$4 Million Raised In SoCal For India’s Rural Community Development
India-West Staff Reporter
ORANGE, CA – The Smart Village Movement (SVM), in partnership with Berkeley Haas, hosted its first annual gala on May 31, raising $4 million to support initiatives aimed at transforming rural communities across India.
The event brought together philanthropists, business leaders, educators, healthcare professionals, and community advocates while celebrating SVM’s impact over the past nine years. The organization reported reaching more than 1.6 million people across 1,200 villages, creating over 1,100 employment opportunities, and supporting 35 active projects in 250 locations.
Among the distinguished guests was Dr. K. J. Srinivasa, Consul General of India in Los Angeles, who was recognized for his leadership in diplomacy and community engagement.
SVM Founder and Executive Chairman Dr. Anil Shah and Executive Director Anna Fitter highlighted the organization’s mission and accomplishments. Fitter emphasized SVM’s community-centered approach, saying, “When you sit with a farmer, a mother seeking healthcare, or a child using a computer for the first time, you stop talking about helping people and start talking about building with them. That is the SVM way – sustainable development rooted in dignity, partnership, and lasting change.”
The keynote address was delivered by entrepreneur and philanthropist Manu Shah, founder of MSI and a recipient of Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year award. He spoke about rural development, philanthropy, and the role of compassionate leadership in creating lasting social impact.
Throughout the evening, attendees learned about SVM’s work in four key areas: healthcare, education and skills development, agriculture and livelihood, and sustainability and infrastructure. The organization showcased its STEM Innovation Labs and educational programs in Gujarat and Meghalaya, which provide rural students with hands-on learning opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
A major focus of the evening was healthcare innovation. Dr. Shah presented SVM’s collaboration with IIT Kharagpur to develop an affordable Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) device for children living with Type 1 diabetes. “Millions of children with Type 1 Diabetes face a lifetime of painful injections, constant monitoring, and financial burden,” Shah said. “Life-saving innovation should not be a luxury.”
Guests were also introduced to plans for a healthcare facility that will provide cardiac, vascular, and oncology services to underserved populations. Once completed, the project is expected to serve more than 1.3 million people while reducing travel times for critical care.
A special recognition ceremony honored Shah for his decades of service as an interventional cardiologist, social entrepreneur, and philanthropist, and for his leadership in advancing healthcare, education, and community empowerment initiatives.
The gala concluded with a successful Fund-a-Need campaign supporting healthcare infrastructure, STEM education expansion, and future Smart Village Movement projects. Guests also enjoyed performances by Nauzad and DJ Zubin, bringing the evening to a celebratory close.
