As the festive glow of Diwali spread across communities nationwide, in Massachusetts, it brought with it something even brighter—an extraordinary act of compassion. Three local organizations, the India Association of Greater Boston (IAGB), HSS Satsang Shakha, Burlington, and Dwarkamai Sai Temple, Billerica, came together with one heartfelt mission: to serve their neighbors in need.
What unfolded was a powerful story of unity and generosity. Through the Sewa Diwali initiative, these community partners collected and donated 2,943 pounds of food to the Burlington Food Pantry, ensuring that families facing food insecurity would feel supported and cared for during the holiday season.
On the day of the donation, the spirit of service filled the air. Volunteers from IAGB, Indian Americans for Burlington (IAB), and HSS Satsang Shakha gathered with warm smiles and overflowing boxes. Their hands worked in harmony—sorting, organizing, and delivering essential items—each step driven by a shared purpose. Adding significance to the moment, State Senator Cindy Friedman joined the event, standing alongside volunteers to honor and support their commitment to community welfare.
Amid this gathering of community spirit stood State Senator Cindy F. Friedman, whose presence added a profound sense of encouragement and recognition. Senator Friedman, who represents the 4th Middlesex District—including Arlington, Burlington, Billerica, Lexington precincts, and Woburn—has long been a dedicated public servant. Before joining the Massachusetts Senate in 2017, she built a rich career as a public school teacher, a senior manager in the high-tech industry, and later as chief of staff to the late Senator Ken Donnelly for nearly a decade. Over the years, she has served as Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery, and currently serves as Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing and Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. Her participation in the Sewa Diwali food drive underscored the value of community partnerships and compassionate public leadership.
This collaboration wasn’t just about giving food. It was about embracing Sewa, the timeless value of selfless service that forms a cornerstone of Indian tradition. For every volunteer who participated, the effort represented something deeper: a desire to uplift others and strengthen the bonds that tie a community together.
“Sewa Diwali is more than a food drive; it is a celebration of giving and gratitude,” said Nilesh Agrawal, President of IAGB. “We are proud to partner with HSS Satsang Shakha and Dwarkamai Sai Temple, and grateful to have the support of Senator Friedman and our community volunteers in making a meaningful impact.”
The Burlington Food Pantry, known for its tireless dedication to serving local families, welcomed the contribution with appreciation. The nearly 3,000 pounds of donated food will help ensure that residents experiencing hardship have access to essential supplies throughout the holiday season—a time when needs often increase.
Across the United States, Sewa Diwali continues to inspire people of all backgrounds to participate in acts of service, making it a unifying movement rooted in compassion. The Burlington donation stands as a shining example of how collective action—when fueled by empathy—can bring real, lasting change.
As the year continues, IAGB and its community partners reaffirm their commitment to carrying forward the spirit of Sewa. With gratitude and determination, they aim to create more opportunities to serve, support, and strengthen the communities they call home.
