BOSTON – The American India Foundation (AIF) New England Chapter is preparing to host its highly anticipated Annual Appreciation Event on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel. This annual gathering has become a beacon for philanthropic leaders and changemakers across the region, spotlighting AIF’s mission to create pathways out of poverty for India’s most vulnerable communities.
The event, which begins at 5:00 PM, promises an evening of heartfelt storytelling, community celebration, and renewed commitment to AIF’s life-changing initiatives. Under the guidance of this year’s Event Chair, Ramani Varanasi, the night aims to inspire action and gratitude while showcasing the incredible work being done on the ground in India.
In an exclusive video interview with INDIA New England News, Varanasi offered a preview of what attendees can expect.
To watch the full interview, please click here, or on the image below.
Meet the Event Chair: Ramani Varanasi
Ramani Varanasi is a senior biopharma executive, entrepreneur, advisor, and board member with over 30 years of experience in global research and business leadership roles across biotech, pharma, and private equity-backed organizations. A serial entrepreneur with a passion for addressing global unmet needs, she brings strategic insight and heart to everything she touches.
She currently serves as Managing Director at ReVive Advisors, an independent advisory group offering guidance on company launches, fundraising, partnerships, operations, and governance. She is also Executive-in-Residence at UCSF Innovation Ventures, where she is incubating two biotech startups. Previously, she was the co-founder and CEO of X-Biotix Therapeutics, an infectious disease company addressing antimicrobial resistance—a critical global health issue.
In addition to her business leadership, Ramani is deeply committed to advancing global health equity and alleviating poverty through philanthropy. As a member of the AIF New England Board of Advisors, she has been a driving force in connecting local communities with AIF’s mission. Her passion for innovation, mentoring emerging leaders, and creating lasting impact makes her an inspiring figurehead for this year’s event.
A Montreal native, Ramani holds a BSc and MSc from McGill University and an MBA from Northeastern University. She now resides in Lexington, Massachusetts, where she enjoys adventure travel, hiking, and exploring culinary experiences with her family.
Celebrating Two Decades of Impact
Since its founding in 2001 following the Gujarat earthquake—an initiative led by former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and former U.S. President Bill Clinton—AIF has positively impacted the lives of nearly 19 million people in 35 states and union territories of India. With targeted programs in education, health, and livelihoods, AIF is tackling the multidimensional nature of poverty.
This year’s event will spotlight several of AIF’s cornerstone initiatives:
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Digital Equalizer (DE): Delivering interactive STEM education to over 8 million students, while training 240,000+ teachers in India’s government schools.
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LAMP (Learning and Migration Program): Supporting 1.5 million children of migrant workers with consistent access to education.
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MANSI (Maternal and Newborn Survival Initiative): Providing healthcare support to more than 758,000 pregnant women and newborns in underserved areas.
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Entre-Prerana: Helping over 800,000 street vendors revive and grow their businesses in the wake of the pandemic.
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Banyan Impact Fellowship: Creating opportunities for U.S. and Indian changemakers to work side-by-side in grassroots development.
A Night of Stories and Purpose
While guests will enjoy a fine dinner and entertainment, the soul of the evening lies in the stories—narratives of real people whose lives have been transformed by AIF’s interventions. These stories, shared by beneficiaries, donors, and on-the-ground partners, highlight the very real difference that compassionate giving can make.
“This evening is about more than dollars raised,” said Varanasi. “It’s about the deep human connections that drive lasting change—and the community that makes that change possible.”
Join the Movement
The AIF New England Annual Appreciation Event is not just a look back at what’s been achieved—it’s an invitation to be part of what’s next.
Tickets and more information are available at https://aif.org.
Don’t miss your chance to contribute to a movement that’s transforming lives—because every act of giving helps write a new story of hope.
