Sarma, CEO of Aro Biotherapeutics and President of TiE Boston, reflected on the strength of community organizations like IAGB in building bridges across generations and professions.
Girish Mehta, Founder and Executive Director of the India Center Council (ICC), was honored with the Community Catalyst Award for his enduring commitment to community development.
Guests of Honor included Ms. Shruthi Purushotam, Deputy Consul General of India in Boston, and Dr. Manju Sheth, President of India New England Multimedia and Women Who Win. Each spoke about the importance of preserving cultural roots while actively engaging in civic life.
A Celebration Powered by Participation
At its heart, Republic Day Mela 2026 was powered by community participation on an impressive scale:
- Over 300 performers showcased classical, folk, Bollywood, fusion, and thematic performances
- More than 150 participants competed in art, chess, Shark Tank, music, and math competitions
- 35+ partner organizations and media outlets represented the breadth of the Indian community across New England
- A vibrant Mela marketplace buzzed with local vendors, cultural exhibits, and nonprofit booths
- A lively food court, featuring offerings from The Treasury: Indian & Greek Kitchen, kept spirits — and appetites — high
The day culminated in a high-energy performance by Dhwani Band, which brought the entire auditorium to its feet and sent the crowd home on a celebratory high.
Leadership Reflections
Reflecting on the event’s success, IAGB President Nilesh Agrawal expressed gratitude for the overwhelming community response and applauded the dedication of volunteers, choreographers, performers, sponsors, partner organizations, and the IAGB Executive Committee.
Vice President Deepak Garg played a key role in overseeing competitions and youth-focused programming, ensuring smooth execution throughout the day — particularly in areas designed to inspire the next generation.
Together, the leadership emphasized that Republic Day Mela 2026 reaffirmed IAGB’s mission to strengthen cultural connection, civic engagement, and community pride across Greater Boston.
Looking Ahead
As the celebration concluded, one message remained clear: the story does not end here. IAGB will continue its year-round programming with upcoming cultural events, civic initiatives, and community service projects.
Photos, videos, and highlights from Republic Day Mela 2026 will be available at www.iagb.org and across IAGB’s social media platforms — capturing moments that, for many, will be remembered as a celebration of home, no matter how far from home they may be.
