Bollywood Stars and an Indian Beauty Queen Help Raise a Whopping $2.8 Million in Houston: It All Happened in One Starry Night

What: Pratham Gala

Where: Hilton Americas Houston

PC Moment: There is no greater proof of Houston’s vibrant Indo-American community than this colorful evening that raised a record $2.8 million for the nonprofit’s goal of ending childhood illiteracy in India.

Evening headliners were Bollywood actress and former Miss India Neha Dhupia and Los Angeles-based comedian Rajiv Satyal, who served as entertaining emcees. Joining them in the spotlight was Pratham ambassador, iconic Bollywood actress Waheeda Rehman, recognized as guest of honor.

The gala included a stunning fashion show from renowned designer Tarun Tahiliani and a dance performance.

The local connection to the non-profit is beyond strong. Since its founding in Houston in 1995, Pratham’s work at providing education to impoverished children in India has reached 50 million youths.The first Pratham program was established in the slums of Mumbai, with support from UNICEF, by Madhav Chavan, a post-doctoral student from the University of Houston.

The first U.S. chapter was founded in Houston in 1999 by prominent Indian-American businessman and philanthropist Vijay Goradia. Last year,  supporters in the U.S. contributed $20 million for Pratham’s mission of “every child in school and learning well.”

The spectacular evening was chaired by Swatantra and Bimla Jain with key players including India Consul General Anupam Ray and Pratham Houston chapter president Asha Dhume.

Who: Seema and Dr. Randeep Suneja, Celestine and Mini Vettica, Sippi and Ajay Khurana, Asha Dhume, Leena and Ash Shah, Vikas Bahl, Meenu Mangal, Audra Jain, Smita Singh, Chitra and Kumar Bashyam,  and Waheeda Rehman.