By Prachi Jaitly
Merrillville, IN: The 2025 Akshaya Patra Indiana Chapter, on November 15, hosted a vibrant musical fundraiser at the Indian American Cultural Center, drawing a large gathering of supporters united in their mission to end classroom hunger for children in India. The evening unfolded as a heartfelt celebration of community, purpose, and shared compassion.
Guests were enthralled by the soulful and high-energy performance of National Award–winning music composer Bishakh Jyoti, whose captivating melodies filled the hall with joy and excitement. The beautifully curated dinner added to the warmth of the occasion, creating a seamless blend of entertainment, fellowship, and meaningful engagement.
Chapter Chairs Dr. Saket Sinha and Dr. Ravi Bhagwat, along with executive team members Soumita and Subir Bandyopadhyay, Dr. Shailesh Bhatt, Dr. Vijay Dharla, Darshana and Niru Patel, and Chandan Rai, extended deep gratitude to all attendees, donors, and volunteers for their steadfast support and generosity.
A highlight of the evening was the keynote address delivered by entrepreneur and philanthropist Rajiv Khanna. His message of compassion, shared responsibility, and the power of collective action resonated deeply with the audience, inspiring many to strengthen their commitment to the cause. His words served as a powerful reminder of the impact a unified community can create.
Attendees also heard from Akshaya Patra USA CEO Navin Goel, who offered meaningful insights into the organization’s far-reaching impact over the years. He outlined the vision for the road ahead, emphasizing the continued need for community involvement to drive sustainable change and ensure that every child receives the nourishment they need to learn and thrive.
As the chapter reflected on the success of the evening, the team expressed excitement and optimism for 2026, looking forward to another year of transformative service and strong community engagement.
The event stood as a beautiful testament to generosity and unity. The funds raised will profoundly impact countless children, ensuring access to nutritious meals that fuel their education and open the door to brighter futures. The Akshaya Patra Indiana Chapter extends heartfelt thanks to every guest and donor whose kindness will help transform young lives for years to come.
