Prakash Waghmare
After last year’s phenomenal success of magnificent fund-raising gala –
‘Future of India’ – “Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation (EVF)”, this year, is launching the most ambitious plan to host three Galas, at three strategic locations in USA. In sold-out Yr.2017 Gala at majestic art-deco‘Cipriani-Wall Street” banquet hall, ‘Ekal’ raised $2 million for its Literacy, Healthcare and Integral-Development projects for rural India. It was Ekal’s first ever attempt at gathering generous individuals for its nation-building cause. According to EVF-USA President, Suresh Iyer, this unprecedented show of support from philanthropists brought the year-end tally of donations to $8 million.
Every year, Ekal’s hosts over 50 fund-raising events in major metropolitan centers across USA, by bringing famous Bollywood artistes for concerts. Now with three forthcoming Ekal galas planned for high net-worth supporters, Ramesh Shah, the Chairman of EVF-USA has no doubt that Ekal in 2018, is going to hit $10 million magical mark for the first time.
Ekal has 72,000 schools under its wings, grooming 1.92 million children annually – more than half of which are girls. Prime Minister Modi, in his clarion call to eradicate illiteracy from every small corner of the nation, wants Ekal to establish 100,000 schools by 2022 – 75th anniversary of India’s independence. The primary objective of glittering galas is not only to raise funds for this task of national concern, but also, to encourage every sphere, every strata of Indian diaspora to invest itself in India’s future.
Three eagerly-awaited galas, are taking place in October – Houston, TX on October 6; Bethesda MD on October 12 and in New York City NY on October 13. The distinguished speaker at all three galas will be Media Moghul Dr Subhash Chandra (Chairman, Essel Gr of Companies that includes ZEE-TV). In addition, at NYC gala iconic former CEO of Pepsi and Apple, John Sculley, is going to grace the evening as a Chief Guest speaker. This NYC gathering will also be entertained by ‘Indian Idol’ competition winner – ‘Sreeramchandra’. In Houston, along with Dr Subhash Chandra, another highlight of the evening is going to be renowned motivational speaker, Shiv Khera.
