Ekal Gala Raises $3.5 Million To Empower Tribal, Rural India

India-West Staff Reporter

PALO ALTO, CA –

The Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of USA hosted a gala at the Four Seasons Hotel in Palo Alto, raising $3.5 million to support the development of remote and rural villages in India. The event, themed “Building a Self-Reliant Rural and Tribal India,” featured influential speakers, including H.R. McMaster, the 25th U.S. National Security Advisor; Dr. Arun Majumdar, Dean of Stanford University’s Doerr School of Sustainability; and Bollywood star and philanthropist Vivek Oberoi.

The Bay Area chapter event, led by Ekal board member Mahesh Navani, on November 9 highlighted the challenges faced by India’s rural and tribal communities. Subra Dravida, President of Ekal USA, shared that more than 100 million people in tribal areas have minimal access to resources, with 88,000 villages lacking healthcare and facing severe poverty and a digital divide. He emphasized Ekal’s mission to empower changemakers by bringing literacy, healthcare, and economic prosperity through over 80,000 one-teacher schools and Integrated Village Development (IVD) programs.

The keynote speakers commended Ekal’s impact. Majumdar praised the organization for its commitment to future generations, while McMaster emphasized the strength of the India-U.S. relationship. Oberoi described his support for Ekal as a “karmic investment,” urging others to join.

Generous pledges came from donors such as Radhi and Girish Navani, Dr. Kavita Navani, and Dr. Rajesh Dharampuriya, among others. Young entrepreneur Aakash Prasad increased his pledge, while Bay Area donors Ken Bahl and Kamlesh Shah doubled their contributions. The event also featured stories of Ekal’s impact, gourmet dining by chef Gaurav Anand, and entertainment by rapper Arun Saigal and beatboxer Vinith Johnson.

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