An evening of Bollywood music turned into a celebration of community and service on September 13, when Ekal Vidyalaya and Din Check presented Assi Nabbe Poore Sau at Nashua High School. The special program celebrated Din Check’s 100th performance while raising funds to support Ekal’s work in rural and tribal India.

The event brought together music lovers, Ekal supporters and members of the Indian-American community for an evening filled with familiar melodies, nostalgia and a strong sense of purpose. Din Check took the audience on a musical journey spanning generations of Bollywood, inviting many in the audience to sing along and relive songs that have been part of their lives for decades.

But the evening was about much more than music.

Bringing the Light of Education

Ekal Vidyalaya is built around a simple but powerful idea: education can transform communities. Through its network of one-teacher schools in remote rural and tribal areas of India, Ekal brings basic education to children who may otherwise have little or no access to a formal school.

Over the years, Ekal's work has expanded beyond literacy and numeracy to include health awareness, digital literacy, skill development, women's empowerment and community development. Its approach seeks to empower entire villages by making education and development accessible at the grassroots level.

The Nashua event reflected that mission in a very tangible way. Funds raised through the program will support 75 Ekal schools, providing children with access to education and opening doors to greater opportunities.

Strong Community Leadership

The event was led by Aarti Khurana, President of the Ekal New Hampshire Chapter, whose team worked to bring together the performers, supporters and community for this special fundraiser. She was supported by Parveen Minocha, Regional President for the Northeast, and Manisha Jain, Executive Director of Ekal.

The evening was honored by the presence of philanthropists  Kiran and  Kedar Gupta as Chief Guests.

The traditional lighting of the lamp—a symbol of the dispelling of darkness and the illumination of knowledge—was performed by Ram Nehra, Founder of Ekal New England, together with Subra Dravida, President of Ekal Vidyalaya USA.

Also present in the audience were Mahesh Navani, Chairman of the Ekal USA Board, and Ranjani Saigal, former Executive Director of Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of USA.

A Century of Music, A Future of Possibilities

For Din Check, Assi Nabbe Poore Sau marked an important milestone: its 100th show. The band’s performance brought energy and nostalgia to the evening, demonstrating the unique ability of music to connect generations and bring communities together.

For Ekal, however, the most important number of the evening was 75—the number of schools the fundraiser will help support.

That connection between celebration and service captured the spirit of the evening. The audience came together to enjoy music they love, but their participation also translated into something lasting: the opportunity for children in remote communities to learn, grow and dream of a different future.

Assi Nabbe Poore Sau was therefore more than a milestone concert. It was a reminder of what a community can accomplish when talent, generosity and service come together—turning an evening of music into a lasting investment in education.