The Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of USA hosted a spectacular gala on November 9, 2024, 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,” brought together influential personalities 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 as keynote speakers.

This first-of-its-kind gala for Ekal’s Bay Area chapter was led by Ekal board member Mahesh Navani. Subra Dravida, President of Ekal USA, outlined the significant challenges faced by India’s tribal and rural communities. “India is home to over 1.5 billion people, with more than 100 million living in tribal areas that have minimal access to resources,” said Dravida. “Eighty-eight thousand tribal villages lack access to healthcare, rural poverty is double that of urban areas, and the digital divide is stark.” Highlighting Ekal’s mission, he shared, “We empower rural and tribal changemakers by bringing literacy, healthcare, and economic prosperity to underserved villages. Ekal operates over 80,000 one-teacher schools and is now focusing on Integrated Village Development (IVD) to provide healthcare services and skills training alongside education.”

The keynote speakers commended Ekal’s transformative work. Dr. Arun Majumdar remarked, “We do not inherit this Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children. While the world is defaulting on its debt, Ekal is paying it forward.”

H.R. McMaster emphasized the strength of the India-U.S. relationship, stating, “India’s success is the world’s success, and organizations like Ekal demonstrate how individuals can drive meaningful change.”

Bollywood star Vivek Oberoi described supporting Ekal as a “karmic investment.” He shared, “I am a strong supporter of Ekal and urge you to join me. What you give to Ekal comes back manifold as blessings.”

Generous pledges poured in for Ekal’s IVD and other initiatives. Prominent donors included Radhi and Girish Navani, Dr. Kavita Navani, and Dr. Rajesh Dharampuriya, who each committed to supporting two IVD programs. Young entrepreneur Aakash Prasad increased his pledge, sharing, “After my initial commitment, something amazing happened—God gave me more than I ever expected. Today, I’m significantly increasing my support.”

Bay Area donors Ken Bahl and Kamlesh Shah doubled their contributions, while additional supporters included Mrudula and Nandakumar Cheruvatath, Sridevi and Satyanarayana Chunduru, and others. Inspired by the efforts of two high school youth leaders, Mahi and Myra Bijoriya, who collaborated with children in an Ekal school in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, Asha and Mahesh Navani pledged an IVD for the same region.

Ekal’s Executive Director, Ranjani Saigal, shared inspiring stories of impact from Ekal’s schools, Women’s Empowerment Centers, and Health Centers. Celebrity chef Gaurav Anand provided a gourmet dinner and pledged support for digital literacy initiatives. The program’s emcee, young entrepreneur and rapper Arun Saigal, alongside beatboxer Vinith Johnson, kept the audience entertained with freestyle raps, while DABANDD provided lively music to conclude the evening.

“This program has truly inspired our Bay Area volunteers,” said Nima Gujar, President of the Bay Area chapter. “We’re excited to build on this success and expand our efforts.”

To learn more about Ekal and its mission to transform rural India, visit ekal.org.