By Chander M. Aggarwal

Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of USA, SE region held its annual fundraiser at Berkmar High School on August 9, 2008. EVFUSA is a non-profit organization which supports basic education to children in the rural and tribal areas of India. EVFUSA has made giant strides and currently has within its fold more than 26,000 schools spread all over India.  

About 150 people attended the fundraiser event. The program started with a Kathak Thumari by Samta Savla, a student of Nritya Natya Kala Bharti Acedamy. Rachna Gupta, MC, and C.M. Aggarwal, Regional Vice President welcomed the gathering. Amitabh Sharma made a vivid presentation about Ekal and stressed on the imperative need to impart education to these less privileged and neglected children of India. He passionately appealed to the audience to get actively involved in the Ekal movement by donating schools and volunteering for the organization.  

The accomplished singers Raj, Smruti, Amit, and Eshna of the Pandya Family from Lexington, KY kept everyone glued to their seats till late night. They have performed more than 750 concerts all over USA during the last 12 years.  



The recital started with a prayer followed by new Bollywood songs. There was mirth and merriment all round with total audience involvement. At 10.00 PM guests were served dinner hosted by Monika Kumar. People relished the Indian delicacies like Chhola Bhatura and the Samosas.  During the post-dinner session, the audience was entertained with old nostalgic melodies of the 60’s. The songs included Kajrare Kajrare and Ramaya Vasta Vaya and other all-time hits.

Raj Kamal Foundation donated two $50.00 Cash Visa Cards for raffling.  The winning raffle tickets were picked towards the end of the show. 
 
In addition to several programs EVFUSA conducts throughout the year, there is the customary annual fundraising program. The purpose is to create and spread awareness about the need for rural development and raise funds for running the Ekal Schools. Neelum Tariyal ably coordinated the event with the active support of many volunteers.

EKAL