Guests interested in raising money to educate disadvantaged children in India are invited to register for the annual Pratham Washington D.C. Gala on Sept. 30.
Founded in 1994, Pratham is one of India’s largest nonprofits working toward education and vocational training. The organization’s mission is to have “every child in school and learning well.” Its work has included establishing preschools in the slums of Mumbai, providing opportunities for girls and women to complete secondary schooling, launching a countrywide reading initiative, and shaping education policy in India and around the globe.
Pratham also partners with industry leaders in India’s high growth sectors to teach the vocational skills that lead to gainful employment, said supporter Haresh Bhungalia.
“Ideally,” Bhungalia said, “it would be great to help Pratham by putting boots on the ground in India, but given that we are 10,000 miles away, that’s kind of hard. So the best way for us to provide our support is by aiding in fundraising efforts, such as this gala.”
Gala Chairwoman Alpa Bhungalia said Pratham “works within the ecosystem of existing communities” throughout India rather than opening more schools. Proceeds from the gala will support those efforts.
The gala will be at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel. It begins with cocktails 6 p.m. followed by a 7 p.m. program featuring Indian actor/writer/film producer R. Madhavan as keynote speaker and musical entertainment by Penn Masala and Vasuda Sharma. There will be an “after-glow party” 11 p.m.
For more information, visit www.prathamusa.org.