Diwali 2024 – Karuna, which means compassion in Sanskrit, is the heart and soul of Karuna Charities. It is a grass-roots organization that makes a difference in the lives of the needy and disadvantaged in the United States, India, and other countries.

On November 10, 2024, the Double Tree by Hilton in Gaithersburg a glittering Karuna Diwali 2024 Gala showcased the spirit of giving by Karuna Charities Washington Inc., led by Amrit Kalotra, president. Karuna has an all women Board (Sujata Avasthi, Jasbir Sethi, Kanti Singh. Bina Dhir, Promila Banik, and Savita Malhotra) as well as Ambassadors (Sangita Kalotra, Gita Bhatia, also Webmaster, Sushma Oberoi, Rohini Khera, Priyanka Rattana, Jyoti Gujral, and Mara Puri). The Mistress of Ceremonies was Mrs. Nilima Mehra and the DJ was Mr. Hemant.

Devanjalee Mitra sang the Opening Song with a crystalline voice. Devanjalee is a professional Bollywood singer/ She is a disciple of Hindustani classical maestros Pandit Jasraj and Pandit Pratap Narayan.

The lighting of the lamp ceremony was conducted by Anand Kumar Somani, Minister Counselor at the Embassy of India, Washinton, DC. assisted by his wife.

Mrs. Amrit Kalotra gave a warm welcome address highlighting the joy of giving. She told a story about how hard it was for her to sell 10 tickets when she was a little girl, and how she has immersed herself in collecting money for the needy. She told the touching story of how a woman lost family and all her belongings, but becoming attached to a little kitten taught her how to live again. She began to make cakes and bread for homeless people and became whole again. It is important to give with all your heart even if the gift is small. After all the ocean is made of countless little drops.

The Guest of Honor, Anand Kumar Somani from the Embassy of India followed with a brief speech.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Deidre Price, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and College Provost, Montgomery College, Maryland. She was followed by warm thanks from an Engineering student from Montgomery College who has benefitted from a Karuna scholarship. Karuna gives endowed scholarships to University of the District of Columbia (UDC), Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), Universities at Shady Grove, and Montgomery College in Maryland.

There was a special singing performance by young Ishani Jaan Nandani Witek followed by a youngsters musical performance: Krishna Sulibhavi (Guitar); Lekha Chada (Guitar); and the winner, Neerav Chalikonda (Saxophone).

In the adults category, there were three female contestants: Padma Giridhar “Bahon Mein Chale Aao” (winner); Sangeetha Narayan “Aakhon Se Jo Utari Hai Dil Mein”; and Urmila Mota “Parde Mein Rehne Do”.

In the male category, there were three contestants: Hemant Kumar “Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas” (winner); Pratyaksh Pai “Jab Se Tere Naina”; and Tehsin Ali “O Sanam”,

Five paintings were auctioned by the following Artists: Nalini Bhat (2 paintings), Lalita Kaul, Vandana Pamecha, and Joseph Sheppard.

The Karuna Charities Treasurer, Jasbir Sethi gave a vote of thanks.

There were several beautiful, artistic dances by five dancers from The Bollywood Factor: Samruddhi, Mahika, Naimisha, Pranavi, and Tvisha.

The winners of the Talent Contest were announced by the president of Karuna Charities, Mrs. Amrit Kalotra.

The sumptuous dinner was catered by Bombay Tandoor.

Raffle tickets were drawn by Nilima Mehra and Mrs. Somani. The raffle prizes were donated by Mama Tigre, Bombay Tandoor, Double Tree by Hilton, Comfort Inn (Vira Safai, Managing Partner), Sakson Settlements (Law Office of Raja Bhandari), 1757 Golf Club, and Ruby’s Collection.

The Sponsors were:

Platinum–Mr. Vint and Mrs. Sigrid Cerf; and Mr. Ajay Kalotra, International Business and Technical Consultants, Inc.

Diamond Sponsors–Mr. Mohan Kapani; and May Jewelers; One Anonymous Donor

Gold Sponsors–Nilima Mehra, Certified Executive Producer of Global Television Networks broadcast on FOX5 PLUS, WDCA, Washington, DC; University of the District of Columbia; Rhythm Psychological Services – Kavita Saini; Mr. Karan Kapor and Mrs. Kamna Kapoor; and One Anonymous Donor

Silver Sponsors–Dr. Satpal Dang and Dr. Komal Kaur Dang; Mr. Parasuram Iyer and Deepa Parasuram; Mr. Jasjit Ahluwalia and Mrs. Jyoti Ahluwalia; Mrs. Kamlesh Verma; Dr. Darshan Singh Saluja and Mrs. Meeta Kaur Saluja; Mr. Ashish Lakhanpal and Mrs. Amrita Lakhanpal; Inoventures, LLC – Mrs. Meena Krishan; Mr. Cy Alba and Mrs. Suzanne Alba; Mr. Vik Bansal and Mrs. Nidhi Bansal; and Mr. Saran Bhatia and Mrs. Punita Bhatia.

Children contributed essays and paintings on the topic of “Kindness.”

Many thanks to all who helped to make this event a success.