Pratham SoCal Community Celebrates 30 Years Of Transforming Lives

Photo: Manu and Rika Shah, who donated $250,000, explained the methodical manner of charity they use for their foundation.

By Angad Nehru

YORBA LINDA, CA – The Southern California chapter of Pratham USA marked its 30th anniversary on November 9 with a musical gala at the Yorba Linda Community Center, bringing together over 250 supporters. The evening raised funds for Pratham’s education programs in India, reinforcing the community’s commitment to ensuring every child is in school and learning well.

Hosted by co-presidents Mahesh and Jayshree Vyas, the event combined philanthropy and entertainment. Guests enjoyed appetizers and dinner, uplifting speeches, and a live performance by Bishakh Jyoti, an acclaimed Indian composer and singer who has contributed to Bollywood and regional cinema, including Bengali and Odia films. Jyoti debuted in 2014 with ‘Babloo Happy Hai’ and won a National Award for Best Music Director for ‘Krantikari Guruji.’

Dr. Mahesh Vyas opened with a rendition of Jagjit Singh’s ghazal ‘Wo Kagaz Ki Kashti,’ reflecting on the innocence and dreams of childhood and connecting it to Pratham’s mission of making education accessible. Dr. Jayshree Vyas followed with a poem honoring Pratham’s volunteers, donors, and the children who benefit from its programs, now extending even to Africa and Latin America.

Community leaders, philanthropists, and elected officials attended the gala. Sweeha Panwar, Pratham USA’s Regional Development Manager -West, said, “We’re deeply grateful to our SoCal community for helping raise funds that will transform the lives of 30,000 children across India.”

Longtime Pratham supporters Manu and Rika Shah of the Sarva Mangal Family Trust shared insights from their partnership since 2007, highlighting initiatives like the Tablet Education Program and PraDigi Content Creation, which bring digital learning to rural villages. Their presentation focused on the ‘4 C’s’: Catalyst – driving innovation in education; Catapult – creating sustainable uplift; Contagious – spreading hope; Change – transforming both giver and receiver.

Pratham Board member Navneet Chugh led the pledge drive, engaging the crowd with humor, storytelling, and inspiring messages. He noted, “Pratham India and Pratham USA form a powerful bridge linking innovation and grassroots action with the diaspora’s resources.”

Yorba Linda City Councilmember Shivinder Singh also commended the organizers and pledged support for Pratham’s mission.

As the evening concluded with music and audience participation, it became both a fundraiser and a celebration of education, equity, and shared humanity. The gala closed with a standing ovation for organizers and volunteers, as attendees reaffirmed their support for Pratham’s mission.

Pratham, a leading global education nonprofit, delivers evidence-based programs to address schooling and training challenges. Over 30 years, it has impacted the lives of more than 75 million children and youth, with more than 5 million reached annually.