Vikrant Massey Urges Indian Diaspora To Back Children’s Causes At CRY America Galas

India-West News Desk

SAN DIEGO, CA – Vikrant Massey called on the Indian diaspora to continue supporting initiatives for underprivileged children, as CRY America hosted its annual West Coast gala series across three U.S. cities.

The gala series brought together community leaders, philanthropists, and supporters in Seattle, San Jose, and San Diego to raise funds aimed at protecting children’s rights and expanding access to education and care for underserved communities in India.

The 2026 gala series, held in Seattle on May 1, the Bay Area on May 2, and San Diego on May 3, highlighted the role of diaspora-driven philanthropy in advancing equitable opportunities for children, with Massey’s message serving as a central appeal for continued support.

Massey emphasized a shared sense of responsibility rooted in common heritage and values. “There is something that binds us all together,” he told the San Jose gathering. “It is a common history, a common passion for compassion and humanity.” He also expressed gratitude to the diaspora for sustaining opportunities for children supported by CRY’s programs.

Venky Harinarayan, founder of Rocketship.vc, highlighted the long-term impact of investing in children’s education, noting that early support can significantly alter life trajectories.

Speakers across the events reinforced the theme of collective responsibility. Priya Priyadarshini, a corporate vice president at Microsoft, reflected on the idea of paying forward opportunities, quoting the poet Rumi and urging attendees in Seattle to act as enablers for others.

At the San Diego gathering, Los Angeles Consul General K. J. Srinivasa described support for children’s rights as an investment in human potential, while Kranti Ponnam underscored the importance of preserving childhood, encouraging donors to extend opportunities to those in need.

Adding a grassroots perspective, CRY project partner K. V. Ramanna shared insights from work in rural Andhra Pradesh, detailing progress in improving school enrollment, reducing child labor, and preventing child marriages through sustained community engagement.