Note from outgoing president Shalini Jha
Dear Fellow ICON members As an ICON president, my term has been well spent serving my dear community. Together, we have achieved remarkable milestones, particularly in youth involvement and raising civic awareness, which were my primary goals. It was especially a joy to witness the community coming together and helping as a big family to make events happen nicely. I am deeply grateful for the support and dedication you have shown. As we welcome the new president, Dr. Raja Sheikh, I urge you to extend the same support and enthusiasm. Raja, while helping many people in the community quietly, is a visionary. Under his leadership, I am confident ICON will be able to serve in newer and better ways. Personally, this journey has been a tremendous learning experience, and I encourage everyone to join as volunteers and consider becoming members to continue driving our mission forward. Additionally, I am excited to share that I will continue with ICON for one more year, focusing on my favorite work as a community outreach person. Your involvement is crucial for sustaining the momentum and ensuring our continued success. Shalini Jha President, 2023-2024 ICON Board
Note from outgoing board member Bala Muthukaruppan
I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the last 4 years serving on the ICON board. It was indeed a great pleasure to serve the community, I want to thank the founding members for believing in me and bringing me on board to carry the torch forward. Especially, starting at a time when the community was hit by the pandemic, it was quite challenging to say the least. Despite the bumpy ride, we’ve stayed strong and persistent as a community. Over these last few years, I’ve had the privilege of wearing multiple hats and enjoyed playing various roles, from community engagement, VP, President and current social chair. I’ve seen us grow together as an organization and community. It has indeed been a great learning experience and leadership opportunity. I couldn’t have done this without the support of my mentors and well wishers, you know who you are :) I have made some great friends during this journey and learned a lot about what it takes to bring the community together. I’ll certainly be taking away a lot of life lessons. I want to thank you all again for this wonderful opportunity, I believe we’ve come a long way as an organization. I wish the current team all the best in their future endeavors. I know ICON is in good hands and under the new leadership we can take it to greater heights. I am confident that we will do more great work together as a community. Have a wonderful 4th of July everyone! Bala Muthukaruppan Social Co-Chair, 2023-24 Board International Yoga Day Celebration in Needham ICON celebrated International Yoga Day by hosting a free yoga session in Greene's Field, open to all members of the community, The event was led by certified yoga instructor Mina Bhagania who took the participants though various Yoga asanas early morning on Saturday June 22. We share from pictures from the event below. Ramadan food drive Once again, a heartfelt thanks to the entire community for coming together and making the ICON Food Drive a success. Your contributions have helped better lives of those in need. Sharing below some pictures at the Needham Community Council Food Pantry.
