MIT Innovator Ramesh Raskar to Headline Vidyabharati Foundation of America Annual Boston Gala
Global technology leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, and philanthropists to gather in Boston for an evening celebrating innovation, education, and social impact.
BOSTON–The Vidyabharati Foundation of America (VFA) has announced that MIT innovator and Associate Professor Ramesh Raskar will deliver the keynote address at its Annual Boston Gala 2026, to be held on Sunday, July 12, at the Boston Marriott Burlington.
The event will bring together distinguished leaders from the fields of technology, entrepreneurship, healthcare, finance, and education to highlight the transformative power of innovation and values-based education.
Renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist Desh Deshpande will attend as the Chief Guest, while Rajendra Khaitan, National Vice Chairman of Vidyabharati, India, will serve as the Guest of Honor, representing one of the world’s largest educational movements.
Joining the distinguished lineup are Pooja Ika, CEO of Nirvana Health, an AI-driven healthcare company, and Professor Debarshi Nandy, the Stephen J. Cloobeck Professor of Finance at Brandeis International Business School, whose internationally recognized research focuses on entrepreneurship, innovation, venture creation, and corporate finance.
Raskar, widely recognized for his pioneering contributions to artificial intelligence, computational imaging, and technologies for social impact, is expected to speak about the future of education and the role artificial intelligence can play in expanding opportunities while preserving the human values that remain central to learning.
Professor Nandy will share insights from his research on entrepreneurial ecosystems, innovation, and institution-building, highlighting how sustainable organizations can create long-term societal impact.
“This year’s gathering brings together some of the finest minds in technology, entrepreneurship, healthcare, finance, and education,” said Satish Jha, Board Member of the Vidyabharati Foundation of America. “We are deeply honored to welcome Professor Ramesh Raskar, Chief Guest Desh Deshpande, Guest of Honor Rajendra Khaitan, Pooja Ika, and Professor Debarshi Nandy. Their collective achievements demonstrate that innovation achieves its highest purpose when it expands human opportunity through education.”
The Vidyabharati Foundation of America supports educational initiatives that increase access to quality, values-based education for children across India. Working in partnership with Vidyabharati, one of the world’s largest educational organizations, the Foundation helps mobilize philanthropic support for schools, teacher development, digital learning, and educational innovation, preparing future generations of ethical leaders and responsible global citizens.
The Annual Gala is expected to attract community leaders, educators, philanthropists, and supporters committed to advancing education through innovation and collaboration.
