Ekal Vidyalaya’s ‘Surili Shaam’ on Long Island Raises Over $300K for Rural Education in India

 

 

 

Bethpage, NY – Serenaded by soulful melodies, more than 175 charity-minded and community-driven Indian Americans gathered at The Sterling in Bethpage, Long Island, on September 5 to support Ekal Vidyalaya. The evening fundraiser, titled “Surili Shaam – Ekal Ke Naam,” proved a resounding success, raising over $300,000 for the organization’s mission of empowering rural and tribal communities in India through education and development programs. 

 

 

 

A highlight of the evening was the unexpected musical performances by Mohan Wanchoo, President of Ekal Vidyalaya’s New York Chapter, who charmed the audience with his silken-smooth renditions of Bollywood classics, particularly Mohammed Rafi favorites. He was joined by the versatile vocalist and dancer Sunita Sadhnani, and together they kept the audience enthralled well into dinner and dancing.

 

 

Subhash Gupta, Co-Founder of Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation USA, flew in from Houston to present the vision and impact of Ekal, which today operates more than 85,000 one-teacher schools with over 3 million enrollments across India. Through video and presentations, Gupta highlighted that an Ekal school runs on just $1.30 a day, underscoring the transformative impact of small contributions. He shared that Ekal has already educated 10 million children and facilitated 100,000 schools since its founding in 1983.

 

The evening also recognized major donors whose generosity helped drive the fundraiser’s success. The Perfection of Man Foundation, represented by Managing Director Lynnette Iglesias and Director Asit Patel, was honored for its six-figure contribution and continued support of Ekal. The Foundation, originally established by the late Satish Mallick, was praised for championing innovative educational models.

 

Mukund Padmanabhan, Founder and Chairman of Guru Krupa Foundation, was also acknowledged for sponsoring more than 500 schools, supporting e-Shiksha tablets, computer education via the “Ekal on Wheels” initiative, and an Integrated Village Development project in Telangana. He lauded Ekal’s strength as a volunteer-driven movement powered by 400,000 dedicated individuals.

 

Navneet Agarwal served as the evening’s engaging emcee, while singer Gita Setia delivered stirring renditions of both the American and Indian national anthems.

 

What made the night even more special was the personal story behind the performances—though now celebrated as a successful tech entrepreneur and philanthropist, Mohan Wanchoo was once on the cusp of a professional singing career after winning a national music competition in India, before choosing a different path. His passion for music was evident as he and Sunita Sadhnani, who also runs Glamorous Event Planners in Hicksville, filled the ballroom with rhythm, melody, and nostalgia.

 

The fundraiser not only showcased the community’s generosity but also reinforced Ekal’s growing footprint in integrated rural development, which now includes women’s empowerment, digital literacy, health services, sustainable agriculture, and skills training.

 

With music, dance, and heartfelt giving, “Surili Shaam – Ekal Ke Naam” once again demonstrated how art and philanthropy can blend beautifully to uplift millions of children in India.