News India Times

www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know News India Times (April 4, 2026 - April 10, 2026) April 10, 2026 12 Philanthropy International Development Foundation USA Hosts Annual Fundraising Event In Chicago Advancing Global Partnerships for Sustainable Development I DFUSA ORG successfully hosted its Annual Fundrais- ing Charity Event at the Fairfield by Marriott in Scha- umburg, convening global leaders, policymakers, and changemakers to strengthen international collabora- tion and advance sustainable development initiatives. The event brought together diplomats, elected of- ficials, business leaders, and social impact advocates, highlighting IDFUSA ORG’s expanding role in delivering measurable, community-driven impact across India and Uganda. The evening was honored by distinguished guests including Mr. Somnath Ghosh, Consul General of India, and Hon. Sarah Achieng Opendi, Member of Parliament, Uganda, who attended as Chief Guests. Mr. Jayakumar Nair, Delhi State Co-Convener of the BJP South Indian Cell, joined as Special Invitee. Prominent leaders such as Mr. Mafat Patel, Co-founder of Patel Brothers, and Dr. Bharat H. Barai, MD, were also in attendance, alongside respected community figures including Mr. Keerthi Kumar, Mr. Ajeet Singh, Mr. Hitesh Gandhi, Mr. Raju Pasumarthi, and Mr. Vijender Doma. The program showcased ongoing initiatives in educa- tion, women’s empowerment, sustainability, and grass- roots development, with a strong emphasis on scalable, partnership-based solutions. Key discussions highlighted future projects in Uganda, including a sustainable sanitary pad manufacturing initiative, a mid-day meal program, and expanded economic development efforts. Speakers also reflected on IDFUSA ORG’s participation at the United Nations CSW70, where conversations cen- tered on “Women and Green Jobs,” reinforcing the role of sustainability as a critical driver of inclusive growth. The event featured recognition of community leaders and innovators whose contributions continue to drive meaningful social change. “The evening reflects our shared commitment to compassion-driven action and measurable impact,” said leadership representatives, reaffirming the organization’s mission to build sustainable, inclusive communities through global partnerships. About IDFUSA ORG IDFUSA ORG is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing social impact through initiatives in education, healthcare, sustainability, and community development across underserved regions. By Bhailal M. Patel PHOTO COLLAGE ASIAN MEDIA USA Scenes from the event. 77th Rajasthan Diwas & Holi Sneh Milan Celebrated At Indian Consulate, NY, Indo-US Friendship Center Initiative Announced T he Rajasthan Associa- tion of North Amer- ica (RANA) proudly celebrated the 77th Rajasthan Diwas and Holi Sneh Milan at the Consulate General of India in NewYork, bring- ing together members of the Rajasthani diaspora, commu- nity leaders, and distinguished guests. RANA President Prem Bhan- dari announced, on behalf of RANA Founder K.K. Chandra Mehta, an initial contribution of USD 5 million plus from the Mehta Family Trust toward the develop- ment of the Indo-US Friendship Center, an initiative conceptualized by Consul General of India in NewYork Binaya Srikanta Pradhan. Mehta, a philanthro- pist of note, is also known for donating 100 rooms at his Times Square hotel for students in need during the COVID pan- demic, and for hosting the Vande Bharat Mission–2 Air India crew at the request of Prem Bhandari. The Indo-US Friendship Center is expected to include a Rajasthan Bhawan, a Yoga and Ayurveda Center, a Convention Center, and a Social Center for Seniors, a press release from RANA said. Discussions for this project began during the previous RANA Deep Mahotsav. CG Pradhan spoke of his vision for the Center. Mehta spoke about entrusting the implementation to Bhandari, the press release said. Bhan- dari called for the inclusion of Rajasthani Bhasha in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution and appealed to the Chief Minister of Rajasthan to grant Rajasthani the status of a second language within the state. The event also featured the presti- gious Rajasthan Ratna Awards, conferred upon distinguished individuals for their remarkable contributions to society and philanthropy. The honorees included Dr. Samin Sharma, Dr. Narinder Kukar, Dr. Raj Bansal, Ashok Sancheti, and Jugal Kishore Ladda. All five were also appointed as Patrons of RANA in recognition of their outstanding philanthropic contributions in both the United States and India. Addi- tionally, Nand Todi was honored with the Rajasthan Ratna Award for his continued humanitarian efforts, including a recent donation of USD 1 million toward a shel- ter home for the homeless in Montgomery County, Suburb of Philadelphia, along with his longstanding support of Jaipur Foot and Apna Ghar Ashram. In recognition of humanitarian service, Team Aid Founder Mohan Nannapaneni and his team were honored with a plaque for their ex- traordinary work in facilitat- ing over 5,000 repatriations of mortal remains to 27 countries, primarily to India, since 2017. All honors and awards were presented by Chief Guest Consul General Prad- han. Bhandari praised Ambas- sador Pradhan for keeping the NewYork Consulate operational 365 days a year, and serving more than 2 mil- lion Indians within its jurisdic- tion. Dr. Ravi Murarka, Media Chairman, also spoke at the event, about the Boston India Consulate’s decision to follow NewYork’s example. Attendees were informed about a Jaipur Foot camp to be held again in Gujarat, sponsored by BRUHUD NY Seniors under the leadership of its President Ajay Patel, in memory of his father, Late Shashikant Bhai. The celebration included cultural per- formances including flower Holi festivi- ties, dances by women and children, and a poetry recital by Abhinav Shukla. RANA Treasurer NeelamModi welcomed the at- tendees, and RANA Secretary Ravi Jangarh delivered the vote of thanks. PHOTOS:X.COM @INDIAINNEWYORK Scenes from the RANA event held at the Indian Consulate in NYC. By a StaffWriter