The Brown Heart Documentary Screening: A Transformative Weekend for Greater Boston’s South Asian Community

Reflecting on August 23rd and 24th, 2025: Awareness, Action, and Heartfelt Connection

August 2025 saw a vital moment for heart health awareness in Greater Boston’s South Asian community, as Indian Circle for Caring USA Inc. hosted live screenings of “The Brown Heart” documentary across four locations—Attleboro, An

dover, Wellesley, and Shrewsbury. This landmark event was designed not simply as a film viewing, but as a catalyst for conversation, education, and tangible lifestyle change among the region’s South Asian residents.

Event Background: Addressing a Silent Crisis

South Asians bear a disproportionate burden of heart disease and diabetes—often manifesting at younger ages and presenting with greater severity than in other populations. Genetics, lifestyle factors, and unique fat distribution patterns all contribute to this urgent health challenge. “The Brown Heart,” directed by Drs. Nirmal and Renu Joshi, confronts this reality head-on, blending over 70 years of clinical expertise with personal stories and global insights. The Joshi duo traveled across India, the UK, and the US, interviewing more than 40 cardiologists, public health leaders, and survivors, uncovering the reasons behind South Asians’ heightened vulnerability and exploring solutions for change.

As Dr. Renu Joshi noted, “This is more than a film. It’s a wake-up call.”

A Weekend of Engagement: Four Locations, Boundless Inspiration

Indian Circle for Caring’s decision to host screenings in Attleboro, Andover, Wellesley, and Shrewsbury ensured accessibility and inclusiveness, meeting residents where they live. Over the weekend, hundreds gathered in auditoriums, drawn not only by the promise of a compelling documentary, but also by the opportunity to interact directly with experts and community leaders.

The events were exceptionally well attended. Both Dr Nirmal and Dr Renu Joshi were present at every location, offering the audience a rare chance to engage in meaningful dialogue. The Q&A sessions proved to be a highlight—participants could ask specific, personal questions about heart health, genetic risks, and preventive lifestyle changes. The presence of OurHealth, a local health organization led by renowned cardiologists and genetic researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital, Stanford, the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, and Yale, further enriched these discussions. Their expertise in cardiovascular disease risk among South Asians and their commitment to

ongoing research provided attendees with credible answers and actionable advice.

Audience Reflections: Compelling, Practical, and Life-Changing

The impact of the documentary and the event was palpable. As participants spilled out of the auditoriums, many commented that “The Brown Heart” was not only compelling, but also deeply relevant to their lives. The interactive Q&A with Drs. Nirmal and Renu Joshi was repeatedly praised as the best part of the program—audience members appreciated the opportunity to address health questions specific to their own situations.

• One participant wrote: “Great efforts for the South Asian Community on the Excellent ‘The Brown Heart Session’. I am going to enroll in the health study and also try to incorporate the changes in lifestyle from hereon. I forwarded the link of the presentation to almost 50+ people and the majority replied with many thanks.”
• Another shared: “Thank you for sharing about the ICC screening of ‘The Brown Heart’ documentary. It was time well spent and every minute worth it. One of the best things we have attended after coming to Lexington. Very thoughtful organization, ample time for interacting, dedicated team, no promotions and thoughtful caring meal arrangements 🙏🏽 kudos to you and ICC for the work 👏🏽”

Resource Guide: Turning Knowledge into Action

A unique feature of the screening program was the availability of a resource guide for all that participated. This guide compiled information about genetically informed and culturally tailored heart health programs for South Asians, curated by local organizations in Greater Boston. Designed to make vital resources readily accessible, the guide empowers attendees to translate lessons from the documentary into meaningful, long-term lifestyle changes.

Published as a lasting resource, the guide will be updated regularly and is available on the ICC website via the lifestyle program page. It aims to support community members now and, in the future, helping them prevent and manage chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes.

Looking Forward: A Community United in Prevention

The Brown Heart documentary screening was more than a singular event—it was a rallying point for Greater Boston’s South Asian community to prioritize heart health, ask essential questions, and take decisive action. With the ongoing support of local health experts, researchers, and organizations like Indian Circle for Caring USA Inc., the hope is that awareness will grow, participation in health studies will increase, and lifestyle changes will ripple outward.

For anyone seeking to understand and actively prevent heart disease and diabetes, “The Brown Heart” and the resources offered by ICC and local partner health organizations stand as beacons—illuminating a path toward better health and a stronger, more informed community.