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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline OCTOBER 31, 2025 | The Indian Eye 22
Desai Foundation Celebrates 11 million Lives
Impacted at Annual Diwali on the Hudson Gala
OUR BUREAU isn’t just charity. It’s transformation.
What I love most about the Desai
New York, NY
Foundation is that it doesn’t just give
ver 400 supporters of The money to women and children — it
Desai Foundation came out gives dignity and opportunity. And
Oto the 12th annual Diwa- when you give dignity and opportu-
li on the Hudson, New York City’s nity, you don’t just change individual
premier and longest-running Diwali lives — you uplift entire communi-
charity event on October 16th, at HK ties.” - Sindhya Valloppillil, Board
Hall. The event was hosted by The Member, Desai Foundation.
Desai Foundation, an organization Diwali on The Hudson was host-
that works to empower women and ed by CBS News Correspondent
children through community pro- Shanelle Kaul and had a live per-
grams to elevate health, livelihood, formance by Shevya, an electrifying
and menstrual equity in rural India. South Asian artist blending tradition-
The evening brought together al roots with modern beats. Guests
New York’s most vibrant communi- enjoyed food and a premium open bar
ty of philanthropists, creatives, en- from Desi Galli, Rampur Whiskey,
trepreneurs, and changemakers. It Kolkata Chai Co., Stitched Sweets,
also marked The Desai Foundation’s Mr. Paanwalla, and more. A hand
milestone year celebrating 11 million raise auction was also held exceeding
lives impacted and a Times Square The Desai Foundation’s fund raising
billboard takeover spotlighting its goals. Along with live donations, a
work in health, livelihood, and men- 100% of ticket sales also supported
strual equity across India — a strik- the Desai Foundation’s programs
ing symbol of grassroots change shin- in health, livelihood, and menstru-
ing on the world’s biggest stage. al equity, ensuring women and girls
“As we light up New York this Di- in rural India continue to thrive.
wali, we’re not only celebrating our “This year marked our most suc-
culture — we’re celebrating dignity, cessful Diwali on the Hudson yet! It’s
opportunity, and the 11 million lives a true testament to the Desai Foun-
that have been touched by our pro- dation’s exponential growth and the
grams,” said Megha Desai, President generosity of our community, whose
of the Desai Foundation. “Let’s re- support will allow us to expand our
member that this light we share here programs and deepen our impact.
in New York reaches all the way to It’s a pleasure to continue to put this
rural India - illuminating the paths event together and see it unfold and
of women and girls who are building travel together, and that when we lift dation has been almost a spiritual know it’s going to a great cause!” - Col-
brighter futures for themselves and others, we all shine a little brighter.” experience — because when you see by Siegel, Director of Partnerships
their communities. May this Diwa- Desai said on stage at the event. the real impact on women and chil- and Advocacy, Desai Foundation.
li remind us that joy and generosity “Being part of the Desai Foun- dren in rural India, you realize this Photos: J’adore Andy
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