By Vandana Jhingan
National India Hub organized its exclusive Mother’s Day celebrations in Schaumburg, IL, on Sunday, May 12, 2024. This was organized to support fund-raising for Sewa’s SHE (Sanitation, Hygiene and Empowerment) program. SHE’s mission is to Equip socio-economically disadvantaged Girls with education, life skills and self-confidence to enable them to achieve their highest potential in India.
The event was arranged as a fun-filled celebration with a noble purpose. It received an overwhelming response from the Indian community leaders and diaspora in Chicagoland.
Ms. Promila Kumar (founder of Sanjeevi 4 u) and Ms. Reena Shukla (SEWA Chicago chapter) commenced the program with a grand welcome of esteemed guests, sponsors and all volunteers. They persuasively highlighted the plans & goals of SEWA and SHE before handing it over to the emcees of the evening, Mrs. Ruchi Srivastava and Mrs. Prerna Awasthi.
Emphasizing the importance of Bharat’s civilizational gifts like Sanskaar and family as institutions to the world, UPSC girls started the program with Vishnu Stuti to seek divine blessings. The cultural program unfolded slowly while the Music Jam group kept the guests engaged throughout the evening with a live band and singing. The brief puppet show by international artist M Santhosh Kumar was mesmerizing.
SEWA LEADs, volunteers and SHE teams’ diligence made the event successful with their unwavering support. The generous sponsors were Kurti Connections, Chai Latte Digital, BestBrains, Smart Solutions, Coldwell Banker, India Co, Mall of India and India Bazar, whose commitment to supporting the community resonated throughout the event. Kurti Connection generously sponsored the game prizes to keep the participants motivated.
Sewa’s entire SHE team was there to support the cause, and they gave a brief overview to the attendees. The team updated the attendees about all the great work happening in India under the SHE project and how it is helping to transform lives and create change. More than $9,000 was raised through generous donations and sponsorships. The founder of India Hub, Mr. Harish Kolasani, shared his vision for Community building and commitment to sharing truly in line with the tagline “TO UNITE—CELEBRATE & HELP EACH OTHER.”
The Ayurveda talk by eminent Vaidya Swati ji from HemaVeda Ayurveda on Women’s health through our daily routine was informative and thought provoking.
The exceptional efforts to highlight Indian culture and values and bridge the gap between generations were tremendously evident throughout the program. The family walk with Mom, and friends was a very jubilant memory. The bingo game organized by our teen girls Niharika & Saanvi further elevated the event’s atmosphere. Mouth-watering food and snacks were an intrinsic part of this family fun event.
The organizers’ attention to each detail, from the registration desk to the stage-to-stage show and food to present a smooth, joyful family show, was incredible, including a very inclusive vote of thanks from Vinod Pandey, a core team member of Sewa-SHE. Everyone had a remarkable experience, and it was a result of the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts of the SHE team.
In conclusion, India HUB’s exclusive Mother’s Day fund-raising event was an extraordinary success. It celebrated India’s vibrant culture and traditions and garnered extensive media coverage from TV Asia, Chai Latte Digital, and A3N Media!
For more information about SHE team Chicago and its projects, please visit their website https://she.sewausa.org/ or contact them at sewachicago@sewausa.org
