BOSTON – U.S. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard will keynote annual fundraising gala of Pratham Boston, one of India’s largest non-governmental education organizations, having affected the lives of more than 45 million underprivileged children in the past two decades.
Annual event, which includes cocktails, dinner, auction, entertainment and the opportunity to provide India’s children with a brighter future at Boston’s luxurious Intercontinental Hotel, will be held on Sept. 23. In 2015, Pratham raised about $400,000. There are 14 Pratham chapters in the United States.
“The Boston chapter of Pratham USA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing quality education to India’s underprivileged children, invites the community to be a part of their 2016 annual fundraising gala,” Pratham said in a statement.
The gala kicks off with the soulful voice of singer Vasuda Sharma and words from this year’s keynote speaker, U.S. Congresswoman Gabbard from Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District. In addition, the Berklee School of Music’s highly praised Indian Ensemble will also be performing this year.
Guests will also be able to hear the heartwarming story of Nuzhat Malik, a young woman whose life was transformed with Pratham’s support. During the evening, guests will experience delectable flavors prepared by Chef Josean as they mingle with community members and enjoy a sunset view of Boston’s skyline.
“Congresswoman Gabbard has set an example for cultural diversity and we are very excited to hear her story as the youngest woman in Congress”, said Pratima Abichandani, President of the Pratham Boston Chapter.
The annual Boston Gala is a great opportunity for the local community to learn more about Pratham’s efforts to address a learning crisis that leaves nearly half of India’s fifth graders unable to read or write, Pratham said.
Since $25 can educate one child for an entire year, event proceeds will go a long way toward helping India’s children escape a lifetime of illiteracy and poverty, Pratham said. In the words of Pratham’s beneficiary Nuzhat, “Believe in the power of education and the worlds it opens up. Believe in the strength of young girls who will fight down any obstacle to earn the right to choose their future.”
“As an Indian American, I value quality education and the opportunities for success that such an education allows,” added Abichandani. “This problem of illiteracy among India’s children is so great. I am proud and grateful that I am able to give back through Pratham’s innovative programs.”
To learn more about Pratham or to purchase tickets for the gala, please visit www.prathamusa.org/chapter/boston/ or contact Pragya Dhariwal at pmadhvani@prathamusa.org.
Established in the slums of Mumbai in 1995, Pratham is now one of India’s largest non-governmental education organizations, having affected the lives of more than 45 million underprivileged children in the past two decades. To achieve its mission of “every child in school and learning well,” Pratham develops practical solutions to address gaps in the education system and works in collaboration with India’s governments, communities, educators and industry to increase learning outcomes and influence education policy.
Pratham USA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a consistent four-star rating from Charity Navigator that seeks to raise awareness and mobilize financial resources for our work on the India.
