In a quest to provide education in thousands of underserved villages across India, EKAL has come a long way to set up schools in Indian villages and has educated millions of poverty-stricken children. With chapters across the United States, EKAL national has raised millions of dollars to fund education across rural India. 

EKAL Las Vegas chapter, under the unassuming leadership of Ms. Girija Vijay, is no different. The annual sold-out fundraiser on Friday, April 7^th, was a great success, with the largest crowd in attendance. As guests entered the library venue, they were seen socializing and enjoying meeting with new and old friends. The annual fundraiser evening started with an early Indian dinner by India Palace, followed by a concert by a visiting musical group led by Vishwanath Batunge as the lead singer.

Master of Ceremony Alok Pandey welcomed the packed hall of attendees, thanking them for their continuous support over the years. Pandey introduced the incoming President, Ms. Meeta Shah, of the Las Vegas EKAL chapter. “EKAL believes that education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty and transforming the communities,” Ms. Shah said in her inaugural speech, adding, “With just $365, EKAL can fund a school for one year and provide access to basic education for children in rural areas.” 

Ms. Shah continued, “Let’s put this cost in perspective; what does it mean – the average cost for coffee in the United States today is about $3.65, I mean a simple cup of black coffee…this means the price of 100 cups of coffee we can provide education to one child for an entire year. Overall supporting EKAL can help make a positive difference in the lives of those in need and contribute to building a more equitable and just society.”

The evening event raised over $100,000, comprising generous commitment for 240 schools and additional financial contributions by the attendees. EKAL committee members and volunteers sold 295 tickets, close to the seating capacity at the performance hall. Umesh and Nibha Bhargava, newcomers to Vegas, donated 60 schools. In 2022 Bhargava’s committed to supporting 60 schools every year for five years. There were five anonymous school sponsors. Since the formation of EKAL Las Vegas, founders Dr. Kamala Kant & Girija Vijay have donated a copious amount totaling over $77,000 for diverse EKAL programs in rural India. 

EKAL Youth Group volunteers of 15 school students were busy ushering the attendees, raising funds by selling cold drinks, and members designed EKAL T-Shirts & Hats. During their allocated time, a youth group member had multiple quiz questions for the attendees.

However, this year’s musical program was best at a mediocre level with a low-intensity, flat sound system that did not go well with the attendees. Music performers kept directing the control room to fine-tune the sound system. Visiting performer Vishwanath Batunge had some inappropriate off-the-cuff facetious, racially sensitive “black skin color” jokes. Mr. Batunge and EKAL administration should understand that almost all the EKAL financed school customers are dark-skin students (EKAL pictures below). EKAL administration should remind him that such inappropriate jokes may be suitable for India but are not acceptable in America. Batunge should restrain himself in future upcoming events across the United States.

The concert continued after a quick tea break, with the musical group keeping the yesteryear Bollywood music flowing and the small dance floor crowded with guests. However, more than half of the attendees left after the tea break due to lackadaisical music. Some of the local musical aficionados unpleasantly felt the lackluster performance by the visiting group.