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Ekal USA raises funds to transform rural India
The Bay Area Gala raised $3.5M, featuring keynotes, donor pledges, entertainment, and initiatives for rural India.
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Bay Area Gala / Image - Ekal USA
The Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of USA hosted a fundraising gala last week at the Four Seasons Hotel, Palo Alto, which raised $3.5 million to advance education, healthcare, and economic development in India’s rural and tribal regions.
The event, themed “Building a Self-Reliant Rural and Tribal India,” brought together several speakers, including former U.S. National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster, Stanford dean Arun Majumdar, and Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi.
Commenting on the significance of the event, Subra Dravida, president of Ekal USA, outlined the challenges faced by India’s underserved communities. “India is home to over 1.5 billion people, with more than 100 million living in tribal areas that have minimal access to resources,” he said.
“Eighty-eight thousand tribal villages lack access to healthcare, rural poverty is double that of urban areas, and the digital divide is stark,” Dravida added highlighting Ekal’s mission. “We empower rural and tribal changemakers by bringing literacy, healthcare, and economic prosperity to underserved villages.”
Majumdar praised Ekal’s vision, stating, “We do not inherit this Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children. While the world is defaulting on its debt, Ekal is paying it forward.”
McMaster emphasized the strength of the India-U.S. relationship, stating, “India’s success is the world’s success, and organizations like Ekal demonstrate how individuals can drive meaningful change.”
Donors like Radhi and Girish Navani, along with Kavita Navani, pledged to fund multiple IVD programs. Entrepreneur Aakash Prasad significantly increased his donation, attributing it to divine blessings. Youth leaders Mahi and Myra Bijoriya inspired donors by sharing their experiences collaborating with Ekal students in Chhindwara, India.
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The event featured entertainment from rapper Arun Saigal, beatboxer Vinith Johnson, and DABANDD, alongside a gourmet dinner by celebrity chef Gaurav Anand.
“This program has truly inspired our Bay Area volunteers,” said Nima Gujar, president of the Bay Area chapter. “We’re excited to build on this success and expand our efforts.”
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