Diwali 2026 – 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 Sunday, November 1, 2026 Karuna Charities 26th Annual Diwali Gala at DoubleTree by Hilton in Gaithersburg, MD raised the funds for another year of service to the community. Karuna Charities Washington, Inc. was started by our late Chairperson, Lekha Srinivasan and has been led by Amrit Kalotra, President for over 28 years.

The symbolic and ceremonial lighting of the Lamp was performed by Mr. Karan Singh Bangari, First Secretary, Embassy of India and Mrs. Bangari who stood up for the Community Affairs Minister, Ms. Satyapriya Singh, Minister of Community Affairs, who had last minute community related work, along with Mrs. Amrit Kalotra, the Karuna Board, and Karuna Ambassadors followed by the melodious opening song “Aao Hazoor Aao” by highly talented singer, Swati Kanitkar.

The Emcee, Nilima Mehra introduced President Amrit Kalotra who gave a heartfelt welcome address. She stated that a women’s education is essential for the future. Karuna has established generous scholarships for women at four higher education institutions, Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), Montgomery College, The University of the District of Columbia 9UDC), and the Universities at Shady Grove. Karuna has helped many abused woman and women in financial distress.

A single mother who is a student at the Universities at Shady Grove gave a very moving speech about how the Karuna scholarship helped to turn her life around and gave her hope for the future.

The singing contest started with two duets. The winners were Vidya Handigol and Srinivas Kulkarni who sang a song from Aradhna “Kora Kagaz Tha Yeh Dil Mera”.

Mr. Satyapriya Singh from the Embassy of India gave a speech about the very important community work done by Karuna Charities.

The speech was followed by a colorful Bollywood dance by the Rythmaya Dance group.

The winner of the Female Singing Talent Contest was Moushmi Bhattacharya who sang a Shreya Ghoshal medley.

The Virginia Gidha Group performed a lively and colorful dance.

Jyoti Vasudeva won the Male Singers competition with a song from Teesri Kasam “Duniya Bananewale Kya Tere Man Me”. He beat Jagjit Ahuja who sang “Lakhon Hai Nigahon Mein” from Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon by a razor thin margin.

There were many raffle prizes for happy winners.

Jasbir Sethi, Treasurer gave a rousing vote of thanks to all the participants.

The delicious snacks and dinner was catered by Bombay Tandoor.

The evening ended with happy dancing to DJ Hemant Kumar’s music.

Karuna is grateful to its many generous donors and sponsors.

It was a wonderful evening of entertainment and generosity, made possible by the support of supporters, sponsors, and raffle donors, all sharing in the true spirit of giving.