On May 18, 2025, Ekal Vidyalaya—an organization dedicated to bringing education and empowerment to nearly 100,000 remote rural villages across India—hosted its much-anticipated annual Bollywood musical fundraiser at Keefe Technical High School in Framingham, Massachusetts. The event, titled “Dhakan – Love is in the Air,” featured the renowned Dhruvit Shah and his orchestra, with captivating performances by vocalists Sudha Subbaraman, Shraddha Agrawal, and Meenakshi Kulshreshtha.

Spearheaded by Manisha Jain, Executive Director of Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation USA, the evening was a seamless blend of entertainment and inspiration. Ekal New England Vice President Latha Krishnan, Regional Vice President Parveen Minocha, and a dedicated team of volunteers ensured every detail was executed flawlessly. The program opened with an informative overview of Ekal’s mission by Manisha Jain, who encouraged the community to continue supporting the cause.

A highlight of the evening was the premiere of “Sang Ekal Chal”—a new Ekal anthem penned by Poppy Charnalia, composed by Dhruvit Shah, and soulfully performed by children who had participated in Ekal Sa Re Ta Re, a musical competition organized by Rishabh Tole. Dhruvit also produced the accompanying video, which added depth and emotion to the anthem’s debut.

https://youtu.be/Nbj4XAnBdHE?feature=shared

In a touching moment, Ram Nehra and Puran Dang honored former Executive Director Ranjani Saigal with a framed artistic portrait created by Noureen Sultana. Poppy Charnalia followed with a poetic tribute to Ekal, urging continued generosity from the audience. The evening’s most heartfelt appeal came from 8-year-old Sid, whose passionate presentation moved many to contribute.

The entertainment segment began with a graceful dance to “Mere Dholna Sun” by the talented Arshia Sharma, daughter of longtime Ekal supporters Vivek and Vandana Sharma. Throughout the night, Dhruvit Shah and his orchestra, along with the featured vocalists, kept the audience enthralled with their musical excellence. Energetic dance performances by Kohl Das, Anugraha Raman, and Ekta Jain Academy added vibrant rhythm to the show.

The evening was a resounding success, with attendees deeply impressed by the event’s organization, artistry, and heartfelt message. The enthusiastic support from the New England community reaffirmed the enduring power of Ekal’s mission to transform lives through education.

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