Last Week, East Providence High School transformed into a vibrant hub of cultural celebration as the Foundation of Indian Americans - New England (“FIA-NE”) hosted its Grand Diwali Celebration.
The event featured a spectacular music concert by renowned singer Kailash Kher as well as a massive food donation drive inaugurated by East. Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva and Consul General of India, New York Binaya S. Pradhan
to spread the bounty and joy of Diwali to the broader American community.
This year's Diwali celebration was especially meaningful, with the Indian American community in New England coming together to donate over 20,000 pounds of non-perishable food items to local organizations, This initiative exemplified the spirit of Diwali—sharing the light of hope and joy with those in need. Find the below pictures of food donation.
1. Good Neighbors
2. Rhode Island Community Food Bank
3. Lincoln Senior Center
4. East Providence Senior Center
5. Northern Rhode Island Food pantry
6. Cumberland Senior Center
7. BlackStone Valley Emergency Food center
8. Better Lives Rhode Island
9. Your Neighborhood Food Pantry
Gratitude was expressed towards India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his recent announcement to establish a New Consulate in Boston to serve the New England states. There is a good size of Indian and Indian-origin students, scientists, researchers, and academics from India in New England, particularly in Boston. Similarly, there is a high number of Indian professionals and business persons who are actively working in the India-US economic corridor. With the improving relations between our two great democracies, travel, tourism, business, technology and talent collaboration are on the rise. The demand for visa services, passport renewals, OCI cards and other consular services is increasing. In this backdrop, the announcement by Prime Minister of India Mr Narendra Modi to open a Consulate in Boston is a timely intervention. It would facilitate an easier interface between the Government of India and both American friends and Indian diaspora members leading to better Government to Government and people-to-people contacts by Consul General of India, New York Amb. Binaya S. Pradhan during FIA-New England Diwali celebration program.
There are several reasons why the Indian-American diaspora has been advocating for this consulate. As you know, Boston is a global hub for education, healthcare, high-tech industries, and history (notably the Boston Tea Party). It serves as a significant entry point for many Said by Abhishek Singh ( FIA-New England ). It has long been overdue; as Dr. Dinesh Patel, M.D. Retired after 58 years Harvard Medical School MA General Hospital) recalled, Governor Weld and Secretary of Economic Affairs Gloria Larson led a trade mission to India, which laid the groundwork for enhanced bilateral relations.
The Indian-American community in New England was seeking the establishment of a Consulate in Boston for many years so this is like a dream came true said FIA-New England Executive Anand Sharma. Given the rising demand, the efforts by the Foundation of Indian-Americans (FIA) New England and its partner organizations in discussions with the current Consul General office and the Prime Minister of India have led to this important decision.
Establishing this consulate will significantly benefit students, businesses, and visitors alike, fostering mutual growth.
