The American Bazaar
RICHMOND, VA: The Richmond chapter of the American India Foundation (AIF), the newest branch of the organization, raised $118,000 in its first ever gala held here on November 15.
More than 200 guests attended the event. The guests included prominent members of the Indian American community, several senior members of the McAuliffe administration, including Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Brian Moran, and Dr. Michael Rao, President of Virginia Commonwealth University, the honoree of the evening.
“We are honored and feel humble at the same time,” said gala chairs Sunita Gupta welcoming the guests. “This is a new start in philanthropy in Virginia.”
Co-chair and one of the brains behind the AIF Richmond chapter, Sanjay Mittal, spoke passionately about the motivation to further the mission of the organization.
“AIF for us has a deeper meaning,” he explained. “A is for ‘Aims big.’ AIF reaches out to a huge number of unprivileged ones to make social and economic impact. ‘I’ is Inspires.’ It inspires not only you but many others in the public private partnerships. ‘F’ – Focuses on real and measurable goals, whether it is the fundraising goal, whether it is to engage people, whether it is to engage entrepreneurs and corporate leaders both in US and in India,” he said.
In his address, Dr. Rao talked about the core values of the Indian community and how the sense of compassion is embedded in it.
“I applaud the incredible contribution of this community to the Commonwealth of Virginia. But members of the community should use their success to make their voices heard in the government and help improve systems for the betterment of all,” he urged.
Dr. Rao was introduced by long-time Richmonder and community leader TK Somanath.
“During past five years, President Rao has helped VCU emerge as one of America’s premier urban public research universities,” Somanath said. “He is an inspiring visionary leader transforming the urban landscape of both east and west campus. President Rao is also busy in forging collaborative partnerships with higher learning centers and universities in India to expand VCU footprint and strengthen people to people relationships between the two great countries—USA being the oldest democracy and India being the largest democracy.”
Somanath also spoke about the growing importance of the Indian American community in greater Richmond.
“Forty-five years ago, when my wife, Muktha, and I got here in Richmond, we had a half a dozen friends from India, and look at Richmond today. This evening with all these beautiful people, bangles and bow ties here! We are truly honored to have so many of you as our friends and thank you for being here especially tonight at the First Inaugural gala of The American India Foundation, Richmond chapter!” he said.
Another speaker was AIF CEO MA Ravikumar, who talked about the core mission and activities of the organization and its vision to reach five million beneficiaries by 2018.
Guests in attendance included IMC Chairman and CEO Sudhakar Shenoy, Indian American community leader Mahinder Tak, Dr. Niraj Verma of VCU and Venky Raghavendra of AIF.
Among the highlights of the evening were a live and silent auction run by Rupa Tak and Nupa Agarwal, a performance by actor Omi Vaidya, who regaled the audience with his humor and Bollywood anecdotes and dance performances by Punjabi MD and The Richmond Sparklers.
New York-based actor and comedian Vinny Anand was the master of ceremonies.
