PRATHAM USA’S BOSTON CHAPTER HOSTS YET ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL GALA FOR EDUCATION IN INDIA

About 200 Pratham supporters gathered the evening of Nov 9, 2014 to reaffirm their support for Pratham, the largest educational non-profit in India. The annual gala attracted Boston’s crème de la crème from finance, technology, education and health, who all joined hands to pledge for quality education to underprivileged children.  

The evening was highlighted by inspiring and heartwarming stories of kindness and generosity shared by the keynote speaker, Prof. Srikant Datar from Harvard University. He said, “Each of us has 

within us this streak of generosity. It is part of our being, it is part of our soul, it is part of what makes us human. It is why we forgive and forget.”

Omi Vaidya, Hollywood and Bollywood actor of 3 Idiots fame emceed and entertained the guests with his witty remarks and monologues. On why he supports Pratham, he said, “I had heard about 

Pratham from my friends in Mumbai and have always wanted to be involved but with so many non-profits around wanted to make sure that this is the right cause. Hence, I decided to visit a Pratham 

school in Mumbai and was really inspired by Pratham’s work. I saw how Pratham was working on the ground to bring a change in children’s life and I was touched.” 

To raise awareness outside the event, this year’s gala also highlighted #WhyISupportPratham, a social media campaign encouraging attendees to post facts about education in India, Pratham, and their personal connection to the organization.

Speaking about Pratham, Prof. Datar said, “Pratham’s innovative approaches to education emphasize learning not teaching. This is an important difference because it puts the child not the teacher at the center of the learning process. Pratham’s motto is -Do not teach but let them learn.” He further said, “Pratham sees primary education as a special gift. Without it the human mind cannot develop; without 

it the human spirit cannot soar; without it, perhaps even democracy and freedom cannot endure.”

Omi Vaidya left everyone rolling with his ‘chamatkaar’ speech tailored especially for Pratham! The evening’s celebrations culminated with Vasuda Sharma enthralling the audience with a range of 

Bollywood chartbusters that left the audience grooving on the dance floor.

Next year marks Pratham’s 20th anniversary and there are several events planned through the year to celebrate Pratham’s work over the years. To learn more about Pratham and its programs, visit 

http://prathamusa.org/ or contact Pragya Madhvani at pmadhvani@prathamusa.org