Diwali 2025 – 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 9, 2025, the Twenty-Fifth Karuna Fundraising Gala made a big splash at the Double Tree by Hilton in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

The event started with the soulful rendition of a beautiful song by Sunila Bali, Founder of Masala Beats. Mrs. Amrit Kalotra, president of Karuna Charities Washington, Inc., delivered a heartwarming speech about the need to give compassionately to the needy and disadvantaged, the abused and poor. She underlined the need for education to lift the needy. Karuna has set up four scholarships for this purpose at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA); Montgomery College, Maryland; the University of the District of Columbia, and the Universities at Shady Grove, Maryland. Karuna added $7,500 to each of the four Endowed Scholarships, ensuring continued opportunities for students who aspire to transform their futures through education.

A special Community Service Award was presented to Sangita Kalotra, Ambassador of Karuna Charities, by the Society for Enrichment of Asians (SEA) Vice President, Nelly Samaniego.

After enjoying delicious appetizers, the assembled guests, Karuna Board Members, and Ambassadors witnessed the lighting of the lamp by Mr. Jag Mohan, Minister of Community Affairs, Embassy of India, Washington, DC.

Mr Jag Mohan said: “For many years, Karuna Charities has been doing outstanding work, supporting women, children in need, promoting education and vocational training and extending a helping hand to those affected by hardships and disaster,” he said. “Your dedication and compassion truly embody the spirit of Diwali – that triumph of light over darkness and hope over despair.” He reaffirmed the Embassy’s appreciation for Karuna Charities’ partnership and congratulated Kalotra and her team of volunteers for their continuing impact.

Two paintings, one each generously donated by Nalini Bhat and Dr. Lalita Kaul were auctioned at the front desk.

By popular demand, Karuna’s signature event, the introduction of new singers from the local community, continued in the following categories, Male, Female, and Duet. The winners were:

Male Solo, Anubhav Kaviratna “Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas”

Female Solo, Jaya Pandey “Namak Ishq Ka”

Duet, Sumitra Sampath and Kartik Gopalakrishnan “Lukka Chuppi”.

The following Rhythmaya dance academy dancers performed once again with great flair for Karuna Charities: Niranthi Rao, Arpita Patel, Jigi Dahagam, Kavitha Jaspal, and Sheila Maggin Oak.

The Virginia Gidha Group performed a colorful and happy Punjabi folk dance. The personalities of the dancers are reflected in their unique names: Loving Lucky, Vibrant Vimi, Dazzling Daljit, Happy Hardeep, Perfect Pammi, Radiant Renu, Stunning Sukhbir, and Awesome Anu.

Raffle prizes were generously provided by Bombay Tandoor (One dine-in Certificate; value: $50), Double Tree by Hilton (overnight stay, including breakfast); Comfort Inn, Gaithersburg, Vira Safai, Managing Partner (complimentary weekend stay for two with breakfast); Sakson Settlements, Law Office of Raja Bhandari (Estate Planning, Will Preparation Certificate (value $500)); GTTThreads Kashmiri Shawls (beautiful stole); Mohar boutique (exquisite outfit) and Ruby’s Collection boutique (gorgeous outfit).

Karuna Charities Washington, Inc. expresses its gratitude to all our members, sponsors, donors, supporters, volunteers and participants.

The event would not be possible without Karuna’s Platinum, Daimond, Gold, and Silver sponsors.

Platinum: Environmental Management Services (Mrs. Shobhana Sharma) and two anonymous donors.

Diamond: Mr. Vint and Mrs. Sigrid Cerf; Dr Nilima Mehra, Certified Executive Producer of Global Television Networks broadcast on FOX5 PLUS, WDCA, Washington, DC.

Gold: Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC); University of the District of Columbia (UDC); The Universities at Shady Grove; Montgomery College (Table Sponsor); Mrs. Santosh and Mr. Narinder Thakral; Bombay Tandoor Restaurant; Mrs. Kamna and Mr. Karan Kapoor; Mr. Moe and Mrs. Alpana Goswami, Rhythm Psychological Services (Dr. Kavita Saini); Ahluwalia and Kalotra Families.

Silver: Dr. Renuka Misra; PAIE, Sterling, Virginia; Saluja Medical Associates, Baltimore (Dr. Darshan and Mrs. Meeta Saluja); Mr. Lakhbir and Mr. Kanwaljeet Singh; Blossoms for Pink, Virginia (Mrs. Jyoti Gujral); Mr. Kapil and Mrs. Kiran Bakshi; Mrs. Nalini Bhat; Nanak Insurance Agency, Inc., Falls Church, Virginia (Mrs. Harpreet Kaur); Dr. Lalita Kaul; Dr. Raj and Mrs. Mara Puri; Aditi Spice Depot/Amma Vegetarian Kitchen, Vienna, Virginia; Dr. Shambhu and Mrs. Promila Banik; Mr. Jasjit Singh and Mrs. Jyoti Ahluwalia; and Dr. Baljeet and Mrs. Jessie Sethi.

The sumptuous appetizers and dinner were catered by Bombay Tandoor.

DJ Hemant got the crowd rocking to his music as he has done for the last 25 years.