India Development Service celebrates 50th anniversary with memorable gala

By: Prachi Jaitly

India Development Service (IDS), a nonprofit organization based in Chicago that supports sustainable development initiatives in India, marked its 50th anniversary with a gala event on October 20, 2024, in Oakbrook, IL. The evening featured inspiring speeches, cultural performances, and reflections on five decades of impactful work.

The highlight of the event was a keynote address by Nobel Laureate Dr. Abhijit Banerjee, who shared his insights on global poverty alleviation and the vital role of grassroots organizations like IDS in fostering sustainable change. Dr. Banerjee, who won the 2019 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences, emphasized the importance of collaboration between IDS and local communities for creating long-term solutions.
S. R. Hiremath, one of IDS’s founding members, also spoke, recounting the organization’s journey since its inception in 1974. His heartfelt remarks reflected on the inspiration behind starting IDS and expressed gratitude to the team for sustaining its mission over the years.

Representatives from two partner NGOs, who traveled from India to attend the gala, shared stories about their collaborative efforts with IDS and the transformative impact on rural communities across India.

The event, attended by over 280 guests, included a lively Fun Fact Quiz on India, engaging the audience throughout the night. The gala also showcased a vibrant cultural program featuring dance performances and a live musical act by local artists Raju Bankpaur and Shree Mahonty, who entertained attendees with a blend of Bollywood and Hollywood songs during dinner.

Emceed by former WBEZ Worldview host Jerome McDonnell, the gala celebrated the enduring legacy of IDS and its commitment to improving lives in India through sustainable development. IDS extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated and supported the event, making it a night to remember.

For more information about India Development Service and its ongoing projects, please visit idsua.org.