Mitali Chatterjee

President, Sanskriti, 2026

President’s Note

January 2026

Dear Sanskriti Members and Well-Wishers,

On behalf of the Sanskriti Board 2026, we wish you and your family a very happy and joy-filled New Year! We have navigated a deeply challenging year, one that required more of us than we ever imagined. Yet, in our most difficult moments, your support was the light that guided us through.

Your dedication has been the bedrock of our organization. Each act of support, whether big or small, has contributed to our ability to navigate these difficult times and emerge with hope for the future. You have not just been observers, you have been active participants in our shared journey, showcasing the true power of unity.

As we look back on the past year, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the remarkable success of our community events—Saraswati Puja, Baisakhi, the annual picnic, and Durga Puja—all beautifully organized under the banner of Sanskriti. These celebrations were made possible by your generous donations, tireless support, and unwavering commitment to keeping our traditions alive.

Due to the 18-month ban imposed by Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) in 2024, we have been forced to relocate our celebrations to different counties. This unexpected change has presented several logistical challenges and financial pressures, along with inflation; we remain deeply grateful for the community’s support during this difficult time.

We faced other challenges during the recent Durga Puja festivities. An incident was reported by the Frederick County Public School Facilities, regarding damage to school property by some of our community children. We acknowledge that children are an integral part of our community, and they are the future faces of Sanskriti. However, we believe this incident serves as a valuable learning moment for our community—a reminder of the shared effort required to preserve the trust we have built with schools over many years. We should remember that our actions can affect the reputation and sustainability of our entire community. As parents and guardians, we share the responsibility of guiding our children to act with integrity, discipline, and respect—values that define our community’s identity.

Looking ahead, let us carry forward the spirit of celebration, service, and togetherness. I warmly encourage you to join us in all upcoming events, so that we may continue to grow stronger as a community and make each occasion even more successful than the last.

Once again, we wish you all our warmest season’s greetings and happiness in the New Year. We hope to see everyone at Saraswati Puja on January 24th, 2026!

Best regards,

Mitali Chatterjee