The Richmond event raises $75,000 to bridge digital divide in India.
By Jayshal Sood
RICHMOND, VA— Nearly 200 people attended the third annual American India Foundation (AIF) Virginia Gala, which was held at the Science Museum of Virginia on June 10. The event raised more than $75,000, which will go toward supporting organization’s Digital Equalizer Program.
At the event, AIF honored Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe for his leadership in and contribution to building a new Virginia economy, creating thousands of jobs, and generating more than $10 billion in capital investment for communities across the Commonwealth. In his remarks, McAuliffe recognized AIF for its transformative work in India.
The Democrat discussed the advancements Virginia has made recently, especially in education and business. “Our economy is booming today because we are open and welcoming — we have got investments in education, workforce development.” said the governor. “ I want to thank you and I want to thank particularly the Indian American community who have helped lead us the way through technology.”
At its annual galas, AIF highlights one of its many signature programs to be the focus for the evening. The Digital Equalizer Program, the program it highlighted this year, connects under-resourced government schools in India to technology.
“There are millions of children in India who don’t have access to technology, and are losing out on a chance at a brighter future,” said Gala Chair Sanjay Mittal. “Today, people from all over Virginia came together and raised funds for this very critical issue. It will no doubt be a catalyst in connecting countless children to technology, and transforming India’s classrooms into vibrant centers for learning.”
Keerthana Vivekananthan, a 9th grade student from a government school in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, spoke emotionally about how AIF’s Digital Equalizer Program transformed her learning experience, and her life.
“The strength of AIF is the organizing principles, 100 percent of donations to the on-ground charity works and all administration expenses from the Board of Directors,” said Peter Woo, a member of the Leadership Council. “As a donor and a member of the AIF leadership council, I have the confidence and the assurance of 100 percent of my hard-earned money being spent helping others in need.”
Another member, Uma Basavaraj, added: “AIF has touched lives through education, creating livelihoods and public health- particularly the ‘MANSI’ program which focuses of maternal and neonatal health in rural India.”
Other dignitaries who attended the gala included Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Brian Moran; Jennifer McClellan of the Virginia House of Delegates; Washington-area entrepreneur Sudhakar Shenoy; AIF Board Member Venkat Srinivasan.
AIF CEO Alex Counts spoke on the occasion highlighting the mission and vision of the Foundation. J. Sundarakrishnan, the Director of the Digital Equalizer program of AIF, was also present.