News India Times

www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know Pratham USA Gala In New York City Raises Enough To Provide 300,000 Children With Education T he non-profit organization Pratham, held its NewYork City gala at The Glasshouse, attended by a slew of high-profile guests October 3, 2025. The event raised enough to provide more than 300,000 children with access to education, an email mass mailer from the organization said. One of the highlights was a fireside chat with Bollywood-Hollywood star Priyanka Chopra Jonas, an award-winning actor, producer, and humanitarian. Priyanka posted a photo of herself relaxing on a sofa, with her comment on Instagram saying, “That’s how you feel after meeting the most incredible people doing Gods work at @prathamusa. At Peace. There are too many people to shout out from tonight’s special gala but I just wanted to say to Rukmini Banerji ma’am (CEO PEF)You and your team are a true inspiration. In a world that tests us everyday, people who have faith in humanity and relentless hope that we can do better is such an in- spiration. Thank you for the much needed dose of hope. Here’s to doing better. Everyday.” Daron Acemoglu, MIT Institute Profes- sor and the 2024 Nobel Prize winner in Economic Sciences, delivered the keynote address highlighting his involvement with Pratham’s Teaching at the Right Level ap- proach and the intersection of AI to reach scale. The attendees also got to hear the story of Prajakta’s experience from the field. It was about how her life and that of her daughters changed after she went through the Pratham Second Chance Program. Well-known Indian American singer Vidya Vox, performed her fusion music at the event. Organizers thanked all those who made the event a success, including the at- tendees, its own board members, the gala committee, and volunteers. “Together, we are not just raising funds, we are raising hope, opportunity, and the next generation of learners globally,” they said. By a StaffWriter PHOTOs:CourtesyPratham Top left, Priyanka Chopra Jonas at a fireside chat during the Pratham USA New York City Gala October 3, 2025, top right, Nobel Laureate Daron Acemoglu, and other attendees and speakers. Top right, Vidya Vox performing at the Pratham NYC Gala Oct. 3. Top left, and bottom row, attendees and section of the audience at the event. Women’s Organization Manavi Celebrates 40th Anniversary At Fundraising Gala In NJ N ew Jersey-based women’s organiza- tion Manavi, the oldest in the country founded with a mission to counter violence against women of South Asian descent, held its 40th annual fundraising gala at The Marigold in Somerset, NJ, September 18, 2025. It was a sold-out gala attracting sponsors, donors, dignitaries and community members, in what Navneet Bhalla, executive director of Manavi, described as a “successful and memo- rable” event. The Keynote Speaker was Reshma Saujani, founder of GirlsWho Code and Moms First. Those honored at the gala were Lopa Banerjee, Dr. Judith Spitz, and Kiran Handa Gaudioso. The speakers dwelt on the initiatives undertaken by them to uplift communities. The story of a survi- vor of violence was shared at the event. Bhalla thanked Manavi’s board, Advisory board, staff, volunteers and the gala commit- tee “for all your hard work and dedication to Manavi.” She went on to say, “We would not be able to do this work without the support from our community. Your support makes a meaning- ful difference in the lives of many survivors.” Founded in 1985, the organization says it uses “a survivor-centered approach” provides “culturally-specific and linguistically appropri- ate services” and that its staff and volunteers are bilingual, speaking more than 14 different South Asian languages. The organization’s fundraiser is still going on and donations can be made by visiting Manavi. org. By a StaffWriter PHOTO:CourtesyManavi Scenes from Manavi’s sold-out fundraising gala held in Somerset, NJ September 18, 2025. Community News India Times (October 11, 2025 - October 17, 2025) October 17, 2025 9