By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Shrewsbury – Over 50 young people ages 12 to 18 are learning more about their heritage while developing leadership skills as members of the Indian Youth Group (IYG). They meet monthly at the India Society of Worcester Center (ISWC) on Main Street in Shrewsbury and volunteer for the organization’s ongoing activities.
Currently serving as IYG officers are Shrewsbury High School students Amee Desai, senior, president; Rhea Vyas, junior, vice president; Bhoomi Patel, junior, treasurer; Sahil Vyas, assistant treasurer, freshman; Shivum Patel, sophomore, assistant secretary; and Westborough High School student Manraj Bimrah, sophomore, secretary.
They were elected in June and are excited to serve as officers for a year.
“IYG helps us give back to the Shrewsbury community, and also the Indian community within Shrewsbury and neighboring towns,” Amee said. “At school, we learn about the American culture, but not as much about the Indian culture. IYG helps us with that connection.”
The majority of current IYG members are from Shrewsbury with significant representation from Grafton, Northborough, Westborough and Worcester. It’s been a valuable venue for newcomers to the area.
“My family moved here three years ago from New York, so we were completely new to the community,” Rhea noted. “IYG was a great way to meet new people.”
Meeting new people has also been a way for some to better appreciate Indian culture.
“When my family moved here, I didn’t know anyone with the same culture as me,” Manraj shared. “Being a part of IYG, I definitely got to learn more about who I am and where my family is from.”
IYG produces “Showcase India” each April as a fundraiser for travel expenses and field trips. In recent years it’s been presented at Whitcomb Middle School in Marlborough.
“It’s pretty much the highlight of IYG,” Sahil said of the showcase. “We emcee the show, we serve the food, we advertise and we get the performances from all the dance teachers.”
The group’s co-advisors are Poonam Hingorany and Tikoo Magner. Each has a daughter who was active in IYG from age 12 through 18 and is now beginning college. Their daughters expressed that they frequently mentioned IYG on college applications when asked about leadership and community service experience.
“We try to mix it up so that they fun,” Hingorany explained, “but at the same time they’re learning about leadership and how to socialize and make friends for life.”
“Everybody gets to chair an event,” Magner noted.
IYG members have volunteered to set up booths at the Town Expo during the Spirit of Shrewsbury Fall Festival to be held Saturday, Sept. 27. In October, they’ll volunteer for the festivals of Navratri Garba at Oak Middle School and Diwali Puja at ISWC.
Throughout November and December, IYG members volunteer at the Little Store (formerly Refugee Apostolate) in Worcester, a thrift shop run by the Urban Missionaries of Our Lady of Hope. There, they help families in need fulfill their holiday gift lists and wrap the presents.
In March, IYG members invite grandparents and other seniors to ISWC when the two generations share a day playing card and board games together. After presenting “Showcase India” in April, they fundraise in May by participating in the 20-mile Walk for Hunger in Boston.
Last June, IYG raised nearly $3,000 for the America India Foundation. In August, IYG hosts a children’s room during India Day at ISWC.
The co-advisors enjoy working with this productive group.
“They have so much fun together,” Hingorany said. “I’m blessed to be in a community where our kids have this chance. IYG really shapes who they are.”
For more information, visit iswonline.org.