#United States #New York #New York City #American India Foundation #AIF Gala

American India Foundation's Record-Breaking Gala in NYC

On June 10, 2025, the American India Foundation (AIF) hosted its highly anticipated annual gala at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City, welcoming almost 700 guests and raising over $4.5 million. This remarkable sum will bolster AIF’s ongoing initiatives in public health, education, and livelihood support, impacting more than 21 million lives across India since its inception in 2001.

Honoring Remarkable Leaders

This year's gala celebrated the impactful philanthropic journeys of Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson of HCLTech, and Douglas Peterson, the former President and CEO of SP Global. These leaders have been pivotal in driving transformative social change, and their contributions were recognized throughout the evening.

Hosted by the charming Zarna Garg, the gala featured a menu designed by acclaimed Chef Gaurav Anand, ensuring guests enjoyed a delightful culinary experience. Adding to its uniqueness, the event provided guests with an immersive Virtual Reality experience showcasing AIF's award-winning MANSI (Maternal and Newborn Survival Initiative) program, allowing attendees to witness firsthand the powerful impact of AIF’s work.

A Night of Purpose and Collaboration

During the event, Roshni expressed her gratitude by stating, "I am truly humbled to receive this recognition from AIF, an organization whose mission resonates so strongly with my own." She emphasized the necessity for inclusive progress, underscoring AIF's commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders and expanding educational access.

Douglas Peterson also shared his thoughts, expressing that he has always cherished his connection to India and its people. He stated, "AIF's partnership-driven model delivers access to opportunities that transform lives. This evening is a testament to the change that is possible when collaboration leads to true impact for millions."

AIF’s CEO, Nishant Pandey, reminded the audience that this gathering was not merely about generosity but an expression of collective belief in partnership’s power. He highlighted how AIF's success relied on collaborations with the Indian government, various corporations, and civil societies, both in the U.S. and India.

Record-Setting Contributions

The gala concluded with a vibrant pledge drive that successfully raised over $850,000. Bharat and Neerja Desai made headlines with their generous announcement of a $1 million donation toward AIF’s educational initiatives, including the DEEP Shaala project, which aims to bridge the digital education gap in middle and high schools in Amreli, Gujarat.

With the support from various corporate sponsors such as EXL, Goldman Sachs Gives, HCLTech, Mastercard, and SP Global, this year's gala marked AIF’s highest-grossing event in its 24-year history. The contributions made at this event are set to enhance the lives of many and reflect a profound commitment to a 'Viksit Bharat' or developed India.

Looking Forward

As AIF continues to forge paths toward social transformation, it remains committed to leveraging its established partnerships and community connections to achieve exceptional outcomes. Interested individuals and organizations can learn more about AIF's impactful initiatives and how to get involved by visiting American India Foundation. For inquiries in the United States, reach out to Kalpana Kanthan, Chief Development and Marketing Officer at [email protected].